“That glow would be the new crush that’s been happening at work. Our little naughty nurse has the eye of some sexy doctor.” Lissy comes around the bar with her own drink oblivious to my daggers.
Holly was gracious enough to invite Lissy along to her special weekend and I’m thankful. When I realized it wouldn’t just be a girls’ weekend, but the whole club would be joining, I wasn’t very keen on coming. Things between Jesse and I are in limbo right now, but knowing I have Lissy here with me when I finally do see Jesse for the first time in weeks, makes this weekend a whole lot easier.
“You look amazing, Holly.” I ignore my best friend and turn the attention on the bride-to-be.
“Oh, I know I do.” Her laugh fills the suite as she does a little twirl. “But, I wanna hear more about this doctor. Spill, naughty nurse.” She holds her hand out for a drink and like a well practiced maid of honor, Kadence has one ready.
“It’s nothing, guys. He just asked me out for coffee.” I brush it off, starting to feel guilty. “I’m not even sure I’m going to go.”
“You’re going, Bell Johnson.” Lissy takes on her ‘mother hen’ tone, her finger pointing down at me. “You need to get out there. Besides, it’s coffee, not marriage.” I know she’s right. I do need to get out there, but everything is still raw since the fall out with Jesse. It’s not like I’m crying myself to bed every night. I’m just not sure I’m ready.
“Lissy, dating is the last thing I need right now. I’ve only just settled in to our new place,” I try to explain, but I know it’s only falling on deaf ears.
“Even more reason to relax.” Her brows bounce on the words relax before she throws her head back and laughs. “Think of it as a house warming present for yourself. Flying Out Of The Nest Award.” She laughs louder at her own joke but I don’t.
“Isn’t this weekend meant to be about Holly? Let’s talk about her.” Heat creeps up my neck. I hate being the center of attention. I know everyone is worried about me this weekend, but I didn’t come here for lectures or adventures. I came here for Holly.
“New goal tonight. Let’s get Bell laid!” Holly exclaims, placing a bright pink sash over her head and totally ignoring my attempt to shift the attention.
“What? No! Oh, God, no!” My head moves from side to side, watching everyone nod in agreement. Even Kadence.
Jesus, help me. “I’m so not ready for that.” I’m in way over my head. A one-night stand is not my scene and never will be.
“It’s exactly what you need. You’re still hung up on Jesse, God knows why when you keep avoiding him. Seriously, girl, you either need to let that man in, or decide he’s not the only one who can flick your bean,” Lissy says, pushing my blush back into the hot zone. Just kill me now.
“Oh, I love her! Where have you been hiding her, Bell?” Holly laughs, holding her palm up for a high five. Lissy returns it then they both fall back giggling.
“Jesus, this isn’t good.” I turn to Kadence and Kelly for help, but they don’t offer any relief. Only telling me the inevitable:
“Welcome to our world. Just hold on, Bell. It’s easier if you don’t fight it.” Kelly chuckles, leaving me to fend for myself. Taking a deep breath, I reach forward and take my glass. I probably shouldn’t have another drink after this one, but something tells me between Lissy and Holly, I’ll need it.
“We’re not talking about dating or one-night stands tonight.” I dig my heels in, refusing to get into anything with them.
“Why? ‘Cause we’re right?” Holly taunts just as bad as Lissy.
“I need another drink.” I ignore her jab and turn to Kadence holding up my glass. She holds my stare but doesn’t push. Instead she leans forward and pours me more wine.
“This reluctance to talk about dating doesn’t have anything to do with the fact that a certain someone is in this hotel and we might possibly see them at some point tonight?” Holly continues, knowing exactly how to rile me.
“Not at all,” I deny, and watch as all the girls look at me with grins. “We’re not seeing them tonight, right?” My voice hitches in my panic . Shit.
“No, tonight the boys know it’s girls’ night.” Holly laughs, calming my nerves. I know I have to see him; I’ve just been trying to hold off for as long as I can.
“You do know you won’t be able to hide from him tomorrow night at the wedding, right?” Kadence pushes this time. I don’t know why they think I’m trying to hide… Oh, right ‘cause it’s what I’ve been doing for a month now.
“Of course I know.” I laugh awkwardly, swallowing my unease. It’s what’s going to happen when I see him that worries me.
Ever since Jesse called and told me he was going to win me back, I’ve been laying low. Hiding out. Avoiding his texts. It’s not that I don’t want him back. It’s more that I’m exhausted and unsure. The back and forth, it’s been too much for me. Jesse is dealing with some pretty deep issues, issues he has to handle on his own.
“Are you going to be okay when it happens?” She watches me carefully.
“Yeah, of course. I mean it might be a little strange seeing each other, but I’ll be polite and won’t cause you any problems, Holly. It’s going to be fine.” I turn to assure Holly but catch her sharing a look with Kadence. “What?” I stop and ask.