Page 87 of In a Pinch

“I miss the days when you were thoroughly embarrassed by me knowing anything about your sex life.” Liv’s voice sneaks up behind us as we make our way back to the chairs.

“Well, that was before I knew how much fun it was to pick on you.”

Liv walks between Isla and I, hip-checking Isla right into the pool. The water splashes around her and all that’s left above water is her drink. At least she saved her Mai Tai.

Her head pops above water and she takes a big gulp of air. “What the fuck, Liv?”

“I’m going to be completely honest with you, you 100 percent deserved that,” I say, looking down at her. She’s been a menace all day.

Liv didn’t miss a beat and is already back at the chairs a few feet down from us. I pop down on the side of the pool, dipping my legs in. The sounds of splashing and laughter fill the silence as Isla comes to a full stand.

“Well, at least you took off your cover-up.” Isla, looking a bit like a drowned rat, glares and then laughs.

She swims up next to me, propping her elbows against the pool edge. “I think I might have poked the bear a few too many times.”

“Liv scares the shit out of me. I knew she would bite back at some point.” She is usually levelheaded, but pregnancy has made her a bit spicy. Personally, I love it. Her usual sarcasm is there, just with a bit more bite.

“She’s not typically that scary. Remind me to pray for Tyler extra during the next few months, He’s gonna need all the help he can get.”

“You ready for the big day? Any second thoughts?”

“Not a single one. He’s the best thing that ever happened to me. Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of my life.” The conviction and happiness in her voice is hard to miss.

“I’m happy you’re getting your fairy-tale. You deserve it.” Seeing my best friend be loved well is one of the best things I can ask for.

“You deserve it, too. I’m proud of you for letting yourself have it. Turns out, Sam’s not so bad. And I like that he can meet you at your level of sass. It’s really amusing for me.” That’s high praise coming from her.

Kicking my feet in the water, I look over to her. “And here you thought I repelled long-term relationships and commitment.” Hearing her say positive things about Sam brings a smile to my face. It’ll take time to fully mend that bridge, but he’s off spending the day with his brother and Tyler. Per his last text, he sounds like he is enjoying himself.

She places a hand to her chest. “In my defense, you did. You were like 40-percent DEET and men were mosquitoes.”

“I guess I was just waiting for the right mosquito.” This is the weirdest analogy to ever exist, but I’m going with it.

“You know what’s really exciting? Maybe this time next year, we will be actual sisters.”

“Soul sisters are real sisters, bitch.” I kick the water and splash her. “And slow your roll there. We're in no rush to move along.” It’s taken me half a year to realize that not a single part of life is a race. And if I’m constantly running and rushing for the next thing, am I really enjoying where I am now?

Right now? I want to enjoy every second of loving Sam. And my job. And my new apartment. As it turns out, I don’t need a big, bad, new job, new last name, or new baby to love my life. I’m still glad for my minor mental breakdown at the beginning of the year. If all that hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t be here.

Well, I would technically be here, in Hawaii. But I wouldn’t be here and in love with Sam. So, I’m calling it a big win. The universe knew what it was doing all along.

Chapter Fourty

Addie

The best part about being naturally bossy—I mean a leader—is during big days like today. I was absolutely made for being in charge. I’m going to make being maid of honor my bitch today. There will not be a single hair out of place. These bitches are going to make me earn the title, too. It’s been like herding feral cats all day.

“Isla, I know it is your big day and all, but if you do not sit the eff down and let the nice lady do your hair, I’m gonna throat chop you.” My grin is forced, but she does as I ask.

“Ugh, rude. I just have a lot of nervous energy. I need to move.”

“Twiddle your thumbs, tap your foot, or something, I beg of you.” There’s a strict schedule for getting ready. Being late toher own wedding doesn’t seem to stress her out, but she’s five minutes away from giving me literal anxiety hives.

“Mrs. James. Can you come give your daughter some company while you get ready?” Isla’s mom pops her head out of the bathroom with a broad smile on her face.

Her skin is as smooth as butter, and it makes me want to ask what her skincare routine is. She’s over fifty and doesn’t look a day over thirty-eight. I guess when you’re extremely unproblematic and the most chill person ever, you don’t age. Ugh. If that’s the case, this day alone will have me looking thirty-eight by the time I wake up tomorrow

“No problem, hunny bunny.” She smiles at me, patting my cheek as she walks by.

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