Page 8 of More Than a Friend
Goosebumps erupt across my skin the longer our eyes stay connected, and maybe it’s just wishful thinking, but Iswearher eyes dart down to my lips.
Whatever tension I thought I felt disappears as she clears her throat and steps back.
“Did you want to go out tonight instead? Or do you want to stay in? If we go out, I could practice flirting…” she trails off, then gets a look on her face telling me she doesnotwant to do that: a subtle scrunch of her nose and squint of her eyes.
“Nah. You’ve still had a rough week and deserve to relax. I brought face masks and snacks, and we can order in from the Thai place you like.Celebrity Dance Offjust announced Scarlett Ricky will be in their lineup for next season, and she’s the first plus-size celebrity they’ve had, so maybe we should watch past seasons and get caught up? I heard they’re pairing her with Miles Kip, and he’s one of the most brutal professionals.”
“Ooo, yes. Scarlett is so hot, she’s going to kill it next season. I used to love watching the show when I was younger. Last season, they had all the Olympians, so we should definitely watch it.”
Scarlett and I have a similar body type, which is why I like her so much. Her bubbly personality and killer fashion sense makes her extra charming. She’s the first celebrity I’ve reallyseenmyself in, and I love all the work she’s doing for the body positivity movement.
But the fact Ava finds Scarlett hot makes me think…
No. I can’t go there and get my hopes up. Ava and I are friends.Just friends.
“I’ll get the snacks and face masks from my car, and we can get set up in the living room.” I could use the burst of late February chill to calm my heated nerves.
“Okay. Do you want any help?”
“No, I’m good.”
Or at least, I will be if I can get my emotions in check.
Chapter 5
Ava
I can’t believeI just… blurted that out to Skylar.
What were you thinking, Ava?
I was thinking I didn’t want her to be worried I spent last night stress cleaning. I was thinking I wanted her to be proud of me for putting myself out there. I wanted to prove to myself—and to someone else—I’m not stuck in the past.
I’m moving into the future, ready for whatever life throws at me.
Even if it scares the shit out of me.
Even if I don’t really want anyone I’ve swiped right on. I’ve been asked to meet for coffee or drinks, but I’ve declined every invitation.
I just don’t feel the…sparkmaking me want to text someone all the time. The kind of giddy feeling I usually get when I have a crush. The desire to deep dive into someone and know what makes them tick.
Maybe I’m being unrealistic. Maybe adult relationships aren’t like that. Maybe it’s more of a slow, gradual burn instead of an instant spark.
Either way, I mute my dating app notifications because today isn’t about finding someone new, it’s about relaxing with my best friend and recuperating after a rough week of single parenting.
Skylar, the over-preparer, brought enough snacks to tide us over if we were to get snowed in for a week, along with all the fixings for mojitos—my drink of choice.
I don’t drink alcohol very often because I can’t be without my faculties if the kids need me to drive them to the emergency room, but sometimes I let myself have a few drinks on the nights I don’t have them.
When I first told Sky I’d left the church, she came over and made me a flight of different cocktails so I would always have a go-to when we went out.
“Everyone needs a go-to drink.”
I don’t know if it’s true or if she just wanted to test out her mixology skills, but we had a fun night, and it was nice to not have to go to a bar and pay for drinks I may or may not like.
I made her wait until after lunch to start on the alcohol because I didn’t think drinking before noon was a very responsible thing to do. She disagreed but didn’t fight me on it. As soon as the clock struck one, though, she made us both the best cocktails I’ve ever had. I’d expect nothing less from my best friend. She wants the best of everything, which includes expensive rum for our drinks and the freshest limes she can find.
We’ve washed off our face masks, and my skin is feeling hydrated and plump. At least, it’s what the package boasted. I’m not huge into skincare. I have a face cream Skylar bullied me into buying and a generic brand face wash, but I don’t have time—or energy—for an elaborate routine like Sky’s. I bet she brought her fifteen step routine for our sleepover.
