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“Couldn’t miss this.”
“You have been working outside your hours. What’s so important?”
“Being the first to see you and get the tea. How was your trip?”
“Best vacation of my life. Thanks for helping with the salon.”
Her eyes drop to my left hand and fill with disapproval.
“Don’t say it,” I warn.
“Say what?”
“Whatever smart-ass remark is brewing.”
She can’t help herself. “What’s he waiting for?”
I’m ready to shut this down when it dawns on me. Shayla is my friend.
Talking to Harley and Jewls hasn’t occurred to me since they are woven tight into the men’s lives. Both are also in the glow of the honeymoon phase. Harley’s known Ace forever, and Jewls and Major took their relationship at supersonic speed.
Shayla’s been my cheerleader since the beginning and is as loyal as they come.
She’s also honest. Her perspective is usually spot on.
I check the schedule, thankful there’s a while before my first appointment, and motion for Shayla to follow me upstairs.
Something about the studio is different, and it takes a minute for me to spot a suitcase in the corner.
“Are you staying here?”
“Yeah, sorry I didn’t ask, but you were away.”
“I don’t mind at all, but why?”
“I never planned on moving in with my parents at twenty-eight. I love being back here but miss my sense of freedom.”
“Understandable. Living in Europe for all those years must have been invigorating.”
“It was, but,” she shakes her head, “nope, not changing the subject. What’s on your mind?”
“Ford told me to marry him.”
Her eyes light up and she grins approvingly. “Thank God, I was hoping you didn’t get the putz of the group.”
“Did you hear me? He told me to marry him. After we had a heated debate about me contributing to the house and him shutting me down.”
“I can tell you’re worked up about some things. I’ll reserve judgment until you come clean.”
She listens keenly, never interrupting, even when her expression screams she’s dying to jump in.
When I’m done, she stares past me, contemplating her response.
“I don’t agree it’s too soon.”
“Really? It’s been four months.”
“Time is irrelevant in these situations. But you need a better explanation of his job and career choices.”
