Page 75 of Why We Break

“Oh, Marg, we both know you’re gonna find someone,” Caroline encourages. “You’re hot, funny, and you can cook. I mean, clearly some guy is gonna be lucky as hell to snag you one day.”

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say. I guess it’s for the best. Once Seth wraps up the finishing touches of the bakery over the next few weeks, I’ll be working like crazy.”

“Okay, that may be true, but I still think that you and Seth could be something,” I say, as Caroline nods in agreement.

“I’m pretty sure you just want to know if the rumors about those piercings are true,” Margaret teases, referring to the triple dick piercings Seth got after he lost a bet last year.

“You know, I may’ve read a few books about that, and I can’t say I’m not curious. I mean don’t get me wrong, I’m completely in love with your brother, and I’m not looking to try out anyone else’s cock, but you should totally try it out and report back.”

We all laugh at that and pause to take sips of our drink. I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket, and I smile when I see a text from Will.

WILL: Leroy and I miss you. How long until you’re home?

HANNAH: I guess I miss my boys too. I’m not sure. At least an hour or two.

I tuck my phone away and reach out to snag a chip as Caroline asks, “So, Marg, how’s the pop-up at Deer Valley going? Still a success?”

Margaret’s eyes light up at the mention of her business. “It’s been so incredible. I can’t believe how busy I’ve been. I didn’t have a ton of expectations when Brian mentioned it, but it’s made me even more excited to get my storefront open.”

“That’s awesome! Pretty sure Gramps is counting down the days too,” I tease, feeling my phone vibrate again.

WILL: Turns out I couldn’t wait that long.

I read his text twice, feeling the confusion on my face at his words. I’m about to type out a response when I hear a familiar voice behind me.

“So, you ladies come here often?”

All three of us turn to see Seth, Will, and Theo making their way over to our table.

“Oh my gosh, you three are not allowed to crash our girls’ night!” Caroline says with an eye roll, before reaching out to grab Theo’s hand to pull him down for a kiss.

“Just this once I think y’all can make an exception,” Will says, sliding into the booth and wrapping his arm around me.

I lean over and kiss him before asking, “So did you boys finally create a group chat without us to plan this.”

Seth smiles from where he’s sitting across from us. “We sure did. We decided we’re done letting y’all have all the fun.”

We all laugh at that as the waitress comes over and places another round of margaritas in front of us. The boys reach for them, but Margaret, Caroline, and I make eye contact before we all snatch them for ourselves at the same time.

“Sorry, boys, but you crashed our night. The least you can do is be our designated drivers,” Caroline says, taking a long sip of her peach-flavored drink.

“Fine,” Theo says, ordering water for him and the other boys.

“Since you boys wanted to join girls’ night, you also have to listen to our gossip,” Margaret declares before saying. “But, I was about to tell you before we were interrupted—I’m pretty sure Mayor Brian and the new event planner are dating. Her name’s Millie. I met her last week in the coffee corner and she’s really sweet. But as you’d expect, Deer Valley’s going crazy with rumors.”

“I’ve heard something about that,” I tell them, leaning in to rest on Will’s arm. “But isn’t she leaving next week after the holidays?”

“No one knows,” Margaret says with a shrug. “I guess we’ll have to see.”

The six of us spend the next hour making small talk, sipping on our margaritas, and snacking on the appetizers we ordered for the table. Finally, Seth points out that it’s nearly nine o’clock and we groan at the reminder that we all have to be at work in the morning.

We all stand as Margaret says, “You know, it’s gonna be kinda weird not having a football game to go to this week? I’m pretty sure there’s been one every week since we moved into town.”

“You’re right,” Theo says, pulling Caroline into his arms. “It seems like we’ve been here a lot longer than six months. But I can think of several things we can do to fill our free time, can’t you, Sunshine?”

We all laugh as Margaret pretends to gag at his statement. “That’s my cue to leave. Seth, you mind driving me back to the apartments? I can’t listen to this any longer.”

“Sure, ready when you are,” Seth tells her.

---