Chapter 11
I wasn’t lying to Pat when I said that Fridays were reserved for the girls. It’s our sacred time that no boyfriend is able to touch because it’s for the Long Live Girlies.
It’s wild to think that we were all single just a year ago, and now both Kelsey and Mallory have fallen in love faster than it takes for poppies to grow from seed to bloom.
I couldn’t be more thrilled for them and the wonderful men they’ve found who love them in a way I’ve only ever dreamed of.
But at least I have my fellow single ladies, Alyssa and Tess, to keep me company until we find our own happily-ever-afters.
I walk into our living room in a pale-blue matching set covered in a dainty floral print and smile when I see my friends in their own version of pajamas.
Mallory’s wearing a dusty rose sweats set.
Kelsey’s in one of Tyler’s sweatshirts that’s so long it covers her shorts completely, making it look like that’s the only thing she’s wearing.
Alyssa looks picture perfect in her ribbed pajama set covered in a pink bow pattern.
And Tess is the image of comfort in her leggings-and-oversized-shirt combo.
We’re all different, but I think that’s what makes us work well together.
I take a seat on the couch between Alyssa and Kelsey, while Tess and Mallory curl up in the armchairs.
“It’s finally happies and crappies time.” Alyssa tucks one of her long legs up under her.
Our weekly check-in is usually my favorite time of the week.
But tonight, I’m anxious at the thought of opening up.
The girls already know about the flower shop incident, but I don’t want to talk about Connor.
And I certainly don’t want to tell my friends that my flower truck is in such bad shape.
I’m an optimist, but even I am having a hard time putting a positive spin on this week’s events.
“I’ll go first,” Tess volunteers, giving me the time I need to figure out what I’m going to share. “My crappy was being called in by Evie’s teacher because she continues to stand up and dance in the middle of lessons.”
I giggle at the mental image of her five-year-old daughter learning phonics while doing a plié.
“But my happy is that Evie loves dance so much that she can’t help but practice her skills at all waking hours.”
“I can’t wait for her spring performance.” Kelsey will be Evie’s aunt one day when she marries Tyler. He hasn’t proposed yet, but it’s only a matter of time with how attached at the hip they are.
“We all can’t wait,” I amend. After we attended Evie’s fall recital when Tess was out of the country, little Evie became an honorary Long Live Girlie.
“She can’t stop talking about how her cheering section is going to be the biggest out of everyone in her dance class.
” Tess shakes her head, but a smile pulls at her lips.
“I keep telling her there aren’t cheerleaders for dance, but y’all know how stubborn she gets when she has her mind set on something. ”
“I’ll bring the pom-poms,” Mallory says, making us all laugh since she’s more of a rough-edged girl than the cheerleader type.
Once it’s quiet again, I nudge Alyssa’s knee. “You go.”
“All right, my happy is that I only have to wait a few more weeks for the first Mustangs game of the season.”
The rest of us exchange knowing glances. We’ve been waiting for her and Austin to get together since they met. They’re absolutely perfect for each other, even if they’re both too blind to see it.
She lets out an exasperated sigh. “Because I want to support my friend and I love ballpark popcorn. Y’all need to stop trying to make ‘us’ a thing. It’s like the word fetch—it’s not going to happen.”
I appreciate the Mean Girls reference, but it doesn’t make me believe her. Anyone with eyes can see their chemistry and connection, but we all know better than to push it at this point.
Alyssa continues talking, obviously wanting to move past the topic. “My crappy is that I got a wedding invitation in the mail this week from my cousin.”
I grimace with her. We all know who she’s talking about without her even having to say the dreaded name—Bianca Cartwright.
Although, I guess she’s the soon-to-be Bianca Vanderbilt.
She’s always been the worst. If we’re still talking about Mean Girls, she is, without a doubt, a Regina George.
The kind of girl some people wish they could be and others fear.
But to me, she’s just the horrible person who made fun of us growing up and then stole Alyssa’s college boyfriend. And now she’s marrying him.
“I can’t believe Bradley is actually marrying that”—Mallory glances at me as if she’s choosing her next word carefully—“witch.”
“Does your family expect you to go?” Tess asks. Even though she hasn’t been part of our friend group for long, she’s been to enough girls’ nights to get the down low on all of our dating histories.
