Page 8 of Reckless Encounters

“Only six years younger than me. Plus, he’s sweet and simple and wants absolutely nothing from me. Sometimes, we just take an edible and watch documentaries.”

“So basically, he reminds you of our college days?”

I smile as a sense of longing falls over me. I met Sloan and Quinn in college, and they became the friends and, essentially, family that I had always wanted. We were inseparable. Of course, I’m beyond happy for both of them, and I dream of having what they have with their partners one day. But those days were some of the best times of my life, so I can’t help but miss them.

The waitress comes back with our huge “fishbowl” full of tequila goodness. “Thank you.”

“The nachos will be out soon. Let me know if I can get you ladies anything else.”

Sloan and I both lean in from opposite sides of the table and each take a long pull from the straw.

“Gah, I needed that,” I say, releasing a heavy sigh. I feel like I’ve been holding that all day.

“These never get old.” Sloan smiles, giggling as she goes in for another taste.

We continue to sip and chat about life since the last time we saw each other until our nachos are delivered.

Mid-chew, the distinct tone of an iPhone ringing has my heart jumping into my throat. It's a local number. Fuck, what if they are calling to tell me I didn’t get it?

“Answer it,” Sloan insists, waving her hands at me.

“Hello,” I say confidently, even though that’s far from how I’m feeling.

“Hi, Ava! It’s Olivia!” Her peppy voice reawakens the hope inside my chest. “You got the job…and I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited to work with a designer before.”

I cover the phone with my hand and mouth to Sloan, “I got it!”

She lets out an excited squeal, and I bite my lip to hold mine in.

“Ava, did you hear me?” Olivia’s voice hums back through the phone.

I rush out, “Yes, yes…just trying to control my excitement and stay professional. I’m so thrilled to work with you, too. Honestly, I’m shocked right now.”

“Well, leave your professionalism at the door for the night because we don’t start till Monday. Come celebrate with me and Logan. We are going to Birdie Bar for a few drinks and we want to buy you one.”

I think on it for a second, wondering if Parker will be there too, but you know what… Fuck it. I want to celebrate and get to know them more. The fact she is this excited to work with me puts me on cloud nine.

“That sounds fun! I’m finishing up girls’ dinner with my best friend, but I’ll head to you guys when we finish here.”

I can hear the smile in her voice. “Okay perfect. This is my cell, so text me when you are on the way.”

“Great, see you soon.”

When I hang up, Sloan is out of her chair, wrapping me in a hug. “I knew you’d land it. I am so freaking proud of you, Av.You did this…all on your own. There is no denying your talent.”

The waitress comes back to check in and Sloan orders us patron shots. Even a third one for Quinn—which we split in her honor as we FaceTime her with the good news.

If there is one piece of advice I could give teenage girls, it’s to find your tribe. Find friends who are so much more than just that. They’re your cheerleaders, confidants, therapists, bodyguards… They’re your sisters.

Blood isn’t always thicker than water.

“AVA!!” Olivia sing-songs through the crowd as I walk toward the cocktail table she’s sitting at with Logan.

She hops down from her seat, greeting me with a hug. “I’m so damn happy to have another badass female working on this project with me.” Embracing her, we rock back and forth. I finally allow my true giddiness to show. “Thank you so much. I don’t think it's quite sunk in yet. This is a literal dream job for me.”

“I knew you deserved it the minute I saw your pitch. I didn’t even listen to anyone else’s.” She laughs, waving her hand in good riddance to the others before continuing. “We just had to make sure Parker was convinced of that.”

“Yeah, same, but thankfully, he agreed…albeit reluctantly,” Logan says, getting up to give me a congratulatory hug as well.

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