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“So, what you’re saying is, Everleigh hasn’t changed one bit since I left?”
“Are you kidding me? Not much has changed around here at all,” I say, smiling. “Everleigh’s the same smartass she’s always been.”
Tyler looks at me. “You have.”
My lips fall open, and it’s like everything around us disappears. “No, I haven’t.”
Then I replay what’s happened since he’s been gone, and I realize he’s right. I’mnotthe same naïve eighteen-year-old girl who thought he could rope the moon.
He arches a challenging brow. “Sure about that?”
Nervously, I shrug. “Well, maybe a little.”
Everleigh butts in. “We’re all more mature and doing pretty good in life. Katie has a son. I have a business. And Gemma has a fiancé.”
“And I have a record! Yay me!” Tyler adds with a sarcastic edge in his voice.
I’m relieved when more alcohol arrives, but I’m at the point where I can’t feel my lips. I stand to go to the restroom, and the room rocks sideways. Regardless, I continue forward, and that’s when it’s confirmed that I’m trashed. At least the edge is gone, though it’s starting to mess with my emotions and thoughts, which can’t be a good thing for me right now.
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. Over the years, people have made various comments about how thin I am, asked if I had an eating disorder, and have even suggested I need to eat a cheeseburger or two. I’ve heard it most of my life and still continue to struggle with body image so damn much even as an adult. I’ve tried to accept my petite size, but it’s hard for me to gain weight. 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 totally 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. My eyes go wide because it feels like we just got here, but that seems to happen every time I hang out with the girls.
At nearly the same time, Katie notices how late it is too. “I should probably get going.” She yawns. The booze must’ve worn off because 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, and she nods.
“I wouldn’t be if I tried to keep up with these two monsters,” she teases.
Everleigh leans over the table and gives me a high five, laughing. My head feels woozy, and I wish I would’ve passed on that last one. Or maybe stopped three drinks ago.
We say goodbye to Katie as she gets up and makes her way out. Everleigh finishes her drink and slaps some cash on the table.
“I should probably get going too.” Everleigh slurs her words as she shoves her phone in her bag. She turns to Tyler. “Before you ask, I’ll be fine to walk. This isn’t Vegas.”
Then he glances 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, and 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 swallow hard and try to look away, but he’s so damn mesmerizing.
“Okay,” I tell him. It’s better than calling my dad this late or waking Robert. This would be the least inconvenient solution. Also, it might be nice to get Tyler alone without eyes on us.
He stands and lets Everleigh out of the booth. “My car is 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 yelp at the coldness.
“Are you serious?” My dress soaks it in, and 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 it. 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.
Though it’s late, it’s still humid as hell, 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.
“Good night, you two,” Everleigh sing-songs when the storefront comes into view. She waves her fingers with a teasing smirk. “I’ll text you tomorrow!”
