Wren smirked. “One who always looks like he wants to eat you.”
“Looks aren’t deceiving.”
Must be freaking nice.
I couldn’t remember the last time Josh had gone down on me. If oral virginity was a thing, mine had grown back. And it wouldn’t be long before my regular virginity followed suit.
A depressing thought.
Maddie gave herself a little shake like she was clearing her head. “Even if you can’t tell me anything, I’m so excited for you. All those movie nights, and now you’ll get to see theactualfilming.”
“Maybe. If it fits around my school schedule,” I pointed out.
And he doesn’t fire me first.
I left that part unsaid.
Maddie looked like she wanted to gush more, but she must’ve read my anxiety. Her expression softened. “It’ll be perfect. I know it.”
“I know it, too,” Wren said as she stood. “I also know I need the bathroom.”
“Same.” Maddie followed her lead by standing before leveling me with tipsycome-hithereyes. “Make this a group affair?”
I shook my head. “I’ll guard our table.”
The dive bar was starkly different from Golden, but just as busy. If we all got up, our drinks would be set on a windowsill and our seating long gone.
I watched as they walked off, suddenly realizing that they looked like they’d swapped styles. Maddie had always worn a lot of baggy jeans and cropped tees while Wren favored pretty dresses and feminine clothes that accentuated her short, curvy body. But right then, Maddie wore a dress for the second night in a row while Wren had stuck to plain jeans and a loose tee. I hadn’teven been aware she owned either. It nearly matched my outfit, though my shirt was more fitted.
Comfort over all else.
A happy woman after my own heart.
I finished my drink just as another round was dropped off. I waved at the small group of women Maddie knew from the school newspaper who’d sent it over, clearly hearing our celebrations. Or maybe they were kissing up to her since her movie feature had earned her all kinds of pull with her editor-in-chief.
Whatever the case, I was happy to accept the free booze.
I’m going to regret this tomorrow.
Pulling out my phone, I snapped a picture of the drinks and posted it on Instagram. I channeled optimism I didn’t feel into the caption.
Celebrating my new job with a bar full of lovely people who keep sending over rounds.
Think anyone will send some mozzarella sticks next?
I’d just hit post when the other two returned. Maddie grabbed her Dirty Shirley, but Wren pushed her margarita away.
“You okay?” I asked.
“Tired. The early mornings every single day are warping my schedule.”
“Hate to tell you this, but I think those early morningsareyour schedule. At least for ten months out of the year.”
A soft, content smile curved her mouth, but she didn’t respond before her phone vibrated on the table. She checked it before rolling her eyes at me. “Of course you Instagrammed this.”
“I had to.”
“At least you only took a picture of the drinks this time,” Maddie muttered with a disgruntled sigh.
