“Oh, sweet girl. You don’t know how much I needed that. I’ve felt like a total Frumpy McFrumperson lately.”
Abby rolls her eyes, but there’s a smile tugging at her lips. Presently, I’m the most uncool person in her life. At the cusp of her teen years, she thinks she knows everything and I know next to nothing. I was disappointed when she screwed up big time back in the summer, accidentally sharing country music star Austin James’s location, leaving the whole thing to go viral. The paparazzi showed up and everything. After being grounded for a month, I’m pretty sure she learned her lesson, and our relationship has improved. She opens up to me more, meanwhile I’ve tried to take my friends Penny and Lisa’s advice and keep my face neutral no matter what she tells me. This is a feat, in and of itself. I wear my feelings splashed all over my face.
“Please never say that again. But you’re not a—whatever you just said.” Abby waves a hand. “You’re pretty. Will Killian called you a MILF at lunch last week. I think I threw up a little in my mouth.”
I burst out laughing when Abby’s nose wrinkles in disgust.
“Why do you think your general art class is full of guys?” she adds. “It’s gross. Now come on, or we’ll be late.”
Unlike me, Abby despises being late, acting like the world will end if we’re even slightly behind schedule.
And today is special.
The novelty of having Austin in our small town may have worn off for most, but not for Abby. She’s still his number one fan. And today, all of Singing River will have our own private Austin James concert.
The screen door slams, interrupting us. Jay is already walking Smudge down the sidewalk, and Abby rushes to catch up. I find my shoes in the pile at the front door, slide them on, and head outside. Fallen leaves crunch beneath my feet as the three of us make our way downtown. With its uneven cobblestone street and mismatched storefront facades, my tiny town has everything, from the bookstore and bar if you need an escape from reality, to Jackson’s diner, where you can eat till you’re stuffed and learn the town gossip all in one sitting. It might look like nothing more than a kitschy little town to some, but to me it’s home.
I hear the buzz of the crowd before I see it. It looks like all of Singing River turned up today. Henry the barber scurries around, setting up extra tables and chairs while Ed, Liam, and his dad Greg—all members of the studio band—help with mics and speakers on the stage that’s been erected at the north end of Main Street. Volunteers stand off to the side, frying turkeys, the smells wafting my way, along with the aroma of every casserole one could imagine. A small line has already formed near the food, and I rush to put my cakes on the dessert table.
“Josie, how’s your grandmother?” Olivia, who owns the florist shop, looks at me from where she’s arranging a bouquet on the nearest table.
Infusing my voice with lightness I don’t feel, I adopt a bright smile. “Eh—today was a good day. Better than some.”
“I sure miss seeing her around town,” she says softly. “Been thinking of you. Hang in there, girl.” She turns back to her flowers, and I have to swallow the lump that is trying its damndest to set up residence in my throat.
My emotions have been so out of whack lately. Penny’sconstantly repeating the words I’ve been saying to her the last few years. “We can do hard things.”
Despite the day’s emotions, I’m still excited for this Friendsgiving celebration. Being a self-proclaimed extrovert, anytime all my friends are in one place together, I can’t help but feel overcome with happiness. I’m not the easiest pill to swallow, so the fact my friends stick with me means a lot. In many ways, they give me life, recharging my energy like a shot of endorphins to my system.
I head to where Lisa sits with Ed’s wife, Susan, and take the seat across from them. Abby’s a few chairs down, smiling shyly at a boy from band. She denies she has a crush on him, but I know better. Penny slides into the chair next to me, and I give her a once over, a mischievous grin touching my lips.
“You look like you’ve been thoroughly fucked.” Shimmying my shoulders, I purr. “Simply ravaged.”
It comes out louder than I intend, and Penny slaps a hand over my mouth. “You are so damn loud, Josie. There are families present. Pipe down.”
She removes her hand, and I aimlessly reach to fluff her red hair—and that’s when I spot the raspberry love mark, dark against her porcelain skin.
Grinning, I cut my eyes to her neck, lowering my voice so only she can hear. “And failing to cover that hickey, by the way.”
Her hand flies to her neck. “Well, shit. I thought I had it covered up. We’re like freaking teenagers, Jo. It’s all we wanna do.”
“Well, you two are in love and were apart for several weeks. You’re making up for lost time. Plus, you’re hot, Penny girl! Honestly, today you’re glowing.”
“Yeah, well. I’m a basket case over this performance. I’ve been jittery all morning.”
I reach over and squeeze her hand. “You’ve got this. It’s gonna be great.”
What the rest of our little town doesn’t know is today Pennywill make her performing debut on stage with Austin. His family even flew in from Texas for the event. I’ll finally meet his aunt and uncle who raised him, and his sister Cassie, along with his mom and cousin. Penny probably told me everyone’s names, but I’ve been so busy, I’m sure it went in one ear and out the other.
Penny stands when she spots Austin striding our way, and when her back is turned he winks at me over his shoulder. Penny’s my best friend—maybe not a sister by blood, but the sister I choose. Today really is full of secrets, because, what she doesn’t know is, today she’ll be engaged to Austin James.
A month ago, Austin showed up at my door alone, and I knew. He’d already been to Penny’s parents’ gravesite for one-on-one time there, and he’d been to see Greg, our friend Lisa’s husband and Penny’s father figure. Lastly, he said he couldn’t propose without also talking to me. Of course, I gave him my blessing.
As Austin takes the stage, a tall, dark-haired guy steps up next to Penny. With his back turned, I can’t see his face, but what I can see has my mouth going dry. A white button-down is stretched across his broad back, the sleeves rolled up. And navy slacks accentuate a deliciously firm ass. He exudes masculinity.
Leaning across the table, I whisper to Lisa, “Who in the Harvey Specter is that?” I nod my head to the guy.
Lisa chuckles, looking to where Penny and the newcomer stand. “Austin’s manager, I think. Greg mentioned him but I forget his name. I think he’s also Austin’s cousin.”
