Page 17 of How He Got the Girl
“Austin hasn’t said anything about it, so I’m sure it’s just the tabloids doing what they do best: gossiping.” Alyssatucks her hair behind her ears, only to untuck it moments later. “I wouldn’t care if hewasdating a model, though. He deserves to be happy.” She gestures to Shayna, looking ready to end the conversation about Austin. “Your turn, Shay.”
“I’ll get my crappy out of the way first.” Shayna takes out her knotted pearl headband and runs her fingers through her dark-brown hair before placing it back on her head. It’s her signature look, something quintessentially Shayna. I honestly can’t remember many days I’ve seen her without it.
Even though she’s one of my best friends, Shayna is the complete opposite of me—the eternal optimist whose personality shines brighter than the sun.
“My parents told me they’re going skiing in Colorado for Christmas. They’re taking Reagan with them and offered to take me too, but this is a busy time of year at Shirley’s Florist, and I can’t leave her alone to deal with all the orders. So, it looks like I’ll be here alone for Christmas this year.”
“No, you won’t. You’ll come to my family’s celebration. You know my mom wouldn’t have it any other way,” Alyssa says matter-of-factly.
That’s one of the things I love the most about my friends: none of us ever has to be alone because we’re each other’s family.
Kelsey shrugs. “I’d offer for you to come spend it with me and Tyler’s family, but it looks like you’re covered.”
I nod. “Same.”
“Y’all are the best,” Shayna coos, her ever-present smile brightening. “Okay, now for my happy. You know how I told y’all a few months ago that Shirley was going to retire soon and leave me her store?”
We all nod, intrigued.
“She set a retirement date. March sixth. That means your girl will officially be a flower shop owner in a little under three months!” She says the last words an octave higher, her shoulders lifted in excitement.
I reach over and squeeze her hand. “Congrats, Shay. That’s amazing.”
“You’re going to be the most kick-butt flower shop in town.” Kelsey pumps a fist in the air.
Alyssa gets up and pulls Shayna to her feet, right into a big hug. They rock back and forth until Kelsey and I join.
Once we retake our seats, Shayna grabs the remote and turns on the television. She opens our streaming cable network, and the handsome, smiling face of none other than Griffin Reynolds appears on the screen.
You know what else I hate aside from winter?
Actors.
Actually, one actor in particular. I suppose I shouldn’t lump them all into the loathing category. I’m sure there are plenty of lovely people in Hollywood.
But Griffin Reynolds isnotone of those people.
He’s the worst kind of person who just up and ghosts a wonderful woman after they’ve had the best date of their lives.
The interviewer’s smile is so exaggerated that it looks disingenuous. “Tonight, on the red carpet, we have a real treat, folks. Griffin Reynolds is here with his costar, Brittany Clearwater.”
My friends all turn to me, and I’m sure my face is as pink as the fuchsia blanket on my lap.
Always the empathetic and sweet, positive friend, Shayna pauses the show. “Do you want me tochange the channel?”
I shake my head. “No.” My voice is barely a whisper. “I need to get over seeing his face everywhere. I can’t avoid it forever.”
“Griffin, tell us. How does it feel working with someone as talented and beautiful as Britt? I bet it makes those kissing scenes a little bit easier. Am I right?” The interviewer nudges his shoulder, and the enchiladas I had for dinner roll over in my stomach.
“Definitely.” Griffin smiles brightly.
Kelsey throws a piece of popcorn at the screen. “Boo.”
I laugh while Alyssa shakes her head. “I can’t believe he’s the new rom-com guy.”
“Me neither.”
Deep down, part of me was happy for Griffin when I saw that he finally caught his big break. But the fact that I found out from my friends accidentally turning on a rom-com with him as the leading man last week wasn’t ideal.
