Page 116 of Against The Rules

“I had no idea!” Eva squeals at the same time. “That’s great.”

“Graphic design, actually.” I wrinkle my nose, afraid they’re going to stare at me like I’ve lost my mind. “You know, custom branding, logos, that kind of thing... along with a shop full of goods like pretty post-its, fun to-do list pads, notecards, regular stationery like greeting cards, I’m in the process of making some paper planners, stickers and washi tape.”

I fall silent, wringing my hands.

“I love stationery,” Eva says, her mouth hanging open. “I can’t wait to see your store. My boyfriend makes fun of me because I have a drawer of stickers I’m saving for a special occasion.” She throws her hands up. “What the occasion is that will require over a hundred stickers? I have no idea. I’ll know when it happens.”

I grin, loosening up a little as the other women laugh.

“I’m a planner addict,” Andy chimes in. “I use my phone calendar too, but I swear, if I don’t write it down in my pretty planner with my pretty planner stickers, it may as well not happen because I’m not going to remember it.”

“I’m going to buy everything. I’ll post it in my newsletter,” Tiffany says. “My subscribers eat that kind of shit up.”

“You don’t have to do that,” I say, overwhelmed with their support.

“We know we don’t,” Ashley says. “Duh. But you’re one of us. We’ve got you. No wonder you’re tired. Dang, Savannah! This is huge.”

Ashley gives me a quick side hug.

“Proud of you,” Eva tells me, beaming. “Make us some pink Beaver Cheer stickers. Oh, you could do a whole line.”

“I wish I could, but licensing would be a headache.” I scrunch my nose in silent apology.

“I have to say,” Tiffany says loudly. “I’m relieved it’s just a business.”

“Tiffany.” Andy shoots her a look. “Don’t be rude.”

“What? I’m just saying what we’re all thinking. You seem exhausted and weird lately.” She shrugs. “I’m just glad you’re not selling nuclear secrets or something.”

I laugh at that, because what? “Nuclear secrets?”

“That’s enough Netflix for you,” Ashley tells her.

“It was a good show!” Tiffany argues. “You should watch it. Then you would get my joke. Savannah laughed.” She narrows her eyes at me. “Which is what a good spy would do. Laugh at that joke.” Her eyes widen. “You’re not selling nuclear secrets, are you?”

“Not lately,” I finally manage through my laughter.

“What the hell, Tiffany?” Eva says, and then we’re all cracking up.

The whole drive home from the stadium, I can’t help but smile at how sweet they were.

I wonder if they would be as supportive if they found out the truth about me and Ty.

Common sense tells me they would not.

CHAPTER 51

SAVANNAH

I’m deep in drafting some new designs when a knock comes at the door. I’m sore as hell from the clinic yesterday, and I take my time getting up from my new chair, making sure to save my progress. When my phone buzzes after a second knock, I’m immediately suspicious.

Let him in, Peaches

How nervous should I be, on a scale of 1-10

What do you want me to say

…Tell me it’s not a tv or a new couch or something equally absurd

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