Page 55 of Here's to Tomorrow

“Yeah, yeah, fair enough. All right, I’m sold. Jane! Ring this bitch up, please!”

I shake my head and laugh. I grab the light pink crocheted half-cardigan I’ve been eyeing and follow Maura to the front.

“These are perfect for you, Maurie!” Jane exclaims.

“Right? I scored big this time,” Maura replies, just as excited.

“How are things going, ladies? Any fun news?”

Maura and I both sigh.

“I think we’re both smitten,” I tell Jane. “Like for reals smitten. And Maura here is a sex fiend now.”

“Rae Kamden!” Maura punches me in the arm. “You are such a brat. It wasonetime!”

Jane just laughs us off. “You two are such a handful. If I didn’t adore you girls so much, I’dalmostfeel bad for your fellas.”

“Hell, I adore us and Idofeel bad for them.” I lean in close to the counter. “Especially Tanner. Dude had no idea what he got himself into with this one,” I mock-whisper, jerking my head in Maura’s direction a few times.

“You are so not my best friend anymore. You’re evil.”

I roll my eyes. “Liar.”

Maura huffs, mumbling something incoherent to herself.

“You two…I swear. Makes me wish my best friend were still around, and that I had a guy, because judging by those smiles, you found yourselves some good men.”

“I know I did,” Maura says on a sigh.

Jane gives me a look, waiting on me to fess up. I try to play it cool and shrug. “Hudson’s okay so far. He has a great ass so I’m not complaining.”

“Oh, whatever! You were practically drooling over your date last night.”

“She’s right, Rae. I can see it in your eyes. This one is different. He’s good for you.”

I shift my eyes away and try to divert the attention from me because I know she’s right.

Hudson is different. Every time I think about him, my heart races and I get those stupid flutters in my stomach. A part of me wants them—craves them, even—but the other part is terrified of them, and rightly so. Relationships can suck. I’m already so in like with Hudson that I know if this one tanks—even this early—it’s going to hurt, and I’m not okay with that.

“He has friends, ya know. Tucker and Gaige. I can hook you up,” I tell Jane.

“Nah, I don’t have time for dating. Anyway, girls, anything else for you today?”

Meet Jane, master attention-diverter. I give her a look, letting her know she didn’t fool me. She gives me back a minimal shrug. I know we’ll get her to break one day.

“That’s all I need this trip. I’m sure I’ll be back next week for some therapy shopping after this weekend,” Maura says.

Jane winces. “Yeah…good luck with that.”

“Thanks. I’m going to need it.”

After Jane hooks us up with our usual frequent shopper discount and we say our goodbyes, we hoof it back to Vern’s for our cars.

“You’re working tonight, right?” Maura asks, opening her car door.

“Unfortunately. I’m on the schedule until Sunday.”

“Blech! See you tonight then. I’ll be the hot girl buzzing about.”

With a wink and an air kiss, she’s gone.

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