Page 42 of About Last Night

I knew my sister well enough, though, to see the smallest of cracks in her facade, a softening around her mouth and a twinkle in her eyes.

“Oh, I’ll crack you eventually,” Willa said.

“You can certainly try,” Greta replied.

“I’ll get the mugs,” Audrey said.

“I’ll come with you,” I said.

When we were in the hall and well out of earshot, I stage whispered to Audrey, “Were our sisters just flirting with each other?”

“They were.”

“On purpose?” I squeaked.

Audrey laughed. “God, no.”

When we returned, Willa said, “Greta has agreed to sing karaoke tonight at the Dew Drop Inn.”

“I have done no such thing,” Greta said.

“Greta does have a nice voice,” I offered.

Greta shot me a look that made her orange-rimmed irises almost glow. I’d been on the receiving end of that expression my entire life and it was still terrifying.

“Or she used to,” I added hastily. “I’m sure she totally sucks now.”

“You’re digging a larger hole every time you open your mouth,” Greta said.

“Hit me,” I said, shoving my mug in her face. “We could go to Dewey’s and not sing,” I offer.

Audrey grimaces.

“Afraid you might run into Shae with an E?” I ask.

“Yes,” Willa says. “I’m having to do all the errands because she’s afraid of running into her.”

“Willa,” Audrey says sharply.

“Sorry.” Willa, for the first time I’ve known her, looks chastened.

“Is she still texting you all the time?” I ask.

“Yes, but not as often or as…fervently,” she says. “I’m not going to the places I might run into her because I don’t want to remind her about me.”

“How could she forget you?” I ask.

“Oh, I’m sure she’s found someone to distract her. She usually does.”

“Is this your ex?” Greta asks.

Audrey nods. “Yes.”

“You should consider getting a restraining order,” Greta says.

“God no,” Audrey says. “That would make everything worse, believe me.”

“That’s what I’ve been saying, too, Greta. Shae’s not going to give up,” Willa says. “As soon as she gets tired of her latest side piece she’ll come running back.”

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