Page 48 of Third Time Lucky

I nod, thankful for the change of subject. ‘Great idea. Let’s get this kitchen back in order.’

After the kitchen is once again sparkling clean, we gather our things and prepare to leave; I catch Aaron’s eye and give him a knowing look. We’ll be talking about this at some point.

As the tension dissipates, Audrina claps her hands together to get our attention.

‘Congratulations again to Asher and Lucy on a well-deserved win,’ she says, her voice filled with pride. ‘But remember, it’s not just about winning – it’s about being the best bitch you can be.’

‘Words of wisdom,’ Lucy says with a laugh as she dismisses us. ‘This was fun, thank you. I’ll never watch your show the same way again!’

‘Any friend of Asher’s is a friend of mine. Let me go grab you some books,’ Audri coos, a sign she likes this one. She did always love to give suggestions on who I should date. I never listened, but she gave them.

As we make our way out of Audrina’s kitchen, me carrying our cake in a pink bakery box and Lucy with her armload of books, the warm night air greets us like an old friend. Aaron and Madi are discussing their plans for the frosting they’re stopping by the store for (and other spreadable things to be used in ways I don’t want to think about) and completely ignoring us. Thank God.

Lucy links her arm through mine, a contented smile on her face. ‘I can’t believe we won,’ she says, her voice filled with wonder. ‘Audrina Leighton said I made the best cake.’ She suddenly glances at me. ‘We,’ she corrects herself. ‘Wemade the best cake.’

‘Mitzi will be proud.’

‘Proud and shocked that I didn’t burn the place down for sure. I’m going to leave this on the island for her to discover. Maybe she’ll give you a raise.’

I laugh, shaking my head because there is no way I’m accepting more money from her. She’s paying me quite well, and the pleasure is becoming all mine.

‘Spending time with you is payment enough,’ I say.

The streetlights cast a soft glow around the car, creating a peaceful atmosphere as we make our way back to Mitzi’s place. I glance over at her, staring out the window, with a slight smile on her face. She is gorgeous. Inside and out. I wish I could tell her that without scaring her off.

With each passing second, the closer we get to Mitzi’s, the more I’m gutted that the night is over. I just want to spend every second with her. Wait. Every second? My God. I’m never going to be the same.

13

LUCY

‘That was an absolute blast,’ I exclaim, practically bouncing in my seat. I have definitely had too much sugar. Or maybe it’s him? My heart’s been racing all evening in the best, most unexpected way.

‘Yeah. I’ve never baked competition style, but it was fun,’ Asher says.

The adrenaline from winning still pulses through my veins. I’m about as non-competitive as people come. I don’t even watch a single sport. But tonight was a nice break from my usual, hanging out and binge-watching Netflix while scrolling my phone by myself. Plus, Audrina Leighton! I love her.

‘We should hang out more often.’

Whatam I doing?

You can’t be questioning why you’re attracted to this man and then suggest spending more time together.

‘Yeah?’ he asks, rubbing his chin – a bit uncertain, but his slight smile suggests he may be up for it.

As friends, Luce. Put that boundary out there. It’s safe. You need safe relationships right now.

‘The universe keeps pushing us together so, why not? It’s what friends do, right? I’ve always considered you a friend. We’re bonded by trauma. Plus, it’s sort of fun hanging out with someone from way back when, you know? We know teen Lucy and Asher – could it be fun to get to know the adult versions of us, too?’

‘That’s hard to argue, especially considering you’ve become one of the best parts of my day. I guess hanging out is what friends do.’

Oh. That felt dangerously flirty, and I didn’t hate it.

Dang it. Why am I looking for this?

Come on, Lucy. Snap out of it – you two have established you’re just friends. He isnotflirting. It’s been seven months, and your vagina is just lonely, and Asher’s presence is somehow waking it up. Man ban. MAN BAN!

‘So, what do you think of Aaron dating Madi?’ I ask, once again flawlessly changing the subject before even attempting to leave his car after pulling into Mitzi’s driveway.

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