Page 6 of One Last Time
He’s out of his freaking mind if he thinks that’s going to happen. I’ve suffered through his constant bullshit, and I tried to make things civil. If he wants a fight, then I’llfight.
“I really wish you’d find a reason for me to legally shoothim.”
I laugh, wishing I could as well. “He’s not worthit.”
She leans her hip on the dresser. “No, he’s not, but youare.”
Am I? I don’t feel like I’m worth a damn right now. I just landed a job, thanks to Heather. I only have a roof over my head, thanks to Heather. The minimal furniture here is because of Nicole being an interior designer—I swear she takes stuff from the houses she stages, and my form of childcare isDanielle.
Really, what am Iworth?
My friends are worth their weight in gold, but I’m the rust that needsscraping.
“I don’t feellike—”
“One of you two!” Nicole yells with strainedeffort.
“Shit,” we both say in unison and rush out. Nic isn’t exactly the most graceful of the four of us, and she sure as hell doesn’t do manuallabor.
When we get into the living room, I rush over and take the top box, which is in front of her face, and restrain mygiggle.
“Jesus Christ, it’s hotter than Satan’s ass out there,” Nicole groans as she fumbles with the other box in her hand. “Why do we live in Tampaagain?”
“You know what Satan’s ass feels like?” Heatherasks.
Nicole puts the box down, flips her off, and plops into the chair. “Fan me,” shedemands.
“I’ll get right on that.” Ilaugh.
Danielle exits the kitchen with a glass of ice water. “I’ve got the cabinetsorganized.”
I smile at the people who have never let me fall. These girls are the only reason I’m functioning right now. All three of them showed up at the house when I texted Danielle the day after Scott and I decided on the divorce. They hugged me as I cried, made me laugh, and forced me to drink wine until I passedout.
Today, they’re sweating their asses off and helping me haul boxes andfurniture.
Nicole snorts. “I’m sure Kris will redo them all. We know you’re not exactly known for your organizationalskills.”
Danielle slaps the back of her head. “Shut up. You’re the one sitting on yourass.”
Here we goagain.
Heather and I share a knowing look. One of us has to intervene before it ends in acatfight.
I throw my arm around Danielle and squeeze. “I’m sure it’sperfect.”
“Mommy.” Aubrey comes over. “I miss my old room. It waspurple.”
“I’m sure Aunt Heather will let us paint it.” I take her tiny hands in mine and squat so I can look her in the eyes. “You could pick any color youwant.”
I don’t even look to Heather for approval since I already have it. From the first conversation, she’s told me I can do anything I want to make this house mine. Plus, I think she’s happy to have another excuse not to sell the place. For the last two years, she’s been living with her boyfriend Eli, who happens to be an uber-famous singer and actor. His house is the most ridiculous place I’ve ever seen on Harbour Island, but she’s always loved this house. Not that I’m complaining—she’s saving my butt from having to move back in with myparents.
It’s crazy how they met and became a couple. Who knew that a girls’ night out where four friends went to pay homage to their favorite childhood boy band, Four Blocks Down, would result in a love like that? Not me, that’s for damnsure.
“I bet we could get Eli to help us,” Heather says conspiratorially. “He loves topaint!”
“What does Eli like to do?” His deep voice fills the room, but I can’t see his face past all the boxes he’scarrying.
Aubrey squeals when she hears his voice and runs back to herroom.
