“You don’t have to be strong or tease or fake it for us, you know.” Tansy’s voice was gentle.
“Fine. I feel wretched.” Astrid groaned, resting her head on Rosemary’s shoulder. “I want to go home and sleep in my big bed in the dark with the air turned down.” She sighed. “But it’ll pass in about thirty minutes, and I’ll be fine.”
Rosemary rested her head against Astrid’s.
“Distract me,” Astrid murmured.
“I can do that.” Tansy perked up. “Rosemary is going on a date with Everett.”
Astrid sat up. “What?” She turned to face Rosemary. “Why on earth didn’t you say something?”
“Well...you were throwing up. It seemed like bad timing.” Rosemary shrugged. “I don’t think it’s a date date. I think it’s more like two friends catching up.” She hoped it was a date.
Tansy rolled her eyes. “What exactly was the conversation?”
Rosemary told them.
“From the way he was looking at you, I’d say it’s a date...” Astrid glanced at Rosemary. “If I wasn’t so nauseated, I’d fan myself. You get the picture.”
Rosemary did. The way he’d looked at her had been electrifying. She’d felt it—to the marrow of her bones. But she didn’t want to get her hopes up. “He said he was over me.”
Tansy snorted. Astrid’s noise was half grunt, half moan.
“Of course he’s going to say that.” Tansy tightened her ponytail, then pulled her knees to her chest. “I’m assuming this means you’re hoping Everett is now an option?”
Even though they were her sisters, Rosemary struggled to answer that. If she admitted her feelings, it would change everything. Wouldn’t it? And saying yes, out loud, made it real. But what she felt for Everett was real. “I think I love him.” No, that wasn’t true. “I know I love him.”
“Oh.” Tansy’s eyes were round as saucers, then her face melted into a huge grin. “That’s wonderful news.”
“I’m so happy for you, Rose.” Astrid smiled at her. “Now, get off the floor and go on your date.”
“I can’t just leave you here.” Rosemary shook her head.
“Yes, you can.” Astrid pointed at Tansy. “I’ve got Tansy. She can go on a hot date with Dane anytime.”
“This is your first date. The first of many, I’m sure.” Tansy stood and held out her hands. “Come on. Up we go.”
Rosemary let Tansy help pull her up. “Are you sure?” She hesitated, glancing at Astrid. “I feel guilty.”
“I’d feel guiltier if you stayed here with me when you’ve got Everett waiting.” Astrid blew her a kiss.
“Just remember, with the sleeping arrangements the way they are, things can’t get too out of hand tonight.” Tansy smoothed Rosemary’s hair from her shoulder. “It’s too early for that anyway. Better to let the anticipation build—”
Rosemary covered her mouth. “Stop. Ohmygosh. Please stop. You’re getting way waywayahead of things...” She broke off, shaking her head.
“Maybe, but if things do get out of hand, you’ll have to get your own room.” Tansy grinned.
“Ignore her, Rose. Have fun.” But Astrid was chuckling.
“Just nottoomuch fun.” This time, Tansy winked.
“I’m leaving. Now.” Rosemary hurried from the bathroom, closing the door firmly behind her.
“The walls in this place are really thin.” Nicole was sitting on one of the beds, the TV remote in one hand.
Rosemary peered around the wall separating the bathroom and closet from the bedroom. There, sitting on one of the beds were Nicole, Kerrielynn, and Halley.
Kerrielynn’s smile was apologetic.
