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My eyes meet hers in the mirror and my heart feels happy because this is what having a friend feels like. All my life I was always on the outside… the quiet girl, the nerdy girl, Beckett’s little sister, Coach’s daughter. But tonight I’m Delaney. Not Laney. Not Baby Becks.
Delaney Elizabeth Beckett that lives in Chicago, works at Wilder House and is friends with Avery Cole.
“Thank you.” My eyes shine with tears and Avery gives me a little squeeze. She gets it. I’ve told her what school was like for me. Terrible. She and her sister, Ivy, haven't had it easy either. I’m so glad our paths crossed. She was a friend worth waiting for.
“You're welcome. But if you make either of our mascara run I’m going to tighten that corset.” She teases, and I shake off the emotions clogging my throat and take one last look before the car arrives.
My green eyes look even greener, with smoky shadow surrounding them. Avery has somehow convinced me to leave my hair down in loose curls instead of piling it on top of my head, brown locks falling wildly around my shoulders. The only thing remotely literary about me is the Pride and Prejudice purse I’m carrying which looks like an actual book.
“I look like Elizabeth Bennet has an OnlyFans.”
Avery’s laugh fills the bathroom. “Mr. Darcy would’ve proposed before the first ball.”
“Indeed.” I fight a smile. Honestly, I needed this.
The last couple weeks have been work and apartment listings and Bishop and I becoming exceptionally talented at existing in the same place without actually spending much time together unless it’s breakfast or occasionally sharing dinner on the couch.
I haven’t been to another game.
Not Utah.
Not Alaska.
Not Anaheim.
Not LA.
Every excuse has been valid. Mostly.
Tonight is a much needed girl’s night and a chance to go out like a grown adult without a babysitter. With half the office traveling, I’m working remotely tomorrow. No train. No alarm before sunrise. According to Avery, this means I’m morally obligated to make bad decisions. Starting with a Halloween event in River North.
My phone vibrates on the counter.
Ken: Working late?
I stare at it.
Avery appears over my shoulder.
“Is that him?”
“No.”
“It literally says Ken.”
“Then why did you ask?”
“Because I enjoy watching you lie.”
I elbow her away and type.
Me: Going out with Avery. Don’t you have a game?
Three dots appear.
Ken: Halloween thing?
He ignores my question because we both know he’s currently at Ignite Arena.
