She draws her sigh out long enough for me to notice. “I’m gonna lose my bestie to the country, huh?”
I crinkle my brow. “Why do you say that?”
“The truth is literally staring at me. You might as well be wearing a neon sign.” She gestures at my features.
“I don’t know,” I evade.
“You do,” she prods.
I suck air between my teeth. “Nothing is official yet.”
Vannah pouts. “You’d stay even if you don’t patch things up with farmer boy?”
With the subject set free, I feel the cinch around my chest loosen. “Yeah, I really love this town. Getting a job is a pretty important part of that decision, though.”
“Then I’m happy for you.”
I squint at her. “I figured you’d put up more of a fuss.”
She glances at some random spot behind me. “Eh, who am I to argue with a case of the feels?”
I only need a moment to peel away her top layer. “Did you meet someone?”
“I meet a lot of people on the daily,” she hedges.
“That’s not vague or anything.”
“We’re not talking about me and my very bland dating life. Tell me about lover boy and why you’re playing hard to get.”
“Real nice, Van. This isn’t my fault.” I pause at that tiny inaccuracy. “Well, not the majority of it. Reeve started the fight with a vengeance. He let me go. That’s telling enough.”
“Stupid boy,” she mutters.
I bob my head. “I’ll drink to that.”
Vannah snaps her fingers. “Yes, girl. It’s going to be like the old days.”
A huff escapes me. “As in last winter?”
“Yep, when we obsessed over dumb guys. This is so familiar.”
I allow that chain to link me back around. “Yeah, yet far more serious. Reeve started apologizing a day after the fact, but the damage was done. It’s taking time for me to get over that.”
“He has to prove his feelings. I get it.”
“Yes, exactly.” I tug at the loose braid dangling over my shoulder.
“But it’s been three weeks,” she hints.
“I’m well aware.”
“You’re miserable, Auds. Why continue torturing yourself?”
“Guilt? Anger? Stubborn pride? He was really mean, Van. I haven’t been brave enough, or emotionally secure enough, to hash things out with him again. Call me a wimp, and I’ll agree with you. Maybe I’m scared,” I admit.
“Of him?” Her eyes blow open wide.
I burst into a fit of laughter but sober when her expression becomes more stricken. “Oh, you’re serious. Absolutely not. Reeve is the opposite of threatening. I meant afraid in the sense of what that conversation will include and the outcome.”
“Considering he’s calling enough that you send him straight to voicemail, I’d assume the outcome would be positive.”
“I want to keep him.” I sound petulant.
Vannah snorts. “Tell me something that’s not obvious.”
“Do you think it’s possible?” I chew my bottom lip.
She hikes a shoulder. “Why not?”
“We’re too different?”
She clucks her tongue. “That’s a stretch, seeing as you clearly fit right in here. Don’t create more problems for yourself. Do you love him?”
My heart flutters at the word. That’s the real kicker. “Yes, very much.”
“There you have it, Auds. Does he know how you feel?”
“Maybe?”
Vannah combs her fingers through her hair. “That’s a fantastic opening line for your reunion. After the makeup sex, of course.”
I roll my eyes. “Of course.”
“Why else would couples fight? The wild passion needs an outlet.” She wiggles her brows.
“I guess,” I drawl.
“You’ll see. He’s gonna nail you to the wall.” It sure sounds like she’s speaking from experience.
A shiver courses through me—the first thrill I’ve experienced in weeks. “I haven’t talked to him yet. Let’s not get carried away.”
Vannah waves that away. “You’ll be banging by sunset.”
“That’s pretty optimistic.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll be delivering the bright side until Sunday morning. Speaking of, what are those?” She points to the vase on my desk.
Heat crawls up my neck. “Oh, um, Reeve had them dropped off. They’re paper flowers with my favorite Friends quotes.”
She lets her jaw hang open. “Wow, that’s really romantic.”
I flick her arm. “Be strong, Vannah. He was a super-size dick to me.”
“Hey, I’m not excusing what he did. Just making an observation.” She shrugs.
My gaze automatically flits to the latest peace offering. I sobbed for a good twenty minutes while reading each petal earlier. Reeve’s groveling game is top-notch. I’m still swooning over the collage he made of our never-ever dates. After my moment of reminiscing, clarity slaps me upside the head. What the hell am I waiting for? “I miss him. A lot. He needs to be forgiven. I think he’s proven himself worthy of a phone call.”
“At the very least.”
“I have to figure out what I want to say,” I murmur while my pulse spikes. It’s been three weeks of silence on my end. A freaking dam is close to bursting inside of me.
“It’ll just pour out of you. I can smell a fairy-tale ending.” She wafts air toward her nose and inhales deeply. “But first, you’re going to show me how to party in the country.”
“Well, duh. But I’m still a rookie,” I warn. “A bar off Main Street serves shandy.”
She spins her finger in a circle. “Pack up this pony show. We’re going drinking.”
I do just that, hustling to my collection of bags. “A third will be joining our evening shenanigans, by the way. I already made plans with Bea before you showed up.”
Vannah gasps. “Is she my replacement?”
I snort. “As if anyone could replace your sexy ass.”
She slaps her butt. “You’re right. Those squats are paying off. So, Bea? She better enjoy the sauce, or I’ll look like a drunk.”
“You do a fine job of that all on your own.”
She whoops loudly. “My feisty bitch is back, ladies and gents. It’s gonna be a wild night.”
A text notification beeps from my pocket, interrupting us. I contemplate ignoring his words, but I’m a weak woman. Plus, Vannah’s expectant expression weakens my resolve.
Farmer: I hope your last day of second grade
