Page 45 of Salvation

Vivienne and I raise an eyebrow at each other, looking in the mirror at the same time to give Elain a ‘really?' look. ”Okay. Fine. There’s this one guy.” Elain rushes out. “Maybe. I don’t know.”

“Has he asked you out?” I ask her, feigning indifference, but realistically, I’m overly giddy at the idea of Elain making friends.

“No.”

“So why don’t you ask him out?” Vivienne probes, letting a curl fall from the iron.

Her eyes widen, and I almost laugh at how shocked she looks. “I can do that?”

“Of course, you can. This isn’t the dark ages, honey. Boyslove itwhen a girl makes the first move.” I smile as I watch them. Vivienne goes on to explain how she made the move on her first boyfriend, and I can’t help but imagine if this is how Vivienne and Whitney would be if they were given the chance.

I look down at myself as they prattle on, glad Vivienne convinced me to pair this outfit with heels. I chose a simple pair of jeans with a low, long black sleeve top and matching pumps. My boobs look rather fantastic in this top, and I find myself excited to go out tonight. Even more excited at the prospect that a certain blue-eyed neighbor might be there.

“Hello?” Vivienne’s voice drawls. “Are you there? Or too busy thinking about Wesley’s sexy-"

I jump from the bed, bolting after Vivienne, who squeals and runs from the room. Elain’s laughter trails after us.

***

“Any weird cravings aside from these?” Vivienne leans forward to steal one of Whitney’s fries.

We finally made it to the bar after everyone was ready, and I was deemed the winner in our very short-lived pillow fight. Elain immediately got bored of the adults and is currently practicing playing pool across the bar. “Uhh…not really. No.”

“Liar!” Harper points an accusing finger at Whitney. “I caught you trying to eat a spoonful of minced garlic last night! After telling me you already had, and tonotlet you do it again.”

“Harper!” Whitney groans dramatically, throwing a hand over her chest. “I told you that inconfidence!”

We all break into a fit of giggles. Harper slides another drink to Vivienne once she sees it’s empty. “Oh, fine. One more. But that’s it. I have to head to the airport tonight.”

“You’re leaving?” Whitney turns to face her sister, eyes softening when they look at her.

“I just have to sort a few things out at work. I’ll be back soon, okay?”

They seem to have a silent conversation with their eyes, and Vivienne nudges her with an elbow. “Plus, no way in hell am I missing out on my niece’s birth. It’s a girl, right? Please tell me it’s a girl.”

Whitney bites her lip, looking around at all of us girls. “I get the results back in a few weeks but…I have this hunch that it is, you know?”

We all squeal in tandem as Whitney talks about her symptoms and whatnot, her face lighting up at the idea of having a little girl. We order another round of green tea shots to celebrate (with the exception of another Shirley Temple and fries for Whitney). The door to the bar swings open, and heads swivel in the direction of the noise. Vivienne leans over to whisper in my ear, never letting her eyes leave the tall, broody man now taking up the space. “Who isthat?”

I snort. I should haveknownthis was coming. But gods, yes. It’s the most brilliant idea I’ve ever conjured. “Haden.” I shove her shoulder lightly and nod my head in his direction. “You should go talk to him.”

“Don’t have to tell me twice.” She shoots me a wink before hopping out of her barstool and sauntering to where Haden settles in at a table. Everyone slowly drifts off into their own conversations as the bar crowd picks up. I smile as I watch thoseall around me laugh and smile as if every problem in the world is gone for just this one night.

“Having fun?” The hairs at the back of my neck prickle as Wesley’s deep, baritone voice flows over my shoulder. I turn to look back at him, noting the way his white long-sleeve shirt hugs his broad arms. The very arms I spent the night wrapped up in.

“I didn’t realize you were working tonight.” I spin my chair, fully facing him.

“I’m always working, sweetheart.”

I blush, quickly covering it up with a smirk as I turn back around to look at Vivienne and Haden over the rim of my glass. “You and me both.”

His eyes follow my line of sight, and an insufferable sigh leaves his lips. “God, those two? They would wreak havoc.”

“20 bucks says they’ll get married one day.”

He scoffs. “You’re on.”

Wesley goes to get a refill as I sit back and watch my friends once again. Whitney and Harper are teasing Wyatt (who surprisingly showed up shortly after Haden with Benji in tow), Elain is playing pool with old man Sanders, and Vivienne and Haden are bickering about something that has her rolling her eyes.

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