Page 77 of Myla: The Hawthornes

“What movie?” Frankie asked, hopping off the counter. “I say we go with a classic. Nothing new. Something we know we like.”

“Practical Magic,” I said firmly.

“Excellent choice,” Lou said approvingly as she started filling glasses with ice. “A little laughter, a little tears, a little witchy.”

We spent the next two hours singing along to the music, saying every line, and generally being as obnoxious as possible. There was something magical about girlfriends, especially the kind that you could be yourself around, warts and all. I was a bit tipsy and more relaxed than I’d been in days, so when my phone rang a few minutes after the movie ended, I almost didn’t answer it.

Groaning, I rolled off the couch and jogged in to where I’d left it on the counter.

Cian.

“Hello?” I answered, looking at the clock.

It was one thirty in the morning. Lou had already passed out on the floor, but Frankie was watching me from her spot on the couch.

“I was a dick,” Cian replied. “And I’m just now realizing how late it is, which makes me more of a dick. Did I wake you?”

“Nope, just got done watching a movie.”

“With who?”

“Who do you think?”

“Tell the girls I said hello.”

“Cian says hello,” I told Frankie.

“Fuck off, Cian,” she called back.

“Can’t say they’re not loyal,” he muttered.

“What’s up?” I asked, leaning against the counter. “Did you just call to tell me you’re a dick?”

“Pretty much.”

“Cool.”

“You accept my apology?”

“I didn’t hear one.”

Cian was silent for a moment. “I’m sorry for bein’ a dick.”

“You’re forgiven.”

“Easy as that?”

“I was being pushy,” I replied, making Frankie groan in irritation. “I get it. It was time for me to go.”

“That’s not—you weren’t.”

“I was,” I argued. “It’s cool. I get that you guys needed some time to yourselves. Just took a minute for that to sink in.”

“That’s not—” Cian let out a huff of frustration. “Let’s talk when I get back, yeah? I think we’re headed out tomorrow.”

“Sounds good.”

“You didn’t overstay your welcome, Myla,” he said quietly. “Christ. You know I’d rather you were with me.”

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