Page 43 of Aria

Sam's announcement pulled my attention away from Chelsie, and we both looked around to find the intruder.

"Damn paparazzi," I muttered with disdain. I stood up just in time to see a man running away with a camera. "What happened to privacy and common courtesy?"

"I'm pretty sure fame and fortune happened," Chelsie said. She glanced at her cell phone and began collecting her empty bowl and napkins. "Shoot, I'm supposed to meet Lisa at the mall in fifteen minutes. I should get going."

I took the items from her. "I got it. Go enjoy your girly day of retail therapy, pedicures, and chocolate."

Chelsie let out an amused chuckle. "Is that what you think all girls do?"

"Well, yeah. And go to the bathroom in large groups."

"That’s true,” Chelsie smirked. She stepped over to Sam, kneeling in front of him. "I have to go now, but maybe I can come see you tomorrow after your Daddy leaves. Would that be okay?"

Sam jumped in her arms with another bone-crushing hug. "Yes! Thanks for having ice cream with me."

"My pleasure." Chelsie turned to me then, leaning in for a hug and catching me off guard.

I hesitated briefly before pulling her close, resting my hand along the small of her back. "Good to see you, Combs," I murmured into her ear. "Can't wait to buy you a birthday shot on Saturday."

Chelsie pulled back to flash me her teeth. "Looking forward to it. Have a safe trip."

With a lingering smile, she collected her purse and disappeared into the parking lot. I watched her go as I carried the discarded items to the trash and wiped down the table. Reaching for Sam’s hand, I tried to ignore the way her warm body felt pressed against me. “Let’s go, buddy. It’s time for a Candyland rematch.”

* * *

Chelsie

There was something special about the anticipation of meeting your best friend at the mall for retail therapy and girly gossip, and I wondered if it was a feeling that would ever go away.

I recalled how excited I was when my thirteen-year-old self would walk to the shopping center downtown, eagerly awaiting window browsing and Chinese cuisine from the food court with my besties, Lisa and Riley. Years later, I still felt that same buzz I had when I was a preteen. Fifty years from now, I could see myself parking in the handicapped spot and riding into the mall on a motorized scooter. The gossip may change from love and sex to dentures and Depends, but by God, that Chinese food would still taste just as good.

A shock of bouncing scarlet curls came into view, and I couldn't resist the squeal that escaped my lips when I spotted Lisa. The thirteen-year-old in me came out as I skipped through the mall and threw my arms around my friend. "Oh, Lis, it's so good to see you!"

"Uh, yeah… I can tell. Gosh, Chelsie, it's as if we didn't see each other a week ago," Lisa laughed. She returned the hug with a tight squeeze.

"I know. Can't a girl just be excited to shop, talk, and stuff her face with highly caloric meat by-product?"

Lisa chuckled, adjusting her purse strap over her shoulder. "You're right. What's a better excuse for calories than a shopping date with your bestie?"

We glided through the mall, hardly noticing the window displays as we idly chatted.

"I'm so happy for you, Chelsie," Lisa said. "I knew your guy was out there. Devon is amazing. You're so lucky."

My grin was glowing. "I know. Things finally seem to be going my way. And did I tell you about Noah?" I continued. "We've become such good friends. It's crazy. Who would have thought?"

Lisa's smile waned. "I'm glad you two are on better terms… but be careful, Chels. I don't trust him as much as you do."

I stiffened, even though I understood Lisa's concerns. I’d had a lot of toxic people in my past—Ian, his brother, Brad, my old friend, Riley, and everyone else who went along with that social circle. Lisa was no stranger to any of them, and Noah hadn’t made the best first impression. But Lisa didn't know him the way I did. She didn't see the other side of him he was too proud to share with most people. She didn't see how nurturing he was with his son, or the way he smiled when something made him genuinely happy. It wasn’t the smile that came out when he signed autographs or gave interviews—it was different.

I frowned, shaking the thoughts away. “Noah is a good guy, Lis," I said. "Once you get to know him better, you'll understand. Besides, spending time with Noah means spending time with Sam. That little guy has been a huge highlight in my life.”

"I concur. I'll give Noah credit in that department… he must be doing something right," she acknowledged.

I was about to respond when something in an approaching store window caught my eye, stopping me short. I strolled up to the display, almost like I was being pulled by an invisible force.

"What is it?" Lisa wondered, trailing my heels.

My eyes landed on a gold watch with a striking emerald green face. "This one," I murmured, pointing at the watch.

---