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“A very slight exaggeration.” I smirked, picking up my cocktail and taking a sip, “But I know how to inflict serious damage with sharp objects. Why?”
“I have some names and addresses.” Frankie released a hard candy from cellophane wrap, popping it into her mouth. “But whatever. We’ll talk about work some other time. Now let’s celebrate your birthday.”
I frowned. “How can you celebrate a person you don’t know?”
“You’re certified by my sister. Anyone who passes her bar is worthy ofbeing celebrated.”
The plane began rolling before it took off, slicing through dense silvery clouds. I didn’t even ask them where we were going.
Destination was of little importance when you had good company. And these girls were prime BFF material.
“Anyway.” Dallas sucked her thumb clean of crumbs, grabbing a duffel bag from a seat and hurling it into my arms. “Go take a shower and change. We’ll be landing in New York soon.”
New York.
One of my favorite cities.
My heart sang. I slung the duffel over my shoulder and walked to the bathroom, opening the door.
Then, I dropped the bag.
A squeal tore past my lips. “Ari.”
My best friend stood at the threshold, glowing and beautiful and smiling like a loon. “Finally. I’ve been hiding here forages.”
We jumped into each other’s arms, squealing so loud, a raccoon would be jealous. She hugged me tight enough to grind my bones together.
I rocked her side to side. “What are you doing here?”
“Your new bestie called me to surprise you.” She laughed into my ear. “She’s a keeper.”
“Bestie? That was the fastest promotion I’ve ever gotten.” Dallas popped in the doorway, propping a shoulder over the frame. “Then again, it’s also my first ever job position.”
Ari peeled herself from me, giving Dallas a once-over. “Girl, I’m sure you’ve experiencedplentyof positions to get to where you are today.”
Dallas ran a palm over her very pregnant belly. “You have no idea.”
“No, but I want to hear all about it.”
After more squealing and giggling, Ari and Dallas retired to the cabin while I took a lengthy shower, washed and blow-dried my hair, and shrugged on skintight jeans and a designer hoodie Dallas had picked out for me.
The clothes came with a note:
Not every girl wants a dress to feel pretty.
Some dazzle with combat boots and a sword.
One of them has even become my dear friend.
Happy Birthday, F. <3
— Dal
When I finished, the plane was already preparing for landing. Soon enough, the girls and I spilled out onto the tarmac, where a uniformed driver ushered us to Angelo’s.
“Only the best Italian restaurant in NYC.” Dallas kicked her feet up in the back of the limo. “And I’ve been to all of them.”
Ari and Frankie laughed.
