Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 103431 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 517(@200wpm)___ 414(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103431 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 517(@200wpm)___ 414(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
“I don't know if I would call them love notes, but they’re from a guy. Well, I assume it’s a guy, anyway.”
She raises her brows, waiting for me to continue.
“You ladies are in luck,” the sales associate says before I can reply. “Let me know if you have any questions or need a different size.”
“Thank you so much,” I say, taking both boxes from her, passing Nora’s to her.
“You’re not off the hook,” she mutters as she removes the lid. “Go on.”
“He calls himself my sweetheart and has left me a handful of notes so far. And he paid for my lunch with my mom the other day.” I slide off sandals before leaning down to slide on the heels. They fit like a glove—or, well, a shoe. Whatever.
“He also left, um, roses on my windshield.” I stand and look at my feet in the mirror, doing a little spin. “These look nice, right?”
“They do, and that’s… creepy.”
“It was sweet at first, but yeah, it’s getting a little creepy.”
“Please be careful,” she implores.
“I will be,” I assure her, forcing out a laugh I most definitely don’t feel. “Plus, I’m sure whoever’s behind this is harmless. Some shy little sap too nervous to talk to me.”
“Maybe,” Nora agrees, but she doesn’t look too convinced.
“Are you going to try your shoes on or sit here and worry about me having a secret admirer?”
She hesitates, blows out a frustrated breath, and kicks her shoes off. “Oh, these are comfy.”
“Stand up, walk in them.”
“Sure thing, mom.” She rolls her eyes.
“Now twirl.”
She shoots me an incredulous look. “Babe, you will have to dance in them, so twirl.”
“Fine. God, you’re bossy,” she says, spinning stiffly in a circle.
“Still comfy?”
“Yes, and I love the color.”
“It’s like they were made for you.” I nudge her with shoulder. “Hard to believe you’re tying the knot so soon.”
“I’m really excited. But also kind of nervous.”
“Nervous?” I place the heels back in the box and slip on my sandals. “About what? Atlas worships the ground you walk on.”
“I know, but leaving James—”
“That’s why we’re doing a trial run this weekend,” I remind her. “Y’all will get a practice night out, and I’ll get to prove I’m the best babysitter ever. Do you know what Atlas has planned?”
“No!” She stomps her foot. “He’s keeping it totally under wraps.”
“Well, I can assure you, no matter what y’all do, James will be in good hands with me.”
“I know he is.” She lays her hand on mine. “There’s no one I’d trust more.”
Aside from Ellis, I think bitterly. It’s honestly obscene how good he is with the little guy. And don’t even get me started on the way his arms look when he holds him. Honestly, the man’s damn near perfect—until he talks.
“I know you said we didn’t need to pay you, but—”
“Nope.” I cut her off. “It’s my pleasure to watch him. And let’s be real, it’s the least I can do.”
“Don't start,” she says softly, well aware of exactly what I’m referring to.
I’m not sure how someone who’s been through so much can be so understanding… so forgiving of me, but Nora is, and I’m damn sure thankful for it.
“Too late, already started.” I lean down and snatch her shoe box. “And I’m treating you to these since you paid for my nails.”
“Scarlet!” she screeches my name, her cheeks instantly going beet red. “Give those back right now.”
“I will,” I promise. “Right after I pay.”
“Oh my god.” She huffs out a breath. “How did I end up with so many bossy people in my life?”
I grin at her as I tap my card to the reader. “Luck.”
She smiles softly at me and shakes her head. “Yeah, you’re right. Some days, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.”
My heart pinches in my chest because, while I’m over the moon for Nora, a small part of me can’t help but wonder when it’ll be my turn.
SIX
SCARLET
“Are you sure you don’t mind?” my best friend asks for what feels like the billionth time.
“Yes.” I hiss the word, dragging out the S. Let’s be real, the only things my Friday nights ever consist of are The Creek or snuggling up with a new book and Fefe. “I was sure the first time you asked me, and the second, and the third, and I’m sure now. This is your honeymoon trial run. Not to mention, y’all deserve a night out. Some alone time, you know?”
She glances down, flexing her fingers so that both her manicure and engagement ring glitter in the overhead lights. “Logically, I know we do, but...” As if on cue, James, her eleven-month-old starts to fuss. She shoots me a meaningful look as she rushes to pick up her son. “It's just hard leaving him, you know? Especially when he’s cutting teeth.”
My spine stiffens, but I shrug off the discomfort trying to wrap itself around me. Because I most certainly do not know what motherhood is like. I have no clue what it’s like to love another being so deeply, and if I’m being honest, I probably never will. But Nora doesn't mean anything by it—the girl wouldn't even hurt a bug, and I mean that literally. She doesn't even kill spiders. Nope, she makes Atlas capture them and set them free.