Page 30 of Finding Jess

“Ugh,” Tiana groaned beside her, rolling her eyes. “You’re so easy to get to. It’s ridiculous.”

Sam broke out into a grin as she said, “We both know I’d run circles around you, just like when we were kids.”

Liz’s eyes tightened a fraction, an edge of seriousness seeping in behind the teasing smile. “Means nothing if you can’t prove it.”

Sam caught the amused, but also slightly weary, look in Jess’ eyes as she looked at Liz.

“Fine,” Sam replied. “I’m in.”

Liz’s grin widened, showing all of her teeth. Then she threw a glance at Tiana. “You’re right. She’s always been this easy to get to.”

“Wow, this place is packed.”

Sam looked up to see Scarlett approaching the table.

“Hey,” she called out, shooting Scarlett a smile.

Scarlett rounded the table, slipping an arm around Sam for a quick side hug before turning her attention to Tiana with an easy grin. “You must be Tiana. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Tiana beamed back, standing and throwing her arms around her in a tight hug. “If it’s from Sam, then I know it has to be all good things.”

Scarlett laughed, squeezing her back before stepping away. “I like her already,” she said, throwing Sam a playful, pointed smile over her shoulder.

Sam leaned back, watching as Scarlett and Tiana fell into effortless conversation, their animated voices blending together as though they’d known each other for years.

With a knowing smirk, Sam slid a little closer to Jess, her voice quiet. “I knew they’d be best friends right off the bat.”

Jess chuckled, shaking her head as she lifted her drink. “You were right,” she said before taking a slow sip.

Across the table, Scarlett frowned, her eyes narrowing at her phone screen.

“What is it?” Sam asked, her brow furrowing as she leaned forward slightly.

Scarlett hesitated, her thumb hovering over the screen before she finally set the phone down on the table with a sigh. “Terrence just texted me,” she said. “His sister’s gonna come to the bachelorette weekend next month.”

“That’s a good thing, right?” Jess asked carefully. “Didn’t you invite her?”

“I did,” Scarlett admitted, blowing out a long breath. “But now I’ll spend the whole weekend stressing over whether she likes me or not.”

Sam’s brow furrowed. “His sister doesn’t like you?”

Scarlett gave a small shrug. “It’s not that she doesn’t like me—or at least, I don't think that's it," she said with a sigh. “Our personalities just don’t mesh. I’ve tried, but it’s always felt—forced.”

“That’s surprising," Sam said, tilting her head. "Everyone loves you.”

Scarlett scoffed, shooting her a look. “No. Everyone lovesyou.” Then her expression shifted, her hazel eyes lighting up with sudden excitement. “Wait—oh my gosh, you should come with us!” She clapped her hands together as if the idea had struck like lightning. “It’d be perfect! You could totally get her to loosen up and have fun!”

Sam frowned, apprehension washing over her.

“You guys should all come!” Scarlett continued, her excitement bubbling over as she turned to Liz and Tiana.

“Are you sure?” Sam asked carefully. “I thought you were excited to have a weekend with just you guys,” she added, nodding between her and Jess.

Scarlett waved her hand dismissively, as if that thought was already far behind her. “I was, but I think it’d be so fun if you were all there, too.”

“Well, you don’t have to convince me,” Liz said with a grin. “A weekend at a resort is exactly what I need right now. Sendme the dates. I’ll add them to my list of dates and addresses I already have marked down for your other wedding stuff.”

Scarlett beamed, her enthusiasm doubling as she swung her hopeful gaze back to Sam.

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