“My parents would understand if I didn’t, but I think I need to. I don’t want Bianca and Bradley to feel like they’ve won, like their being together still affects me.” She rolls her eyes. “I was over it a long time ago, and honestly, I think they deserve each other.”
“Scum deserves to be with scum,” Mallory deadpans.
I reach over and squeeze Alyssa’s hand. “You’re a gem who deserves to be treated as such.”
Everyone else nods in agreement, and Alyssa smiles. “Y’all really know how to boost a girl’s confidence.”
“You know what else would boost your confidence?” Kelsey asks. “Showing up to their wedding with Austin.” Alyssa shoots her a look, and she holds her hands up. “Can’t people go to weddings as friends?”
“It’s not a bad idea,” Tess murmurs.
“I like it.” I smile, knowing it could be the perfect opportunity for them to get close in a romantic environment.
“It’s still months until the wedding.” Alyssa’s expression softens. “But I’ll consider it.”
I think that’s the best we can hope for in this situation.
“Who wants to go next?” Alyssa looks around before her eyes settle on me.
I beat her to the chase, wanting to avoid talking about myself and the past week working with Connor for as long as possible. “You’re up, Mal.”
She lights up instantly. “My happy is obviously that I’m about to visit Griffin in LA for spring break.
And my crappy is that I still have to wait another thirteen hours for my flight to go see him.
” Her crossed leg bounces in anticipation.
I never thought one of my friends would date a celebrity, let alone the man dubbed Hollywood’s Hottest New Actor, but I couldn’t imagine a better match for Mallory.
The way Griffin pursues her is like something straight out of a rom-com.
Knowing Mallory had given up on love after their missed connection, only to find it again three years later, fills me with hope.
I smile at her. “We’re thrilled for you.”
“How do you feel about getting to visit a movie set?” Tess asks.
“I won’t get to visit the set until summer, when they start filming.
He’s still doing extensive physical training right now.
” Mallory shrugs. “But I don’t mind watching him train, especially if there’s a sword involved.
” She lets out a dreamy sigh. “I’m dating a hot, sword-wielding, morally gray villain.
I’m living every romantasy lover’s dream.
” She looks to me for confirmation. “Did I say all that right? I’m still trying to understand all the trope things. ”
I place my hand over my heart. “That was perfect. I feel like a proud mom.”
“Good, I’ll impress Griffin when I see him in”—she glances at her phone screen—“twelve hours and fifty-eight minutes.” Mallory lets out a long breath. “Do y’all think I’m going to stick out like a sore thumb in LA?”
“I think Griffin will make you feel right at home.” Kelsey wiggles her eyebrows, causing another round of laughter.
“We’ll miss you, but I know you’re going to have the best time.” Alyssa smiles.
“You’re right. I love y’all, but I can’t wait to see my man.” Mallory sits on her hands, as if to force herself to sit still and not jump on an early flight.
“Is it bad that I wouldn’t be surprised if you hopped on the plane tomorrow and didn’t come back?” Kelsey says.
“Don’t tempt me with a good time.” Mallory smirks. I know she’s just teasing, since she’s not the kind of girl to leave her friends and family—let alone her students—behind without any explanation or notice. But love does tend to make people do crazy things.
“I think it’s your turn now.” Mallory gives me a pointed look.
I take a deep breath, knowing I can’t avoid talking forever. “My crappy was obviously the fire in the flower shop, but my happy is that it led to me buying Daffodil.”
“Oh, that name is perfect,” Alyssa coos. “Is she going to be yellow?”
“As if she could be another color with that name.” I wink.
“That’s the perfect color to match your bright, joyful personality.” Tess beams at me, and happy tears threaten to fill my eyes at the compliment.
“Did you take any pictures when you picked her up?” Kelsey asks.
Alyssa quickly turns, and her long hair nearly whacks me in the face. “I didn’t realize you already drove to get her. We need to see pics.”
I have the picture Connor texted me—the one he took of me with the truck—but I can’t find the courage to show my besties. “I think she would be better seen in person for the first time.”
After she’s back from the mechanic and body shop.
“Fine.” Alyssa leans back into the couch cushion with a sigh. “When are you hoping to have it done by?”