Page 74 of In Love with Lewis Prescott
“And what if he tells you that he loves you too and wants exactly what you want?”
I let out a sad laugh. “I see your point.”
“You’ll never know how he feels unless you talk about it. And you’ve always been someone who’s not afraid of a tough conversation, no matter if it’s work or dating or family. I’ve always admired that about you.” She pauses, the look on her face softening as she gazes at me. “But I guess this is a testament to just how much you like this guy, huh?”
Maren gives my shoulder a squeeze. “Bold and up-front Harper can talk about anything with anyone.”
“Except my mushy-gushy feelings for the guy I’m crazy about,” I mumble.
“I get it. It’s scary to put your heart on the line when you’re really into someone.”
“It is. I... I’ve never felt this way about anyone before.”
The words linger on my tongue. That’s the first time I’ve said this. I haven’t even told Naomi.
Maren’s glossy red lips curve up in a hopeful smile. “All the more reason to talk to him. You can speculate and second-guess all you want, but you won’t be able to do anything unless you tell him how you really feel.”
“You’re right.” I pull her in for a hug. “I’m so glad you moved back to the city. Don’t get me wrong, I was so happy when you landed that travel nurse job. I know how much you loved it. But having one of my best friends close by again is the greatest.”
“I’m so, so glad to be back. Especially now that my bestie is dating my celebrity hall pass.”
I burst out laughing as we break apart. “I thought that hot Welsh actor whose name I can never remember was your hall pass?”
Maren shakes her head. “Now that I have an actual hot Welsh guy as my boyfriend, I bumped him for Lewis.”
“That’s fair. How’s Ian doing, by the way?”
“Good. I miss him. He’s still working those awful long hours, but I’m so pumped to visit him in a few months.”
Even though she’s still smiling, there’s a gleam of sadness in her saucer eyes. She and her long-distance boyfriend, Ian, who lives in London, have been off and on for the past almost ten years. They met when she studied abroad in the UK her junior year of college and have been long-distance their entire relationship. They meet up for vacations every few months, but I know it takes a toll on Maren. She wishes they could be in the same place more than anything, but neither one of them wants to make the leap and move across the globe for the other.
“You’re gonna have the best time when you see each other,” I say. “He misses you like crazy too.” I give her what I hope is an encouraging squeeze on the shoulder.
Doubt lingers in her stare, but then she nods once and flashes a smile that looks the slightest bit forced. “I’m gonna get another drink. Wanna come with me?”
We make our way back to the main area, both of our jaws plummeting when we see Simon kneeling between Naomi’s spread legs, pressing a kiss to the inside of her thigh. Even though she’s covering her face with both of her hands, I know she’s sporting a wide, giddy grin. Dollar bills fall around them like confetti. Deafening hollers drown out whatever song is now playing.
“Oh my god, get a room, you two!” I yell.
Simon doesn’t even look over at me as he raises his arm and gives a thumbs-up before hopping to his feet, Naomi’s hand in his. His skin-fade haircut is completely mussed, and he’s sporting the smuggest grin I’ve ever seen on him. Naomi bursts into uncontrollable giggles, likely due to the alcohol she’s consumed and the hot show her husband-to-be just treated her to.
“See that? That’s the smile of a man who knows he’s about to experience the best lay of his life,” Maren says.
“At least he’s still got his pants on.”
Simon nods at me. “You heard the maid of honor, everyone. I’m off to take my future wife home. Have a good night!”
He bends down and throws Naomi over his shoulder. She squeals and slaps his ass just before he starts walking toward the hallway leading to the stairs.
I shake my head. “God, those two.”
“Aww, but don’t you think it’s so romantic how crazy they are for each other?” Maren says, pressing a palm to her chest.
“Of course I do. I just don’t want to see them go at it.”
I make a mock-gag noise, and Maren lightly pushes me. She grabs another drink and I check my texts.
Lewis: How much longer till you’re home?
