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I climbed inside and turned on the engine. She purred to life, and I buckled up, ready to put my sadness on hold for a while. Ten minutes later, I parked in front of Gabby’s home. Locking up the vehicle, I hurried to the covered entryway, but before I could knock, the door flew open.
“Hey, babe!” Gabby pulled me in for a big hug before ushering me inside.
“Bitch, it’s about time.” Everlee jumped off the grey leather sofa and hurried to me, her hazel eyes flashing with excitement.
“Hey.” I laughed as Everlee grabbed my arm and dragged me through the living room and into the kitchen.
She waved her hand to the collection of alcohol on the dark, antique table that could easily seat six people.
My brows arched while my attention swept over the cider, beer, vodka, rum, and tequila.
Everlee flashed me a big smile. “What’s your poison?”
“Holy shit. I’ve never seen this much alcohol outside of a supermarket before.”
“Oh? You don’t drink?” Everlee cocked her head and tapped her finger against her chin. “You don’t even need to answer me. I can tell by the bewildered expression on your face that you don’t. So, let’s start with something light so you don’t take a trip to hangover city that ends with you on the floor, worshipping the porcelain throne.”
Gabby strolled in after us and grabbed a cider, her big emerald-green eyes filled with interest. She flipped her straight brown hair behind her shoulder, popped open the can, and handed it to me. “Right in time for fall and the upcoming Halloween season. I think you’ll like the Bad Apple Cider. It’s made here in Oregon.”
I held the can close to my nose and took a sniff. “It smells good.” Taking a small sip, I smacked my lips afterward. “Hmm, I think I like it.”
I followed the girls back into the living room, where we all plopped down on the couch or matching recliners. Finally, taking a good look at the decor, I noted what I liked. My white-walled house felt bland, and I wanted to spruce it up. Other than the dark wood floors, grey furniture, and big flat-screen television that was mounted over the fireplace, the one thing they had in abundance was photos—pictures of them with other cheerleaders, with their families, and on summer vacations. My friends were beaming or laughing in all of them. My heart plummeted to my toes. I had plenty of pictures, but Gabby and Everlee seemed to have what I didn’t—a sense of belonging. The friends I had back in Tennessee, I could count on one hand. For some reason, it was difficult for me to connect and feel like I fit in. It was as if I were standing on the outside of my life looking in, and I had no clue why. The feeling of belonging and safety that I craved, I only felt with my family.
Even though I was on the cheer team in Tennessee, I would rather have spent a Friday night at home with my nose in a good book than hang out at a party. My ex-boyfriend Marc had other ideas, though. We attended all the social events and were in the small town’s spotlight since he was the high school running back and super popular. I learned to plaster a perma-smile on my face and fast. A part of me was relieved when we broke up before we started college across the country from each other.
This is a new start, and Marc took your secret with him.
Recalling that Gabby had asked about my new house, I glanced at the floor, then at the girls. “It’s quiet.” I ran the tip of my finger along the rim of the can. “But I’ll adjust.”
“You’ve made a big move from Tennessee,” Gabby said. “Plus, this is your first year in Oregon, where the winter is dark and wet.”
“Any tips on how to get used to all the rain?” I took another drink, then rested the can on my thigh.
“Alcohol and sex,” Everlee blurted, giggling.
I snickered. “I’m down with that. The alcohol is new, but I left my ex-boyfriend back home, so the well is dry.” I wiggled my brows.
Everlee laughed. “Girl, same. I need a man to dip his wick in my honeypot.”
“There’s a party this weekend, so you can peruse the inventory there. Or I can set you up with a hottie from the football team. There’s a new player this year, but I know him from high school. His name is Mason.”
“Oh, he’s yummy,” Everlee chimed in.
I gave a half shrug. “Will you girls stay close to me at the party if I say yes?”
“Of course! We all stick together. Then later, if we have a hookup, we split up,” Gabby explained.
“Then why not? I have nothing to lose.” I raised my drink to them. “To amazing friends and good boy toys.”
The room filled with our cheers as we toasted.
Over the next few hours, I sipped my cider and chatted about the upcoming football season, classes, and guys. Once again, I was super grateful I’d met these girls before school started. For just a while, the loneliness was held at bay.
It was nearly ten when I arrived back at my new place. At least there were four other houses around mine, which helped the move not feel so daunting. I would have preferred a roomie, but I couldn’t risk it.
Walking to the mailbox, I spotted a piece of mail on the sidewalk. I knelt and scooped up the black envelope.
“Hmm, no return address.” I stared at the gold calligraphy, my brows knitting together. Only a first name appeared on the front, which meant I couldn’t give it to her since I didn’t know anyone named Sasha. I flipped it over, realizing the back of the envelope was unsealed.
