Page 40 of Rich Girl
“Thanks, man,” I lift my chin in gratitude. “What are you doing here today?”
Brian gets ready to take my place in the driver’s seat.
“I didn’t hear my phone when they were trying to call. I saw the messages only after you’d already picked this up from the other place in the city.”
We talk for a couple more minutes before I head back to where Hayden and her new friends were sitting in front of the coffee shop. The walk over is not long at all. The sidewalk is the length of the downtown, which, when you drive it, you better not blink or you’ll miss it.
The girls spot me just as I walk by the fire department, all three of them becoming quiet and just watching me. Or, more like staring at me.
“Ladies,” I nod at them as I greet them for a second time today.
Carrie continues staring at me, her hand pushing and pulling on the stroller as she rocks the baby. I’m pretty sure it’s just reflex, and not because he needs it.
Evie’s eyes go from me to Hayden, then back again, on a loop.
“What’s up, Evie?” I ask her when she seems to struggle to come up with anything to say.
“Ray,” she snaps out of it. “Not to be rude, butyouare being rude,” she informs me in a haughty tone.
Carrie lets out a snort of laughter, which she hurries up to cover with her hand.
“I might need Cal to translate that one for me,” I admit. “Because you don’t make any sense.”
Hayden brings up the cup of coffee she’s got in her hand, hiding her smile behind it.
“It’s just… I thought you and Cal were friends,” she sputters.
I have no idea where she’s going with this or what her boyfriend has to do with it.
“We’re not best friends or anything,” I shrug at her.
“You…” She points at me, quite aggressively so. “Have a girlfriend…” She now points at Hayden, mouthing to hersorry. “And you told no one?”
My laughter booms all around us. I laugh so hard, my stomach hurts. Carrie giggles too, joined by Hayden, while Evie looks bewildered.
“Evie, my apologies to you,” I manage to say through fits of laughter. “I didn’t know you were the dating committee, and that I had to give out a full statement as soon as I made contact with a potential partner.”
She rolls her eyes and crosses her arms over her chest while making a conscious effort not to laugh.
“Me and Carrie like to know stuff.” She moves her hand back and forth, involving her best friend in this very creative conversation. “Especially when it’s about other people,” she adds.
“I didn’t know you were this much into my love life, Evie.”
I extend an arm toward Hadley, offering her my hand to stand up. With a grace that seems effortless, she places her hand over mine, like we’re royalty, then comes to stand next to me, facing Evie and Carrie.
“This is Hayden,” I introduce her again to them. “She isnotmy girlfriend.”
I then turn to Hayden. “These are Evie and Carrie. I am more familiar with their boyfriends. I don’t really know them,” I make sure to say.
Hayden smiles at them, looking at ease in their presence. “It’s nice to meet you both. Thank you for keeping me company while I was waiting for Ray to get here.”
They both stare at us, like they think something’s missing. They’re not buying my story. Suddenly, Carrie’s eyes widen in excitement. “But you said she was your girl! Earlier! When you stopped in your truck!”
Her voice gets louder with each word she speaks. And now, she’s got Evie all riled up as well.
“Yes!”
Her voice is a loud screech that only manages to startle the baby awake. His instant screams fill the air.
