Page 470 of One More Kiss

“Oliver and I don’t count, although I don’t appreciate you putting me in the same category as your damn cat.” She grunted. “I mean, real friends. Girlfriends the same age as you. Go out and have fun. You’re always worried about the next deadline.”

“Because I’m always on a deadline.” I half-laughed, half-cried because it’s the truth. Deadlines on deadlines. “Plus, I don’t want to be that social anyway.”

“How’s it you can’t socialize with people your own age, yet you go on tour and socialize with hundreds of strangers?”

I shrugged with a grin. “One of life’s many mysteries I guess.” I flashed a smug smile.

“It’s like you have an alternate personality. Vada 2.0.”

I laughed, rolling my head back because I’d never thought about it like that.

“You’re absolutely right, Nora. But Vada OG is my comfort zone.”

Considering my writing schedule and hectic lifestyle, cooking just isn’t a priority right now. Neither is going out and socializing. I know I’ll probably look back one day and wished I’d formed some close friendships, but people who don’t read or write just don’t understand the passion. I’m better off in my own bubble with online friends who share the same interests and night owl schedule.

“Okay, that’s it for the day,” Olivia says with a deep breath. “You’re officially off-duty.”

“I can finally take off these heels then.” I sigh with a choked laugh. “My writer’s uniform is so much better.”

“Wearing the same clothes for a week isn’t a uniform, Vada. It’s right up there next to homelessness.” She eyes me, daring me to challenge her. “Plus, you look good in a dress and heels. You should go out and show yourself off.” Her eyes light up at her suggestion.

“Sorry, Vada 2.0 is officially down for the night. Plus, I should get some writing done tonight. My agent is already clawing at me for the next part.”

Sighing, she nods, and we head toward the doors and walk out together. Charleston is beautiful this time of year; a warm breeze blows across us as the sun starts to set. I close my eyes briefly, letting all the memories soak in.

“You okay?” she asks, adjusting her purse on her shoulder.

I blink and inhale a deep breath. “Yeah. I’m good.” I smile wide.

Stepping out onto the sidewalk, Olivia plays on her phone, and just as we round a corner, I hear someone calling my name.

“Vada!”

The voice is deep and recognizable.

Spinning around, my eyes search for him, and it doesn’t take me long to spot him. His hands are shoved into the front pockets of his dark-washed jeans. Dark shaggy hair tamed to one side. Piercings in both ears. Scruffy jawline.

He’s as gorgeous as I remember.

A single girl’s wet dream.

Ethan.

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