Page 35 of One More Kiss

"Then wait til you hear this part… I had to know if he had a tat as well, you know?"

"Well, yeah," she says excitedly.

"I looked and he has a key that fits the lock with yesterday's date."

"Wow. Do you… think it's real? I mean, I can't imagine you guys getting tattoos and it… wow. How do you feel?" she asks, her excitement simmering down a bit. The reality of it all settling in.

"He's going to regret this, and hate me, and the press is going to ruin any chance of salvaging our friendship—if that's even possible. I've kept my love for him a secret for how many years—"

"Twelve."

Leave it to her to know.

"And one night is going to ruin everything I tried to hold onto," I tell her, a tear slipping down my cheek. Let the pity party commence—but only for five minutes. That's all I ever give myself to wallow. Then I pull up my big girl panties and trudge on.

"He won't hate you. If he kissed you first, in the middle of a club where everyone could—and did—see, then this is on him. Not you."

"Right, but I didn't stop him either. If anything, I encouraged him," I admit.

She scoffs. "Well, duh. Of course, you did. What red-blooded woman wouldn't? Well, besides me because, ew. He's brother material for me."

"What am I gonna do?"

"You're gonna wipe those tears. Hang up the phone, order some room service of greasy food to help that hangover you're sporting, shower while they're cooking up the food, then you'll eat. You'll start to feel better. You'll pack your things, and you'll come home." She pauses.

"What?"

"I bet it was awesome. You need to get some coffee and remember the details because, girl, I need to know if he lives up to the hype," she tells me.

I sniffle and laugh. "I'll do my best. I'll see you in a few hours."

"If you need me, I'm a phone call away." As she always is. I’m so grateful for her.

"Love you."

"Love you back."

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