Page 53 of Beauty Of Her

“You are sitting across from someone absolutely in love for the first time and who will burst if she doesn’t say it back.” I ran my hands through my hair, messing it up without a care.

“It’ll happen. Just be patient.” Bridgette patted my hand, doing her best to reassure me.

Patience was never my strong suit, especially when it came to emotions. But I trusted Bridgette's words, knowing she had been through the ups and downs of love. I never wanted to experience the downs with Julia because she was my light. And I’d prefer her to stay on at all times.

This was crazy. Why did I feel so nervous meeting Brett’s cousin, Bridgette? They would be here any minute, so I had to pull it together. He had spoken highly about her; they were close, and I knew somewhat of her backstory. She didn’t seem intimidating on paper, but still. Whenever I met new people, my anxiety always doubled.

As I sat in the coffee shop, nervously stirring my latte, I couldn't help but wonder what Brett's intentions were. Was this some kind of test? What if Bridgette and I didn’t mesh? We were two women who shared divorced pasts. That didn’t mean we’d automatically have a lot in common, but I got the feeling from Brett that he wanted us to click.

Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed when Bridgette sauntered up to the table, her bright smile lighting up her face. Her long, dark, wavy hair cascaded down her shoulders, popping against a crisp white blouse and olive skin. A pair of black skinny jeans and onyx platformed boots finished her ensemble. She exuded an air of confidence, effortlessly drawing the attention of everyone around her.

"Julia, right?" Bridgette asked with a friendly grin as she sat across from me.

"Yes," I replied softly, feeling self-conscious under her gaze. "Nice to meet you, Bridgette."

She chuckled lightly. "No need to be so formal. Just call me Bridge." The casualness of her words put me at ease, reminding me of Brett’s demeanor. They really were related.

I smiled back, relieved by her friendly and relaxed attitude. Maybe this coffee outing wouldn't be as awkward as I initially feared. She seemed approachable, someone I could potentially connect with despite the unknown. And this meant a lot to Brett. It needed to go well. She ordered an iced tea and offered me a refill of my beverage. Two minutes later, with fresh drinks on the table, it was time to chat. “Is Brett coming?”

“Yeah, he’s just running a little late. My aunt asked him to do a last-minute delivery run for a catering order for a big client. I don’t know. He was rambling on the phone.” She shrugged her perfectly square shoulders. “You know what’s funny?” Bridgette began. “I almost feel responsible for how you became a couple.” She flashed a dazzling smile, showing off every white tooth, making me want to hear more.

“Is that so? Why?” I sipped my drink, half grinning.

“I told Brett to go see a movie alone, and here we are today.” She gestured grandly into the air. “He found you.”

I laughed, throwing my head back. “I never knew that. Well, it was a good suggestion.”

The door chimed open, pulling our attention toward the entrance where Brett stepped in, looking breathless but smiling.

"Hey ladies," he greeted us as he removed his jacket and hung it over the back of the chair beside me.

“Finally," Bridgette teased as she raised her hand for a playful high-five with her cousin. He rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the affectionate smile curving his lips.

“How are my two favorite girls doing?” Brett sat, kissing my head and throwing Bridgette a wink.

“Awe, the head kiss,” Bridgette swooned. “That means he really likes you.” But she wasn’t kidding.

“Maybe he does.” I popped my shoulders and cast a lazy smile at Brett.

“I more than like you,” he mumbled.

I fought a rush of heat to my cheeks and shifted. The smallest gesture from Brett sent a flood of butterflies to my stomach lately, and I knew I had found someone special. Brett grinned at me, a warm, intimate grin I had loved. One that meant more than any words he could say.

“Oh my goodness, seriously, what have you done to my cousin?” Bridgette asked me, the corner of her mouth lifting. “I love this new Brett. I never want to see the old one again.”

“And what’s the old version?” I glanced at Brett.

“Me without you.” Brett made a heart over his chest, drowning in cheesiness.

“I can’t take this.” Bridge fanned her eyes. “But I totally can at the same time.” She finished the rest of her tea, sighing. “Let’s get out of here.”

“We just got here,” Brett motioned around the shop.

“Yeah, I’m with Bridgette,” I added, surprising myself with my boldness. “Let’s go somewhere and get real drinks.”

“I like this girl. That’s exactly what I was thinking.” Bridgette winked, already pushing away from the table. “Well, who’s coming?”

“Cheers to two strong women,” I said, holding up my second glass of white wine since we arrived at this swanky, gold-studded hotel bar Bridge chose. I soon learned after we entered this decadent, ritzy establishment that Bridge was the interior designer of the place. And, of course, she was. It was as fabulous as she. Also, Brett was totally right. I was falling in love with his cousin, and to think about her ex-husband, who broke her heart and betrayed her, sent my mind reeling and my jaw clenching. There really were terrible people out there who hurt the good ones.

---