Total pages in book: 139
Estimated words: 130380 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 652(@200wpm)___ 522(@250wpm)___ 435(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 130380 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 652(@200wpm)___ 522(@250wpm)___ 435(@300wpm)
It was closure, and it set me free.
Now, all my time was spent at the shop, and I’d turned a drab, old brick building into my dream parlor, complete with an all-female crew of artists anxiously waiting for our grand opening.
I’d also instilled a little of my best friends into it — a pole for Julep, which she’d already tested and approved, a mini bookstore in the front corner for Giana, which she insisted on being the curator for, and an impressive art collection from local artists for Riley, each piece for sale with the artist taking all the profits. Palico loved spending her time there more than at our condo, since I’d had a custom-built cat tree installed that consisted of various heights and textures.
There was also a gaming corner — a giant screen with an Xbox loaded with games for our clients and staff, alike.
That had been for me.
I just had a few final touches before it would all be ready, and we were planning to open the doors on the first day of summer.
“Alright,” Giana said breathlessly when she returned from the bathroom. “Is the food out yet? I’m ready to eat.”
“Me, too,” Clay said salaciously, and he picked her up like she weighed nothing, scooping her and her long sage dress into his arms.
“You’re a brute,” she said through her laughter, but she clung to him with her rosy cheeks and let him carry her to the wedding party table where our dinner was being served.
The garden filled with cheers as Julep and Holden were introduced as husband and wife for the first time, and once they were seated at the table with us, the band played softly while the staff served a dinner fit for the president. Julep’s mom had taken over so much of the planning that it didn’t surprise me one bit. It felt like a southern ball, but with a boho touch.
Leo drew circles on my knee with his fingertips under the table, his other hand shoveling food into his mouth as we all talked and laughed through dinner.
It was the most bittersweet feeling, because we all knew that we wouldn’t be together like this very often now that we were all spread out over the country. Riley and Zeke would be in Boston, Holden and Julep in Charlotte, Clay and Giana in Denver since Clay had been drafted to the Broncos, and Leo and I would round out the stretch in Minneapolis.
Giana must have really been feeling it, because as our plates were being cleared and we were about to make our way to the dance floor, she started bawling.
“I’m sorry,” she said, taking Clay’s handkerchief when he offered it to her. She dabbed at the corner of her eyes, shaking her head, her wild curls bouncing with the movement. “I just… I love you all so much.”
“We love you, too, G,” I said, reaching over to squeeze her hand with mine.
“I bet some dancing will make you feel better,” Julep said as she stood, and once again, I was breathless looking at her. She was the most beautiful bride.
“Psh, I know what will make her feel better,” Clay argued, putting his arm around Giana. “A trip to the bookstore tomorrow. I saw you eyeing that little one downtown when we were on our way to the hotel.”
Giana smiled up at him through bleary eyes. “You know the way to my heart.”
“I think Clay only pretends like he does it for you when we all know what the kinky bastard really wants is more highlighted pages to re-enact,” Zeke said with a smirk.
“Two birds, one stone,” Clay confirmed. “Though at this point, I’m pretty sure we’ve done it all.”
“TMI,” Riley said, standing and folding her napkin before dropping it to the table.
“Well,” Giana said, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. “There is one trope we haven’t tried yet.”
“If you’re referring to the reverse harem shit, I’ve already told you — I don’t share.” Clay looked almost murderous with that comment, which made us all laugh.
“No,” Giana said with a laugh of her own. “Um… I was thinking more… accidental pregnancy.”
Clay laughed, kissing her temple. “Yeah. Sure.”
But the rest of us were frozen still.
Because Giana did not look like she was joking.
She watched Clay with worry etched in every feature, wringing her little hands in her lap. When Clay saw us all staring at her, he found her again, and his face went snow white.
He searched her eyes, a thousand questions in his, and then he trailed that gaze down to her stomach.
Giana unfolded her hands and smoothed them over her flat belly, framing it in a little heart.
“Wait…” Clay swallowed, his eyes snapping back to hers. “You’re… You’re really…”
“Yes,” she whispered.
I clamped a hand over my mouth, tears springing to my eyes as Julep let out a little squeal. But no one moved, not as we waited for it all to sink in for Clay.