Page 71 of I Could Be Yours

“Right? He was such a bad choice.” I roll my eyes.

“Did he know he was hot shit?” Hemi asks.

I nod. “Oh yeah, totally.”

“But like, Essie was a legend in high school,” Rix says.

“I was not,” I mutter.

“She’s lying. She was named the hottest girl in school every single year from grade nine through twelve,” Rix explains.

“Was it in the yearbook?” Dred asks.

“Unfortunately, yes.”

“Kind of sucks when people put you in a box based on one quality,” Hemi says softly.

I nod. “Yeah, but Rix and I had each other, and that’s what mattered.”

“Always and forever my bestie.” Rix reaches across the mat, and we link pinkies and smile.

High school was fun, and I was invited to every party, but no one expected me to make the honor roll or be the one with the answers. I was pretty and popular, fun to be around—the girl guys wanted to date but not get serious with. After a while, I started to believe that’s who I was, too. I stopped fighting the stereotype. I thought I was beyond that, but the compliments from Nate about being math smart hit a soft part of me that longs to be seen completely.

After yoga, most of the girls head back to their rooms, and Rix and I stop in the lobby for a fruit shake. We find a table in the shade and drag our chairs close enough that our shoulders touch.

“I have something for you.” I pull a small bag tied with ribbon out of my purse and set it on the table in front of her.

“You’ve already done so much, Ess. You don’t need to buy me gifts.”

“It’s just little. No big thing, I promise.”

Rix pulls the ribbon free and reaches inside, withdrawing the first small box. She throws her head back and laughs. “Oh my gosh, where in the world did you get this wrapping paper?”

“It’s amazing, isn’t it?”

“The most amazing.” It’s covered in a pattern of smiling cucumbers.

“I’ll get you some for Tristan’s birthday.”

“That would be magical.” She carefully opens the small box and hugs it to her chest. “Oh my gosh, are they all French mint?”

“Absolutely. You’ll need to put them in the fridge when you get back to your room, so they don’t turn into a chocolate puddle.” I picked up a small box of her favorite chocolates.

“I will savor every single one.” She tucks them into her bag and moves it into the shade. Next she opens the travel pack ofher favorite lotion and shampoo. “How did you know I was almost out?”

“You mentioned you were running low in Vegas, and I wasn’t sure you’d have time to pick up more before we came here. There’s one more thing.”

She unwraps the smallest box. Inside is a pair of custom-made smiling cucumber earrings.

She bursts out laughing and then bursts into tears.

I wrap my arms around her.

“These are joy tears. I’m so lucky to have you, Ess. I’m so glad you moved back to Toronto. Let’s never be apart again, okay?”

“Never again,” I agree. Although, Tristan’s career could take them somewhere else in the future, depending on contracts. But for now, we’re together. “I’m so happy that we’re here in this beautiful place, and I get to celebrate this with you.” I gently wipe her tears.

“How did I get so lucky, Ess? You’re thebestbest friend in the world. My fiancé is incredible, and I have fabulous friends and a supportive family.”

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