Page 72 of That Moment
“Right.” I exhale, grab my jacket, and take one last look in the mirror. “Let’s go make bad decisions,” I say, locking the door behind us.
Dolly grins. “Now that’s the Adrienne I know.” And for the first time all week, I actually feel like her.
Juniper pulls up in the big SUV like a getaway driver, windows down, music thumping. It feels like we’re in college again, home for summer break. Brooklyn’s riding shotgun, Dolly and I climb in the next to Amelia.
“We look hot,” Brooklyn declares, adjusting the rearview to check her eyeliner. “Fort Collins isn’t ready.”
“Fort Collins has no idea,” Juniper says, grinning as she peels out.
The drive is loud. Windows cracked, music still thumping as we talk over each other. Amelia tells a story about Paw Patrol and how her son is so obsessed that it’s ruining their life. Dolly swears she’s only having two drinks and then immediately changes it to three. Juniper has a playlist built entirely of songs from college, and the first time Scotty ever really looked at me like I wasn’t just his friend’s little sister, flashes across my brain like a stupid slideshow I didn’t ask to see.
We pull into the wine bar, and the patio’s already packed. String lights glow softly. A trio plays something bluesy inside. We claim a high-top like a small army and order a bottle of something crisp and cold.
My phone buzzes the second I set my clutch down.
Scotty:You drinking?
I ignore it, forcing my gaze up. “To us amazing, accomplished, and still hot women,” I say, raising my glass. “Even though I will be thirty this year.”
“Hey, we’re already there, sister.” Brooklyn laughs.
“And beyond,” Amelia seconds, taking a healthy sip of her wine.
“Cheers,” they echo, and we sip. The wine is bright and peachy, and I can feel my shoulders loosen after just a few sips.
But then, my phone buzzes again.
Scotty:You behaving?
I let it sit facedown, a little rush of petty power skittering through me at the thought of making him wait. We ordered bruschetta. Juniper makes us do one shot “for morale.” We grimace and laugh, and Brooklyn snorts when the tequila hits wrong, and I remember I love these women like air.
“Can I just say how much each of you means to me?” I offer a smile that’s already starting to turn into a frown as my chin quivers. “I mean it, you guys are the best group of friends.”
“Oh boy, one shot of tequila and we’re already getting the emotional waterworks.” Juniper pretends to fan me with a napkin.
The buzz returns. Then again. Then again. I ignore it.
“I mean it, I’m barely buzzed, but I just need to say it before we get too far into the night. So thank you for taking time away from your kids and your husbands and spending it with your lonely, single friend.”
“Oh, please,” Dolly rolls her eyes at my self-deprecating speech. “You have commitment issues, and you know it.”
“What?” Her comment genuinely shocks me. “I don’t have commitment issues.” All four of the women give me a knowing look.
I try to focus on what they’re saying, but I’m too distracted by my damn phone that sounds like a muted vibrator in my lap. Finally, I flip the phone over.
Scotty:Stop ignoring me.
It’s ridiculous how just seeing his name on my phone already has me wet. I want to tell him that, but I’m still self-aware enough to remember that tonight is about putting space between him and me.
Me:Having fun. Busy.
Scotty:I’m glad you’re having fun. Are you behaving?
That sends a tingle right down between my thighs.He’s jealous.
Me:Why would I do that?
I turn my attention back to the group, trying to catch up with the story Brooklyn’s telling about how Tyler used his belt on her for the first time when they were dating. But it’s useless when I glance down and seecockon my screen. I swallow, blushing as I read the message.
