Page 54 of Breathing Wisteria
“Truth.” Skye raises her drink and cheers Cassidy.
“So, what are you going to do for the three months Flynn’s away? You two were never great with the separations.”
I raise an eyebrow at Charlie.
“I mean before the last ten years, obviously.” She rolls her eyes at me. “Although you both kind of sucked at it then too, if we’re being honest.”
I stick my tongue out at her, shaking my head.
“I’m actually going to go with him.”
My statement is met with silence. I look at each of my friends and their faces are all frozen in some version of surprise.
Cassidy is the first to speak, and she does so with wide eyes. “You lucky bitch.”
I laugh as some of my tension eases away.
“I know, I’m so excited, I never dreamed I would get the chance to see the world, especially likethis.”
Layla jumps up from her seat and rushes around to wrap me in a huge bear hug. “I’m so, so happy for you. Nobody deserves this more than you, I hope you know that.”
Her whispered words make my eyes sting and I push her away with a big smile. “Don’t make me cry,” I mumble.
I sit back, sinking lower into the sofa, as my friends begin excitedly talking about the tour, asking questions, and making plans.
For the first time in forever, my heart feels completely free.
“Call me, okay?” Skye’s arms squeeze me tight. “We can go out for dinner next week. I want to hear more about the painting you’re working on.”
“Sounds good.” I smile, returning her hug.
“C’mon, Balls, Mason is sending me SOS messages.” Cassidy pulls me to her for a quick embrace before climbing into the Uber. “Call me, Red.”
“Bye, Wyatt! Talk to you soon,” Layla calls from her spot behind Cassidy and Charlie and I wave them all off.
“Miss Reed, the car is ready,” Zane interrupts us.
“You really can’t stay?” I try to hide my disappointment.
“I’m sorry, I can’t.” Charlie tucks her long, wavy hair behind her ear and I notice it’s darker than the last time I saw her.
I can feel the frown fix on my face. “Am I going to see you before we leave?”
She levels me with a look that tells me everything I need to know.
“You need to stop working so hard, you know that, right?”
“Right.” She scoffs. “Nobody makes partner working less than a hundred hours a week, so I don’t see that happening anytime soon.”
I take her hand, pulling her close to me and then linking our arms as we follow Zane to the waiting car.
“There’s more to life than work, Charlotte Reed.” I use my best mother hen voice. “You should try and remember that.”
She tilts her head until her temple is resting against mine. “Yes, Mom.”
We reach the car and Zane opens the door. I pull Charlie to me in a hug, clutching her to me tightly. “I love you, Pieces.”
She holds me with an equal amount of fervor. “Love you too, Reeses.”
