“I know. I just wish my moral compass didn’t always get in the way,” Beth complained.
I couldn’t help but laugh under my breath. “That’s not always a bad thing, I mean, it’s good to let loose sometimes, but if you’re going to feel bad about it later, then it’s not worth it.”
“We exchanged numbers,” she told me. “And he seems really sweet. He may just want to hook up at a later date, so I won’t hold my breath.”
“Well, you can only see. They seem like a great bunch of guys.”
She waggled her eyebrows at me. “Especially someone we won’t mention.”
There was no denying any of it. And even if I wanted to, Beth has that knack of getting information out of me with very little effort. Maybe I’m just that transparent.
But being away from Seattle feels stranger than I ever thought possible. I thought it would feel like coming home and being back in San Diego again, but I feel a little unsettled. Maybe that has to do with talking to my parents tonight over dinner about what’s been going on over the last few months. I’ve had a lot going on and dealing with the breakup and moving from Los Angeles has been an upheaval, even though I’m trying to navigate it all as best I can.
Before the big confessional, I need to catch up with my two besties because I’ve missed them so much and haven’t seen them in months.
They both follow me on my yoga page and they know how it went a little nuts once I was spotted with Aaron. Not that he’s famous, but he’s making a name for him in basketball circles. That really made me feel weird and I haven’t always had the best kind of responses from people. Good old block and delete has been my constant companion, but it unfortunately comes with the territory of anything online these days. I just have to takethings as they come and not let the few negative people override all the good, supportive ones.
After a round of texting to my girls, we decide to meet up for coffee and a catch up at Lofty Coffee Solana Beach. I always love grabbing a bite here and they have the best coffee and chocolate croissants to die for.
“OHMYGODDDD!!!!” Leila squeals when she sees me. She jumps up and down on the spot, her tight curls bouncing with the movement. She’s tall, leggy and has the most gorgeous milky chocolate tone to her skin. “YOU!!!!” She hugs me tight and stands back to assess me like it’s been years.
“Hello to you too.” I can’t help but laugh. You wouldn’t think she’s a marketing executive by day, not with her dungarees and two chopsticks holding up her messy bun.
Eve comes racing in the door just after me and we all end up in a group hug.
Eve is on the smaller, petite side like me and has a short, edgy blonde bob, squared off her jaw like it could cut glass. Her hazel eyes match the color of the soft ambient lighting around us in the cafe. “I’ve missed you so much!” she coos.
My heart feels so damned full at how happy they are to see me, and I’m happy to see them both, too. I’ve had friends come and go over the years, but they’ve both remained my constant, and we’ve shared many moments together. “I’ve missed you, too,” I say, tears welling in small pools at the rims of my eyes. It’s not going to take much for the floodgates to open.
I glance around at the industrial feel of the coffee shop, bustling with people, the decadent smell of baked goods, toast, and roasting coffee in the air. A soft smile forms at the warm setting around me, the little pendant lights hanging from the wood-clad ceiling are like tiny beacons of warmth and ambience. I love the vibe here.
“We need to get right down to it,” Leila exclaims, waving a menu at me as we all take a seat at a corner table.
“Hey, I think I already know what I’m having.” I’ve eaten here many times in the past, and I love their menu, from avocado toast to the toasted sandwiches, wraps and superfood bowls. They even have an impressive bakery menu, from those scrumptious croissants to breakfast scones, nut loaf and muffins.
Leila waggles her eyes at me as she shrugs out of her light-weight jacket and places it around the back of her hair. “Not the menu,” she says pointedly.
A giggle trickles quietly from Eve’s mouth as I look from one to the other of my best friends. “There’s a bit to get through,” I admit, twinges of a smile tugging at my lips.
It’s impossible not to think about Jay and smile, he’s like the sunshine breaking through on a cloudy day, warming you to your very core.
“Why don’t we order first?” Eve suggests, giving me a little wink.
I already know it’s the organic French toast for me, a chocolate croissant and a Turkish latte with almond milk. I rub my hands together in anticipation of not only the sweet treats on offer today, but that sweet treat waiting back in Seattle, too.
CHAPTER 18
Jade
After enjoying treats with the girls and catching up all afternoon, I head home just about whistling in my little Ford SUV I’ve had for years. It’s been a beautiful afternoon, mainly clear blue skies and the sun teetering on the edges of the clouds.
I texted Tanner when I was waiting for my folks to collect me at the airport. He’s coming over with Deb and Luca for dinner tonight, so I’m sure the topic of Jay is going to come up at several points. Especially since they all know we had some dancing lessons for the big day and Jay is the best man and all.
I’m looking forward to helping Deb with anything she needs in the lead up to the wedding. Many hands make light work, as Mom always says. What I’m not looking forward to is laying everything on the line with my whole family here tonight.
Maybe I’ll look to Robbie for salvation, he’s always on my side, especially after the hour long belly rub I gave him when I got home. He always knows if he rolls onto his back in dramatic slow motion, he’ll catch my attention and I won’t be able to say no to giving him a full body massage.
I help Mom in the kitchen and we chat idly about what I’ve been up to in Seattle for the past couple of weeks and how Beth and Jay are doing. The sounds of little feet running up the hallway breaks our conversation, and I’m crouched down and ready when Luca bounds around the corner faster than his legs will carry him and launches into my arms.
