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She constricts me in a breath-stealing embrace. “I won’t be mad if you play and lose with someone else.” She sniffles in my ear.
If only it were that easy. If only I could play cards with someone else and call them my best friend. But I can’t. And I won’t. It’ll never be the same without her.
“Maybe,” I say, not wanting to upset her further.
Loosening her hold on me, she inches back and looks me in the eyes. “Who knows. Maybe if you play with someone new, you’ll finally get a Wild card to play,” she teases.
I think of the Wild card in my back pocket—the one I stole from her UNO deck before she packed it away—and shrug. “If I’m lucky.
But I’d rather she stay than ever get a Wild card playing with someone else.
Luke elbows me in the ribs and snaps me back to the present.
“Ow!” I elbow him back. “What the hell was that for?”
He jerks his chin toward the server, a bowl and plate in his hands. The server repeats the order, looking to verify it’s my order.
“Sorry.” I rub my side. “Spaced out. Chili and cornbread onion rings are mine.”
After he sets the food in front of me, I glance back out the window and scan the sidewalk. The blonde from moments ago is nowhere in sight. And with her disappearance, the twist in my gut vanishes without a trace.
The only thing that doesn’t disappear… the tattered Wild card in my wallet.
FOUR
KIRSTEN
“Love you, too,”I say, blowing a kiss. I dip the brush in the polish and paint the next nail. “When I got home and saw the delivery from Blush Rush, I had to go live and share with everyone.” When I finish the nails on my left hand, I hold it up and show my livestream viewers. “Video doesn’t do this color justice. And one coat is all you need.”
I read comments as they pop up and respond to my followers. In all honesty, I have no idea how I got here—over twenty thousand followers in three years—but am grateful for the online family I’ve garnered.
Blogging about clothes, beauty products, and the occasional dishware item started with me wanting to show off new purchases and brands I loved. Not once did I imagine it becoming what it is now—free products and paid advertising from my favorite brands. Posting pictures or videos once or twice a day and doing live videos a few times a week while I use the latest product is something I would have done regardless. Getting paid to do it is a bonus.
Halfway through my right hand, I make eye contact with my viewers. “Serious question, everyone. Should I get a pet?” I coat the polish brush and move to the next finger. “I’ve never really had a pet.” Finishing the nail, I read their answers.
Girl, doooo it! Could so see you with a cute little kitten ??
#catmomforlife
Cocker spaniel would fit your style to perfection ????
I love my little bun-bun ??
#chinchillalife
Living that puppy life ??
Comments roll in too fast to read, but the consensus is a resounding yes. “Loving this feedback! Thanks everyone.” I finish the last nail and cap the polish. “My family owns a farm, but it’s not quite the same. Cows and chickens never cuddle me on the couch.” I chuckle. “But I guess I never really tried.”
This garners several laughing emojis.
“Between now and my next live, I’ll narrow it down to two possibilities and put up a poll so you can help me decide.” I show off the final result of the nail polish. “Head over to Blush Rush’s website and use KGIRLK for my exclusive discount.”
Lifting the bottle, I display the brand and color one last time, then reiterate why I love the brand and what they will get with each order.
“Thanks for hanging out. Love you all.” I blow them a kiss. “Time to prep for movie night.” With a parting wave, I end the live feed, save it to my profile, then turn off the ring light beside my vanity.
Sliding my nail dryer closer, I press a couple buttons and stick my hand under the cover. When the dryer shuts off, I switch hands and repeat. Nails done and dryer back in place, I fetch my phone from the ring light holder, swipe up the bottle of polish, and exit my room.
