Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 43536 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 218(@200wpm)___ 174(@250wpm)___ 145(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 43536 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 218(@200wpm)___ 174(@250wpm)___ 145(@300wpm)
“Not me,” Hendrix says. I look at Journey. She’s shaking her head.
“I’ll go with you.” Our buddy system has been firmly in place since our twenties. We get out of the booth, arms linked together as we walk towards the restroom.
“I love you, Celeste, but if you don’t spill the beans now as to why you’re not drinking, I’m going to think you’re holding out on me.” None of the others noticed her whispered order to the waiter or the fact that her personality hasn’t changed, unlike mine that seems to get so chatty that a sock should be put in my mouth at times.
“Not yet, I don’t. I’m a few days late.” I stop in my tracks right as we reach the door to the ladies’ room, instantly excited for her.
“Oh my gosh, when are you taking the test?” My voice is totally above a whisper. Thankfully, no one is inside once we go in.
“Hopefully tomorrow. I’ll tell you as soon as I know, but be quiet, and while you’ve been pouring your heart out, I’ve done something else, and you’re not allowed to be mad,” Celeste says as I’m finishing up what I came in here to do, then walking out to wash my hands.
“Okay, you act like I’ve ever been upset with you.” Sure, we bicker, have our moments like any other friends do, but not talking or being pissed at one another, it hasn’t happened.
“You might. The guys will be here to pick us up out front in a few minutes, Mace included.”
“Wow, I wasn’t expecting that, and I’m not upset. My plans for getting smashed tonight are out the window, and my nerves have ratcheted up about a million percent. Things need to be said, don’t they?” I am not going to cry, I am not going to cry, I repeat over and over in my head like it’s a daily affirmation.
“They do, and the sooner the better.” I dry my hands, and Celeste pulls me in for a hug, you know, the kind you need from your friend, the one that picks you up when you’re feeling down or kicks your ass when it’s needed. That’s the kind of hug this is.
“You’re right. Who’s taking Hendrix home?” I don’t want her to be alone in a car to be dropped off outside her place in the dead of night.
“Wylder or Nico will take care of her. It’s not your turn tonight to take care of others beside yourself and Mace, okay?”
“Alright, let’s go settle the tab. By then, the guys will be here.” We lock our arms together to walk back towards the bar.
“As if Wylder would ever allow us to pay. You know he’d get upset if we even tried,” she replies.
“Perks of owning the place, huh?” I joke, and we both laugh. I stop five feet from the table. There, standing next to Wylder and Nico, is Mace. He’s not in a suit like he would be if it were during working hours; he’s in jeans, a form-fitting shirt, and his eyes are glued to mine.
“I think we’ll both have some news to talk about tomorrow. Love you Ty.” Celeste squeezes my hand.
“Love you too, CeCe.” She’s already veering off and walking towards Wylder, which is fine because Mace is within reaching distance now.
“Hi,” I breathe out, internally thanking Celeste for making me eat before having the two mixed drinks and a shot tonight before calling it a night.
“Siren.” Mace’s hands move to my hair, running his fingers through it before using it to bring me closer to him. “Get your head on straight?”
“Yeah, I did.” Those three words are all I get out before Mace is taking my mouth, owning me, claiming me, and showing me how much he loves me with a kiss alone.
TWENTY-SEVEN
Mace
“Where are we going?” Tyra asks after our kiss. My hand is on her lower back, guiding her away from the bar, my eyes on the elevator. Celeste did me a favor by texting to let me know that Tyra was ready to be picked up. I didn’t tell either of them that I was going to be at Wylder’s casino with him and Nico. Wylder called and told me to come join him, and even if it was an interrogation, which it wasn’t, I’d have been a dick to turn him down.
“Staying here tonight. Is that okay?” When we were married, I would have never asked if she was alright with me making this decision; I’d have just made the plans and whisked her away.
“Yeah, I’m assuming Von’s at your parents’ house tonight?” I look down, grinning at her. Best damn mother I could have ever asked for.
“He is. Figured you wouldn’t mind. We’ll stay here tonight, get up in the morning, and grab our boy.” Yesterday wasn’t a good day. I didn’t push, but when it came time for Von and me to say our goodbyes and head to my apartment, I told her to call Celeste. I couldn’t fix what Tyra was thinking. There are many things I’m great at, but mind reading ain’t one of them.