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Ellie bit her lip as she listened to him enter the garage. When the sound of his truck faded as he drove away, she finally looked up and met her friend’s gaze.
Sofia’s sky-blue eyes stared back at her. Then she blinked. “Um, what was that?”
Ellie arched a brow. “That was a kiss. I’ve seen you and Josh do it often enough that I know you recognize one.”
Sofia’s eyes narrowed. “Eleanora Cavanaugh, are you and Ashera thing?!”
They were more than athing. Or so Ellie thought. But she didn’t want to try to define it. “We are,” she confirmed.
“And you didn’t tell me?” Sofia all but shrieked.
Ellie winced. “If it makes you feel any better, we haven’t told anyone.”
Sofia’s body stilled, except her nose. Ellie would swear it quivered. Like a dog who’d found a scent. She wouldn’t normally liken her best friend to a dog. But, well…
“No one?” Sofia asked.
“No one,” Ellie repeated.
“Oh, this is going to be good,” she said, whipping out her phone. “For once, I know something first!”
“Sof,” Ellie said, inching her way to her friend’s side. “What are you doing?”
“Deciding whether or not to just tell Josh or to send a group text to the entire family. I kind of want to tell Josh first then see how fast it gets around to everyone else. But then I think it will be more fun if everyone finds out at the same time.”
“Um, that actually doesn’t sound fun at all,” Ellie said, but Sofia wasn’t listening. Knowing Asher had Bluetooth texting in his truck, Ellie grabbed her own phone—her new one—and dashed off a quick message, giving him the heads-up. His response came less than a minute later.
Asher:It took her a full five minutes since I left the house. I’m impressed. Now let’s see how long it takes for the first person to ping me
Ellie winced at that. The last thing Asher needed was his entire family texting him. But he’d said he wanted to be open about them. He’d known this would happen. She had to put faith in him that he’d manage it somehow.
Ellie:I wish I could have held her off until the end of your workday. Sorry…
Asher:We both know it was my doing. I didn’t have to kiss you when I left. I’m hoping that it will trigger a free-for-all and then maybe they’ll let it go just as quickly. Wishful thinking, but we’ll see. And by the way, the first text just came in
Ellie:From?
Asher:My mother. Of all people. Oh, and there’s one from my dad
Ellie laughed.
Ellie:Do I want to know?
Asher:Oh, don’t think you’re getting away scot-free. I’m going to make you read through every thread when we’re home tonight. You’ll see what it’s really like to be a Warwick
That didn’t sound so bad to her.
Ellie:Can we drink while I read?
Asher:I think that might be a necessity. Especially after seeing the message that Mitch just sent
Ellie:Can I say “have a good day” or is that no longer possible?
Asher:You can and I will. I’ll see you this afternoon. And El?
Ellie:Yeah?
Asher:My family is a lot, but they mean well. And it will be fine. I promise
