“I don’t disagree,” Amelia confesses, twirling a lock of her long blonde hair around her fingers. “And I think she’s starting to realize that too. She didn’t even go out last night.”
I roll my eyes in annoyance. “She’s just so overcome with guilt that she can’t even go out. Boo friggin’ hoo.”
Amelia’s jaw drops and her eyes widen at my response. “Someone is feeling salty today. What’s got you all fired up?”
I try to suppress the grin that’s blooming, but I can’t. When a deep blush paints my cheeks, I look away. “I don’t know what you’re talking about…”
“Norah!” Amelia gasps and grabs my arm. “Did something happen with Eamon? Did you two finally…” she wags her eyebrows.
I make a high-pitchedeeknoise and bury my face in my hands. I’m not ashamed of sleeping with Eamon, but this is a big deal for me, and I know my friends will want to know every little detail, no matter how intimate.
“You did! Oh my god! Norie! This is huge! Tell me everything!” Amelia demands.
I finally look at her and give her the cliff notes version, with enough detail to satisfy her without being too explicit. Some things are meant to be keptbetween Eamon and me anyway.
Amelia is practically convulsing with excitement. “Have you told anyone else?”
“No, you’re the first person I’ve seen, let alone talked to today, besides Eamon.” I shrug.
“Are yougoingto tell the others?” Amelia questions.
“I assumed I would, but maybe not with as much detail,” I say, winking at her.
“Damn. I need to get me an Irish guy. Are the other two single?”
“Well,” I say with a laugh. “Teagan and Layla have been hanging out a little and apparently Ro has it bad for Alicia. But maybe one of them has a cousin.”
We sit and talk for a little while longer before Amelia has to leave, deciding to have a girls’ night so I can fill everyone in at once. I even agreed to let Myra come just to appease Amelia, but I’m not going to let her off the hook so easily.
I send out a group text inviting them over tonight. It’s a long shot that they’ll all be able to make it, but I’m hopeful.
Amelia:You KNOW I’m in! I’ll bring beer!
Charlie:Yeah girl, I’m down. I’ll bring chips and dip!
Layla:Holy shit, I’m actually free tonight!
Amelia:Myra, cancel whatever plans you have going on and make it a point to be here! I WILL drag your ass here if I have to!
Myra:Okay, okay, calm your tits. I’ll be there.
I grin at the exchange between my girlfriends. We all live such different lives, but we each have unique qualities that complement the other. I can’t imagine my life without them. They’re more than just my best friends. They’re my family. The sisters I never had growing up.
* * *
It’s late, but we’re all sitting on my living room floor, furniture pushed out of the way to make room for all of us. In the center of our circle is a spreadof snacks and alcohol that we’ve been digging into like a bunch of teenagers at a sleepover. I just finished confessing how Eamon and I took the next step in our relationship, and they’re all beside themselves. They beg me for all of the dirty details, gush over Eamon singing to me when he thought I was asleep, and told me countless times how much of alucky bitchI am for snagging such a sexy man. I laugh until my sides hurt, enjoying the buzz of the alcohol and estrogen-fueled girl talk.
“Our little Norah is all grown up now!” Charlie fake cries as she drains her glass of wine.
“Shut up,” I shove her shoulder playfully. “I’m still me!”
“Of course you are, honey,” Amelia cuts in. “But now you have a fine piece of man warming your bed!”
“Where is the man in question, tonight?” Layla asks around a mouth full of chips.
“He had a paper to finish, so I’m assuming he’s at his place. WithTeagan.” I say pointedly, tossing a grape at her.
Layla blushes furiously and glares in my direction.
