Page 10 of More Than a Friend
“He’s just excited for the kids to meet his new girlfriend. If I weren’t in the picture, he wouldn’t have to worry about involving someone else in his relationship.”
“If you weren’t in the picture he wouldn’thavekids. You don’t have to make excuses for him just because you were married. You can acknowledge what he’s doing is a douche move.”
I sigh. “It was a bit of a douchey move. Part of me feels like I’m bitter because he’s been able to move on so quickly, and I haven’t. But I also feel like there’s a double standard, you know? Everyone says single dads are so hot, but no one wants a single mom who works all the time and is too tired to go out on the weekends.”
Skylar twists so she’s facing me on the couch and grabs both of my hands in hers. Have the sparks when we touch always been there? “Ava, you’re a fucking catch. Anyone would be lucky to date you. Your kids are an amazing bonus, and if someone doesn’t see it then fuck them.”
Tears burn behind my eyelids, but I blink them away. Today isn’t supposed to be the Ava sob show. We’re supposed to be having a fun, relaxing time.
“Thank you, Sky. Truly, it means a lot.”
“And fuck your ex-husband for being a douche. Ooo, should we stalk his new girlfriend on social media? What’s her name?” Skylar picks up her phone, but I place a hand on it and shake my head.
“I already did my FBI research. Her name is Alisa, she’s twenty-three, and works as a dental hygienist. She’s got blue eyes, blonde hair, and looks like she’s never eaten a single carb in her life because her stomach is so flat you could eat off of it.”
Skylar scrunches her nose. “Twenty-three? Isn’t Shea almost thirty?”
“Yep.” I pop the “p.”
She pretends to gag, making me laugh.
“Well, I hope for your sake she’s an angel in scrubs. If she doesn’t treat Zo and Gus right, I’m not afraid to inconvenience her with petty legal lawsuits.”
“Thanks, Sky. Gus and Zo are lucky to have you in their life.I’mlucky to have you in my life.”
“What are best friends for?” she says, but her smile is a little sad.
She probably feels sad for me. Skylar’s always worn her feelings on her sleeve.
“Okay, enough sadness.” I clap my hands together. “Let’s make more mojitos.”
Chapter 6
Skylar
Ava has triedto brush off the conversation with Shea, but I can tell it’s still bothering her. She has every right to be upset her asswipe of an ex implied she wouldn’t go on a date anytime soon. To switch up plans is shitty of him, then the slight dig is even worse.
She’s four mojitos deep, and since her experience with alcohol is limited, she’s a little past tipsy.
Ava’s a giggly drunk who gets really affectionate. Which is torture for me because I’d love nothing more than to have her snuggle into my lap while I play with her hair. I’m also a little inebriated, and alcohol tends to make me a little more bold. And a lot more horny.
We ordered Thai food for dinner, and we switched from the dancing show to one about people stuck on an island trying to find love. I’m not really paying attention, and it’s getting late, but I don’t want to go to bed and break our bubble of relaxation just yet.
Ava yawns, her eyes drooping with exhaustion, and I know it’s time to get our asses to bed.
I turn off the show. “C’mon, Aves. Let’s get you to bed.”
Ava’s glassy eyes look up at me. “Will you sleep with me?”
“Of course.”
This isn’t the first sleepover we’ve had since she got divorced, but something feels different tonight.
Maybe it’s because I’m horny and Ava’s confessed she likes women, but my mind is conjuring up all sorts of compromising positions we could get into from sharing a bed.
Good thing I’m an expert at self-restraint and hiding my feelings.
We make our way to the bathroom and brush our teeth before we take turns using the restroom. I quickly run through my skincare routine—when I’m not home, I cut it down to five steps.
