Chapter 47
FORTY-SEVEN
ALLIE
I SWEAR ON MILLER LITE
We pulled on our coats by the front door when Kristina grabbed my hand and looked at our gang.
“Girls, I just want to thank you. I know none of us were thrilled with Emily’s decision for a Christmas Eve wedding, but with the divorce so fresh, if I wasn’t here with you, I’d be a blubbering mess at home alone.
The first holiday by myself. I’d be having such a terrible Christmas somebody would seriously have to shove a rainbow up my ass to prevent me from flinging myself out the damn window. ”
Lexi giggled.
“You all are giving me energy so I can start a new life after this.”
I hugged her. I knew what starting over without the love of your life was like shared glass slicing and dicing your flesh.
“I’m glad we’re all together. And Kristina, you’re going to be great. A new life and adventures ahead.”
She nodded. “I just hope to find a nice, sweet guy who will love me, and occasionally handcuff me to the bedpost.”
Rachel nodded. “Your Prince Charming will come. He may not come on a horse though. He’s obviously riding a turtle in a different land, really confused. But I feel like he’s about to ask for directions and will be here before you know it.”
“Awww, we’ll always be friends because y’all match my level of crazy.”
A giggle bounced out of me. “Finding friends with the same mental disorders.” I squeezed them tighter. “Priceless.”
* * *
We piled into the van with Rachel behind the wheel. The radio blared Feliz Navidad and we sang our freaking hearts out. Next came Applebottom Jeans. I must admit that is a song that awakens my inner stripper, and I’m okay with it.
We drove down the magical Christmas street and passed the ski resort as memories of the day before danced in my mind.
There were some kids having a hot chocolate stand on the sidewalk so we stopped, and I got everyone a cup topped with whipped cream and red sprinkles.
I hopped back into the van and we slowed when Maps said we’d reached the caterer’s place.
I scrolled through what felt like a zillion wedding messages from Emily. “I kinda wished we’d brought the guys. How much food do you think there is?”
Rachel gave a nod. “Yeah, we should’ve brought the men. Some muscles are needed right now.”
“I got you.”
I jumped and whipped around to see Levi who had appeared out of nowhere in the back row of the ginormous van.
Lexi groaned. “What in the hell are you doing here?”
He flexed. “I believe I’m an answer to your muscle prayers.”
Kristina’s nose wrinkled. “You’ve been hiding in the van?”
His perfect eyes rolled. “No, I just wanted to come into town and thought I’d hitch a ride with you ladies.”
Rachel rolled her eyes. “You should be at the house—you can’t be here. That’s how it’s supposed to be.”
Levi huffed. “Oh look. Nobody gives a shit.”
She hit the steering wheel. “That’s it, I’m taking you back.”
Kristina reached up and patted Rachel’s shoulder. “Let’s be the bigger person here.”
She growled. “Fuck being the bigger person. I’m going to start slapping people around, so help me God I will.”
Kristina held her hands up. “Let’s all take a breath.”
Rach whipped around and glared at Levi with gritted teeth which I found to be hilarious. My laughter was not well received.
“Levi, I’m like five people packed into one body. I’m warning you right now, you don’t want to spin that wheel to see what you’re gonna get. I do not play well with others.”
Kristina shrugged. “Truth.”
“Here’s the deal.” Levi put on his sweetest grin, and the way his hair dropped over his brow made me want to tear off my shirt.
“You can work me like a dog when it comes to whatever you have to get from the caterer. I promise I’ll be on my best non-fuck up behavior.
” His hand lifted. “I swear on Miller Lite.”