Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 97079 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 485(@200wpm)___ 388(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97079 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 485(@200wpm)___ 388(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
“There’s a vibe between you and Essie.”
Of course he’s noticed. He’s irritatingly perceptive. “There’s no vibe between me and Essie.”
“The way you’re gripping the steering wheel tells me that’s a load of bullshit.” He nods toward my hands. “But if you’re not ready to talk about it, that’s fine.”
“There’s nothing to talk about.”
My phone buzzes in the holder, and the screen lights up with a new message.
“Who’s Cotton Candy?” Flip asks.
“No one.” I manage to grab it a split second before Flip. Thank fuck. He tries to steal it out of my hand, but I slide it into my pants pocket.
“No one, eh? Is that why your face is beet red and you look like you’re halfway between a heart attack and jizzing in your pants?”
“Leave it alone, Flip.”
He holds up his hands. “All right. Backing off.”
He talks about how much fun the stag and doe will be since his teammate, Dallas Bright, has offered to host it at his parents’ place on Lake Vernon in Huntsville. I’ve been there once, for Dallas and Hemi’s engagement party. I let him talk while I sweat. I swear my phone is burning in my pocket.
As soon as we get home, I lock myself in my bedroom and pull my phone out.
I quickly change Cotton Candy to Essie in my contacts and open her message.
My stomach flips and sinks.
There’s only one new one.
Essie
Here are the links to all the spreadsheets. I hope you enjoy the book.
I swallow down guilt as I read the ones above it, dating back six years ago.
Nate
I’ll call you tomorrow.
Essie
Can’t wait
But I didn’t call. Or message. I ghosted her and moved to Kingston for university a few weeks later. It wouldn’t have worked out. She stayed in Toronto with Rix. Kingston was a three-hour drive away. But I was still an asshole. Still am an asshole now.
Nate
Got it. Thx.
Essie
So you can text back. Good to know.
What else can I say when it’s far too late for sorry?
CHAPTER 3
ESSIE
Nate
I don’t have edit access to the spreadsheets, and I found an error.
Essie
No you didn’t.
Nate
I did.
Essie
Screenshot it.
I’m not sure if you’re aware, but there’s a bridal shower happening today, and I’m a little busy.
Nate
So am I. Give me edit access and I’ll fix it.
Essie
Say please.
Nate
Please.
Essie
In a voice memo. Three times.
Nate
*shifty eyes GIF* Why?
Essie
*bats lashes GIF*
Ipocket my phone. As fun as this is, I don’t have time to pander to Nate. My tablet is in hand, checklist ready for ticking—I love a good checklist—as I survey the hall. The decorations are on point, everything looks perfect, and guests should start arriving soon.
“What can I help with?” Tally, the Toronto Terror’s head coach’s daughter and good friend to me and my younger sister Cammie, appears at my side with her friend Fee. She’s the younger sister of Terror assistant coach Lexi Forrester. Well, Lexi was a Forrester until she married the team’s recently retired goalie, Roman Hammerstein. Now they are both Forrest-Hammers.
“Put us both to work,” Fee insists.
“Can you two help Rix’s mom with the centerpieces, please? There should be one for every table. They come in two parts, and there is some assembly required.”
“Absolutely.” They turn toward the table behind me. “Oh! Oh my gosh! Did Rix’s mom make these?”
I nod. “Hand painted every single one.” Wooden figurines of Rix and Tristan sit on a flat wooden circle, cut from a birch tree, surrounded by mini flower wreaths.
“They are adorable,” Tally gushes.
Rix’s mom, who everyone calls Muffy, appears. She’s wearing a pretty summer dress, with hair and makeup done by yours truly, looking nervous and excited. My own mother is right behind her. She’s dressed in pants and a pale blouse, also fitting for the summer weather.
“Everything looks wonderful!” Mom pulls me in for a quick hug. “You’ve done an amazing job, honey.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I grew up in a home full of love and support. “I have two volunteers to help you and Momma Muffy with the centerpieces.”
“This is so fantastic, Essie.” Muffy is on the verge of tears, and has been for the past hour. “You really went above and beyond.”
“Rix deserves the best and more.” I kiss her cheek and turn toward our friends. “Tally and Fee, this is Muffy, Rix’s mom and Athena, my mom.”
The girls wave hello.
“Tally and Fee.” She glances between them. “Are you part of Rix’s Babe Brigade?” She looks to me for confirmation. “Isn’t that what your group of girlfriends is called?”
I grin. “That’s right.”
“It’s so lovely to finally meet you.” She hugs both girls, her smile wide and soft, eyes a little watery. “Rixie is surrounded by so many wonderful people.”
“She’s an amazing friend.” I give Muffy another little squeeze.
“And an incredible daughter.” Pride lights up Muffy’s face. “Always so responsible. Dinner would have been a sad affair in our house without her.”
“She could make a gourmet meal out of onions, bread, and cheese,” I agree.