“I thought it was good but it completely screwed up our friendship and it took weeks to repair and it’s still a little awkward and now Landon keeps giving me gifts.”
“Okay, Landon? You kinda lost me.”
“Welcome to my world.” I sighed and stared up at the ceiling. “I feel like my life is playing out in front of me and I have no control over where it’s going next and it all started with the night I slept with Colby.”
“Well, let’s start there. How did that go?”
“It was amazing. Great. Hot. Everything I’d hoped for. I can’t stop replaying it in my mind. And call me crazy but I think he might have felt the same way, but he’s so damn hot and cold. I don’t know what he wants.”
“Typical Colby. Never really one to take charge.” She made a little sound of annoyance then asked, “And what’s this about Landon giving you gifts?”
“He bought me flowers one day, chocolate croissants from Lucy’s another. He’s always had a good justification, but, well, some customers thought he was my boyfriend. Or trying to be.”
“I really have no explanation for that without seeing it myself. What do you think? Is he interested?”
“I honestly have no clue.”
“Would you be interested?”
Now that was a good question because my gut response was no. But when I thought of my reasons, the only one I had was Colby—but if there was never to be anything between us, was my reasoning still valid? “I can’t be interested in a guy whose brother I had sex with.”
“Well, technically you can, but I see your point.”
“And then there’s the party thing—well, you know more than me, considering I didn’t even get an invitation.”
“While I’m honestly surprised they’re involved in it, I’m not surprised they’ve taken over.”
“That’s putting it lightly. They never even discussed it with me. Just texted a few days ago. I don’t even know if Grandma knows, and I haven’t brought it up because I have no idea what I’d even say, considering how little I know myself.”
“I’m sorry. What a mess.”
“No kidding.”
“I’m really sorry to do this, but I have to get going. I’m supposed to be back at the studio in ten minutes and I need to get changed.”
“Oh, no problem.”
“Text me whenever. You shouldn’t be dealing with this stuff alone. I may not get back to you right away but I’m always here to at least listen.”
“I know, and I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I just know how busy you are and it never seemed right to drop on you when you were in the middle of something.”
“Like I’ve never done that to you!” She laughed. “That’s what I’m here for.”
“Thanks, Felicity.”
After we hung up, my phone chimed with a text.
Landon: Off tonight. Having a get-together. Come over?
Landon. Short. Sweet. And to the point.
But before I gave an answer I shot a quick message to Taylor, who agreed to go and, best yet, offered to be designated driver, so I could even have a few drinks. Which at this point, I really could use.
But first things first. The perfect outfit needed to be chosen.
After several outfit changes, I finally settled on a cranberry-colored shirt, thanks to the one time Colby had said—rather off-handedly—that red looked good on me.
My phone started buzzing just as I applied a final coat of mascara. I glanced at the screen. Taylor was parked out front. I crammed all my makeup back into the bag then called out, “Grandma.”
“In the kitchen.”
I popped my head around the corner. “I’m heading to Colby’s.”
She gave me a kiss on the cheek, her floral perfume filling the air around me. “Be safe, mijita.”
“Always.” I smiled. “Call me if you need anything.” I turned, grabbed my purse off the couch, then headed outside to meet Taylor.
“Hey,” she said as I slid into the passenger seat. “Cute top.”
“Thanks.”
“Sooo.” She grinned. “Can I ask who the guy is?”
“What do you mean?”
She chuckled. “That you got all cute for.” When I didn’t respond, she went on. “Hair, makeup, outfit.” She pointed to each as she named them. “Full package.”
“Oh, uh, no one.” I glanced down at my top. “I practically live in my Eddie’s uniform. Just feels nice to dress up.”
“Okay.” She laughed again. “So can I guess?”
“Guess?”
“Who it is.”