Page 25 of It Happened Back Then
January rolls her eyes. “You need to let this go. When Drake and I decide, you’ll be the first to know.”
“I absolutely donotneed to let this go. You need to make sure the dress color flatters my skin,” she argues. “And Blossom cannot wear those ridiculous cowboy boots.”
“What's wrong with my boots?” I kick my leg out from under the table, twirling my ankle so my boot rotates.
Meadow slaps at my leg. “They’re ridiculous and it’s spring. Get a pedicure and wear some cute sandals. Only cowboys wear boots year-round.”
January huffs and turns her back on Meadow, speaking directly to me. “The only thing worse than planning a whole freaking wedding is dealing with a sister who thinks the day is about her.”
Meadow clicks her tongue and examines her nails. “You don’t want the pictures to look bad right? I mean, if given the wrong color, I may not smile the entire day.”
I giggle at their exchange. I know Meadow is doing it just to get a rise out of her. January is stressed out, and Meadow thinks she’s lightening the mood, but all I see is January getting more anxious. It’s why we’re out at the Swoops Nest Bar tonight, trying to decompress from the week, trying to get January to chill out, and because Meadow likes to come here and flirt with the bartender, Cole.
“Why is Drake even involved in the colors?”
January throws her hands in the air. “Because, unlike some men, he actually cares about this day. Whenyouget married, I hope your man wants to be involved too.”
“Ha! Jokes on you. I’m not getting married.”
“Okay, let’s stop before we get thrown out of the bar, please?” I sip from my wine and notice my brother walking our way. “Look, there’s Lief. You two need to knock it off.”
“Oh good. I’ll pick on him instead,” Meadow replies, assessing him as he gets closer to the table. “Big brother, you’re late.”
He waves his hand, dismissing her, and pulls out his chair before falling into it. “Jack and I were placing an order for the store, and I lost track of time.” He spots the beer on the table and snags it. “Thanks, I need this.” My eyes narrow as he guzzles it. When he sees me watching him, he swallows and asks, “What?”
“Rough day?”
He shrugs and doesn’t answer.
“Would it have anything to do with that blonde who’s been hanging around the store?” Meadow asks coyly.
He scoffs. “You know I don’t like blondes.”
“Well, considering it didn’t work out with the brunette, I figured you’d make a switch,” Meadow goads him.
I jump when he slams the beer bottle on the table and yells, “What's your problem?”
She shakes her head, peering at her hands again,appearing bored. “I don’t have a problem. You’re the one slamming bottles.”
He points at her. “You know, between you and you,” he points at January, “I’m getting real sick of your attitudes and I–”
“I’m in love with Bennett!” I blurt out, wanting them to stop fighting and saying the only thing I know will bring their attention to me.
All three heads snap my way and Meadow begins to laugh. “Oh, sweet sister, tell us something we don’t know.”
I frown. “Wha–”
January raises a brow and drawls, “We’ve known since you were ten years old.”
“And you didn't say anything?” I exclaim in outrage.
Meadow laughs at my outburst. “We were waiting for you to figure it out on your own.”
“Jesus. Why didn’t I get brothers?” Lief sits back in the chair, pinching the bridge of his nose before turning and raising his hand towards Cole, who’s standing behind the bar. “Another round please.”
Meadow continues, “And he’s in love with you, in case you haven't figured that out either.”
I close my eyes, not wanting the attention from them but kind of feeling relieved to know my secret is out in the open. Well, one secret anyway. “I don’t think so. We’ve been friends for so long, I don’t think we can change that.”
