Never Been Kissed(50)

“You know that I think you’re amazing, and great, and badass?” Katie’s words are soft, sweet. I keep my face tight, trying to stop whatever tears are forming.

“You know that I think you are such a good person and I’m so lucky to have you as my best friend? I’m telling you that you’re going to be alright, and everything will turn out in the end. This life, right now, with your family, your job – it’s not going to last forever even though it feels like it might. You’re going to find your passion in life, you’re going to find the man of your dreams but you’re going to have to trust in life, and what she’s going to bring to you.”

“I hate that bitch. Fucking up everything.” No tears. I sit straighter in my chair, looking up at the ceiling, forcing whatever remaining wetness in my eyes to go back where it came from.A hundred points to Gryffindor!

“I think it’s time to give up on old hurts, stop wrapping yourself in them.”

“What if he’s lying to me? What if I’m just one of those girls, a piece of ass? God, and I have to live next to my shame? No, no, no.”

Katie just stops herself from rolling her eyes. “I don’t think he’s lying. I really don’t. A guy who wants pussy will take any pussy, doesn’t matter who it is. I was there that first night, remember? He didn’t even look at me, and I looked exceptional that night.” She grins at me, putting her fingers in her dimples, trying to coax me into doing the same. “I have an idea, but I don’t know how well it’s going to go over with the boys.”

“Shoot.” I drink some more water, munching on an ice cube.

“We all care about you – and, as a valid support system, I think you should bring Hunt to Alex’s housewarming this weekend. Leave Matty behind, though, let you guys be one on one. You’ll bake something amazing, and Hunter’s going to fall in love with you and propose on the spot. We’re all going to be there to witness it, so we’ll be part of the wedding party and you get your happily ever after.”

I grin at her, then try to forget about Hunter proposing to me. As if he can even try any of my baking. Bloody hell, the one thing going for me, and he can’t even enjoy the pastries I make.

But all in all, not a bad plan.

“Alright, can you ask Alex if it’s okay if I bring a guest? Uh, what the hell should I introduce him as?” I’m starting to get nervous again, my mind racing with potential scenarios as I walk into Alex’s door this coming Saturday. “I’m going to turn red, I just know it. Shit, shit, shit.”

“Stop sweating over the stupid little things. Ask Hunter if he wants to hang out with us this weekend. Nothing special – movies, beer and wine, cake, and good company. We’re not assholes, but you can bet your sweet ass we’ll be judging his every word. I swear this’ll turn out good. And you’ll have your answer about his intentions, alright?”

“I’m sure all kinds of other girls don’t make their friends do this shit.”

“God, stop with the negative comments. I don’t care how many times I have to tell you you’re awesome, you will believe me one of these days. I swear to God.” She puts her palm up, like she’s doing exactly that. “I’ll text you Alex’s new address when I get back to the office, and the time. Now, what will you grace us with this Saturday?”

“You know Alex loves strawberry cheesecake – so that’s what I’ll make. Even if it cracks, he’s going to choke it down, and love every bloody piece of it.”

“See? Now, this girl in front of me? This girl’s a badass! Forcing food down picky-eaters’ throats since twenty-fourteen. Awesome.” Katie nods like I’ve done her proud.

“Thanks, broski. You’ve made me feel a lot better.”

“S’what I’m here for. Best friends are psychiatrists on a part-time basis. I expect you to return the favour in the near future.”

“You bet.”

“Good. Now, let’s get our asses back to work. Time is money, bitches!”

“So I guess I can’t stay over at your place this week, not even until Saturday?” I ask.

Katie looks at me seriously. “Little chicks are pushed out of their nests so they can learn to fly.”

I shake my head, gathering up my purse from the seat next to me. “Actually – that’s a common misconception. They say that about eagles, but I read somewhere that it isn’t true.”

She slings an arm over my shoulder, hugging me close to her side after we plop down our cash and move towards the door. “Why did I have to have a geek for a best friend? I can’t even say things without you correcting me.” She gives me another shoulder squeeze. “Hunter’s going to love you. Just like me and the boys do. Start believing in that, instead.”