Page 162 of Sincerely, Your Enemy

“I’m sorry if I was too harsh. It’s the hormones. They turn me into a giant bitch,” Aveena says as we’re hugging, and I laugh.

I shake my head. “Don’t worry, we all need a little bit of tough love sometimes.”

We stay like that, hugging in the middle of the empty ice cream shop, for a few more minutes—thank God the place is dead. I would’ve looked way too pathetic crying over my milkshake.

I sniffle. “Okay, enough boy talk. Let’s talk about anything else, I beg you.”

Dia laughs. “Fine. Are you coming to the game tonight? It’s the last one before the drafts start.”

I wipe my face and check my fingers to find no trace of makeup. Wearing waterproof mascara was a good choice today. “I wasn’t planning on it. Figured it might hurt to see TJ.”

“I get it, but we’re all supposed to hang out at mine afterward if you want?” she offers.

“I’m fine, thanks. I actually have to catch up on some homework.”

“Please? EvenI’mgoing,” Aveena points out.

“Yeah, but your man is playing,” I argue.

“So is yours,” she teases.

“Come on, at least say you’ll think about it?” Dia begs.

I cave. “I’ll see what I can do, but no promises.”

That seems to be enough of a win for them because they throw themselves at me for another hug.

I glance at the clock on the far wall just as we’re separating.

“Shit, I have to get home. The neighbor is watching my siblings, but she has to leave at six.”

Dia nods. “No problem, let’s go.”

On that note, we throw away our empty milkshake cups and exit the ice cream shop.

“I’m sosorry I’m late. We got a little carried away,” I say as soon as I step foot inside my house a half hour later.

It’s a quarter past six, which means Mrs. Harrison is going to be late for her Friday night book club.

A familiar laugh carries across the living room as I’m taking off my coat. I turn the corner and see Mrs. Harrison rising off thecouch with a book in hand—most likely the subject of tonight’s book club meeting.

“Don’t you worry about it for a second, dear. So, I’m a little late to talk aboutJane Eyre. Suzie and Denise didn’t even show up until seven last week. If they’re allowed a pass, so am I,” she declares, making me smile.

That’s Mrs. Harrison for you. The woman likes to gossip. At first, I didn’t really care, but now? I’m invested. Seriously, I never thought I’d be so interested in her drama.

“How’s it going with Denise? You still mad at her?” I ask as I’m kicking off my shoes.

“That I am. She told Corrine my lasagna was just okay at Jack’s birthday party.Just okay. Can you believe her? When she’s ready to apologize, I’ll reconsider, but for now, she and I are taking some time apart.” Mrs. Harrison walks over to me. “Enough about that old wench. How was your night, darling? Did you have fun?”

I nod. “So much fun. Thanks again for watching the kids.”

“Of course, sweetie. Anytime. They’ve had dinner already, so you don’t have to worry about that.”

“I’ll see you next Wednesday for ourDownton Abbeymarathon?” I ask as she’s putting her shoes and coat on. We’ve gotten into the habit of watching a few episodes together every week. She keeps busy on the weekends, but weeknights can be a little lonely for her. Plus, she wouldn’t stop talking about how incredible that show was, so I figured I’d give it a shot. So far, I’m loving it.

She offers me a big smile. “Of course, I wouldn’t miss it.”

She’s about to open the door when she stops and glances back at me. “Oh, before I forget, there was a package at the door for you when I got here. I left it on the kitchen counter.”

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