Page 65 of Capri

I’m looking forward to changing out of my casual clothes and getting dolled up for a night.

I’m in need of a celebratory night out before going back to work.

Drinks and good food with the people I love the most. What could possibly go wrong?

* * *

“Damn girl. Do you even age?”Noah, the son of my parents’ best friend, asks me, walking into the restaurant.

I chuckle. “Like fine wine, Noah. Like fine wine.”

He whistles, and I have to admit, it’s flattering.

Noah and I have been friends for half our lives. Our parents went to high school together, and after going their separate ways, they were reunited when I was a teenager.

They’ve been inseparable friends since, leading to Noah being the same for Collie and me. More so by default, but he’s cool.

Except, he’s never shied away from his feelings.

Our parents know it, I know it, everyone knows it. Even when I was married.

I don’t see him like that, though. But it doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy his attention.

That may make me sound like a terrible person. I’ve never led him on to believe we could ever be something more, but it feels good to be seen.

“I know who I’m sittin’ by tonight,” Noah says, making no apologies for his perusal of me.

I may have gone a little overboard on ‘dolling’ myself up. I wanted to wear something that made me feel good—sexy and confident.

I’d like to think I was successful at that.

“You fiend,” I tell him, slapping him playfully.

I decided on metallic brown, high-waisted cargo pants with a cream corset top and nude, strappy stilettos. My hair is teased, full of volume, and my makeup is fresh and glowy.

I feel modest yet sexy.

“I didn’t know you were coming tonight, Noah,” Collie calls for him across the room. Her smile is wide and contagious.

My sister looks stunning in her long, multicolored maxi dress, her bob straight and silky.

“When have I ever not been at a family event? Let alone Papa Meadow’s retirement party.” Noah says, pulling her in for a hug.

“True.” Collie laughs.

“Ew, don’t call him that,” I giggle, turning my face up at Noah. “Sounds like the name of a bad porno.”

They both laugh, and seeing them so happy makes me feel lighter. Like life is taking a decent turn.

“Children,” Mom calls us over. “Let’s eat.”

“Hardly children, Mom,” I yell out, following Noah and Collie to our reserved table at The Dove.

“If only you knew the dirty things yourchildhas been up to, Mom,” Collie whispers, thankfully loud enough for only Noah and I to hear.

My lips turn up. “Loose lips sink ships, sister.”

“Has Capri Meadows been doing dirty things without me?” Noah asks, leaning into my ear.

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