Page 84 of After Tonight

Well, it was the rest of Riley’s life but… “Nah, it can wait.”

“You sure? If you want to tell me over the phone, we can talk on my way to the shop.”

Riley frowned. “You’re running late getting to the shop?”

“Yeah.”

“But, today is really huge.”

“I know.”

“And you never run late.”

There was a pause on Lucy’s end, then she said, “I know.”

“Are you okay?”

Lucy laughed. “Yes. I’m okay. I had a breakfast date and it…ran longer than we expected.”

Riley let all of that sink in. “You had a breakfast date? With a guy?”

“Yes, Riley, with a guy.” But Lucy didn’t sound irritated. She sounded…happy.

“And it ‘ran long’?” Riley asked, grinning suddenly.

Lucy gave another little breathless laugh. “Yes. We got to talking and…” She sighed. Lucy actually sighed happily into the phone. “And there was some kissing.”

“Oh my God, Lucy!” Riley exclaimed. “You’re dating someone?”

“Yes! I was trying to tell you the other day when we were doing the rocks. I was going to ask you how to let Derek down. But then you got sick. And Derek finished everything up and I haven’t seen much of him, so it wasn’t really a pressing issue. And then we got busy with everything.”

“Lucy—” Riley actually felt tears in her eyes. “I’m so happy for you.”

“And I’m so happy for you.”

“For me?”

“Your mom came into the shop yesterday to check out some books about wedding planning.”

Riley groaned.

“I can’t believe you let me go on and on about how sweet Derek was being to me!” Lucy said.

Riley heard a bell ring and realized Lucy had just stepped into her shop. “Well it wasn’t anything sure…”

“Your mom is thrilled!”

Riley rolled her eyes. “And of course they’re already planning the wedding.”

Lucy laughed. “Riley, I’m so happy you’re going to be around. Seriously. I’ve missed you.”

Riley took a deep breath and let it all sink in. “Me too.” And she meant it. She really did. “We have to get together soon, Luce. We have so much to talk about.”

“I know! I’m dating for the first time! I have no idea what I’m doing!”

Riley laughed, her heart full. “We’re going to talk about boys, Lucy. Us.”

“Which means we have to get together and have our first official conversation on the couch in your mom’s basement, right?” Lucy asked.

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