Francie: Yeah right Grace. Like Jaxson had NEVER heard that word before Gertie said it. Seriously?
Birdie: Can we focus people? Anyone betting Kres is running scared right now? Cade is coming on strong. Like Stretch Armstrong strong. I hope she can handle it. Big Sexy is bringing the big guns. And I don’t mean his arms.
Gertie: She can handle it. She just needs us to keep our mouths shut and our ears open. We don’t need to spout opinions unless she asks for them. Because we all know who in this group has an opinion about everything and everyone.
Grace: Francie
Birdie: Francie
Gertie: Francie
Francie: Francie. I agree. Geez.
Grace: So, are y’all meeting us at Club Vue tonight? I’m taking Kresley there and should be inside by 6:30 or so. It’s gonna be lit.
Birdie: So, your way of remembering our parents is to get our sister plastered?
Grace: Not plastered. We all know Kres hardly drinks. She just needs to loosen up and dance tonight. She won’t be around Cade so maybe we can all get some more inside info into her thoughts about him. Unless she winds up texting him all night, which is a good possibility.
Francie: Oh, Grace, by the way, Boomer Collins wanted me to double check on you and Jaxson. He didn’t get to see you yesterday but a few minutes, you saying you had to get back to work… and he asked if y’all were okay. *GIF of the word BOOM*
Grace: Seriously? Huh. Okay, thanks for telling me. What’s up with that? He came in and we talked for a few, but I was swamped.
Birdie: Oh my gosh, Gracie. Don’t be a dumbass. The dude likes you. Like, like likes you. Ask him out. Geez, woman.
Grace: I do NOT do the asking out. Ever. That’s the man’s job. And don’t give me any women’s lib shit either. That’s my opinion and the only one that counts. Maybe he’ll get the guts one day.
Gertie: Grace, don’t let opportunity pass you by. You never know what shit will come your way that will change your life forever. And sometimes the love you wanted so bad just becomes a distant memory.
Francie: Gertie, have you scheduled that counseling appointment yet?
Gertie: I have not. Back off. I’m out. See y’all later.
Birdie: ILY guys. Later.
Francie: Later
Chapter Thirteen
Kresley walked into Club Vue with Grace on Friday evening, with knots in her stomach and missing Cade. She loved hanging out with her best friend, but today was just a hard day all around. She had woken up that morning to a sweet text from Cade and then went downstairs to work to find two dozen pink, long stemmed roses, in a beautiful vase, sitting on her desk. Also sitting in her office were her three sisters and Grace, holding a box of her favorite cream cheese danish pastries and her coffee cup ready with her favorite blend. Kresley found the note attached to the flowers and read it silently. Tears formed and flowed from her eyes and wordlessly, she passed the note to Francie to read while she sat down in her office chair.
To my beautiful, lovely Red. I know today will be really difficult to handle, but please know that my heart aches for you and your sisters and I am thinking of you all the entire day. No amount of words, roses or kisses can replace your parents, but I will do all in my power to make sure the only thoughts you have today of your mom and dad are happy ones. Even if that means me singing Part of Your World from The Little Mermaid again. Talk later and I can’t wait to hold you in my arms. Kisses, Cade, aka Big Sexy.
Francie read the note out loud to the group and wiped a small tear away from her eye as well. “Well damn, Kres. You went and got yourself a man. Not just a man, but a man’s man who isn’t afraid to show his feelings. Well done sister. Well done.”
Gertie hugged Kresley and quickly walked outside her office, face pale and emotions churning in her eyes. Kresley wordlessly looked at Francie and told her to head out to see what that was all about. Birdie and Grace each gave her a hug as well and opened up the box of pastries to help her eat her feelings. Soon they left and the office was quiet. Kresley leaned over to smell the beautiful roses and got out her phone.
Kresley: Just got into my office. The roses are beautiful, but the note was so much more than that. How can I possibly top this later on? There’s only so much Kenny Rogers swag I can find to get you. Thank you, baby. Want to share some lunch together here? Name the time and I’ll make sure I’m free.
Cade: Glad you loved them sweetheart. The note came from the heart, which misses you right now. Lunch sounds great. I can do about 12:30. Want me to bring chicken sandwiches and Polynesian?
Kresley: Sounds like winner winner chicken dinner
Cade: Later alligator
Kresley: I’m not saying it.
Cade: Yes you will….come on. Do it. For me?
Kresley: *eye rolling emoji* Fine. After while, crocodile LOL Bye Big Sexy
Cade: *Selfie pic of Cade and Boomer, drinking coffee with thumbs up* Big Sexy and Boomer just chillin’.
Kresley: Idiots
Cade: Maybe. But I’m YOUR idiot.
Kresley: Yep
∞∞∞
Kresley looked around the lit-up club and then to Grace and decided to make the best of the rest of the day. She would text Cade a little later and figure out about seeing him before going to bed tonight. She had spent lunch time with him earlier, but she would miss not getting
