Page 26 of Let Me Keep You

When I look in the mirror, I smile. My hair and makeup are perfect, and I look hot as hell. Confidence doesn’t strike me much because I’m often insecure about my weight. People have commented on how thin I am most of my life, and I still struggle with body image as an adult.

But right now, none of that matters, because Everleigh put me in a dress that accentuates my waist and shows the perfect amount of cleavage for a quick peek. She could be a personal stylist for any body type, and it’s one of the reasons Ever After does so well.

When I go back to the table, I glance at my cell and wonder why Robert hasn’t texted me. He was okay with me canceling tonight because he’s exhausted. He must’ve gone straight to bed after work.

I blink again and notice it’s nearly one in the morning. It feels like we just got here, but that seems to happen every time I hang out with the girls.

“I should probably get going.” Katie yawns.

The booze has probably worn off by now since she stopped drinking hours ago.

“I’ll need to get Owen from my parents after breakfast in the morning. He has a birthday party to go to, and I still have to wrap the gift.”

“You okay to drive?” Tyler asks.

She nods. “I wouldn’t be if I tried to keep up with these two monsters.”

Everleigh laughs and leans over the table to give me a high five.

My head’s woozy. I wish I would’ve passed on that last one. Or maybe stopped three drinks ago.

We say goodbye to Katie.

Everleigh finishes her drink and slaps some cash on the table.

“I should probably get going too.” She slurs her words as she shoves her phone in her bag. She turns to Tyler. “And before you ask, I’ll be fine to walk. This isn’t Vegas.”

Tyler looks at me. “You’re in no shape to drive.”

I can’t even argue with that. I look for my keys in my purse and can’t seem to find them.

“Why don’t you drive her home, Tyler?” Everleigh suggests.

I could kill her.

“I think I should,” he confirms with a nod. I can’t stop staring at his bottom lip and the way his tongue swipes across it. I try to look away, but he’s so damn mesmerizing.

“Okay, fine,” I agree.

It’s better than calling my dad this late or waking Robert. Besides, it might be nice to get Tyler alone without eyes on us.

He lets Everleigh out of the booth.

“My car’s parked at the boutique,” I remind her. “Guess we’re walking some of the way with you after all.”

Just as we’re moving past the bar, a guy turns around with a beer in his hand. He’s not paying attention, and seconds later, he bumps into me. The liquid runs down my dress, and I scream at the sudden cold.

“Are you serious?”

He apologizes, but I groan and keep walking.

Everleigh leans in, looping my arm with hers. “Surprised Tyler didn’t kick that guy’s ass for doing that.”

“Shut up,” I say playfully as she nudges me.

She’s aware of how I felt about Tyler and what happened between us by the end of that summer. While I don’t know what she’s shared with him about me over the years, I’m sure it’s enough to keep him informed.

It’s still humid outside, which doesn’t help how sticky I already feel from the beer I’m wearing. I walk beside Everleigh as she chats about posting our photos early next week. Tyler walks behind us, and I swear I can feel his eyes burning a hole in the back of my head.