Page 90 of Between Now and Forever
“What?”Scottie shouts, her jaw dragging the floor. “Why do you guys never tell me the good stuff?”
“I was only guessing,” Della says, winking at me. “I saw Jay go all caveman at Murray’s last Friday night, so given Gabby’s happy little grin, I figured it was a safe bet.”
“Oooh, Gabs. You didn’t tell me that part,” Cricket says, her hands going to her hips.
I sigh. “I just ... Of course, there’s stuff to tell.”
My friends laugh.
“But I wanted to keep it to myself for a little while,” I say.
“It’s been a while. When do we get the juicy bits?” Scottie asks, rubbing her hands together. “I don’t mean this in any disrespectful way, but I’ve wondered so many times ...”
A giddiness envelops me, the likes of which I haven’t felt in ages. I’d love nothing more than to gab with the girls about my new situation with Jay. But I don’t want to take away from Scottie, even though she asked.
“I’ll give you all the details later,” I say. “But let’s solve the vet problem first.”
Scottie gives me a soft smile. “You’re the sweetest.”
“So like I’ve been sayingfor the last hour,” Della says, winding the conversation around. “Find him on social media. Where does he like to hang out? Do you have any mutual friends that could work some magic? Call his office and leave a message. When he calls back, ask him to dinner. Guys love a forward woman.”
“Do not ask him out,”Cricket says, almost as if she’s offended on Scottie’s behalf. “You want a gentleman, not a child of a man that has to have a woman lead him. Next thing you know, you’ll be paying for the date.”
“I’m okay with that,” Scottie says.
Cricket’s eyes widen. “How?”
“Because he’s a veterinarian,” Scottie says. “I imagine everyone he takes out expects him to pay. And I want to stand out—show him that I’m a woman in my own right. I can take care of myself.”
“And she’schoosing himto be in her life,” Della says, taking the invisible baton. “It makes him feel like the lucky one to be noticedby her.”
Scottie shrugs in agreement.
“Okay, how did you never meet him before?” I ask. “Everyone knows everyone here.”
“He’s new. Dr. Kane retired and the animal clinic hired Grady,” Scottie says.
“How about this?” Della says, putting her drink on the table. Cricket grabs a coaster and slides it under the glass. “My friend Lark has a dog. I’ll borrow it, go see Dr. Hottie, and mention my beautiful friend Scottie recommended him. Then I’ll give him your number.”
Cricket holds up her hands. “And how is that any different than her pretending to have an animal?”
“Because Scottie’s not lying,” I say, seeing the beauty in the plan. “Who cares if Della is?”
“I’ll say it’s my friend’s dog. I won’t even be lying.”
Scottie leans back in her chair and points at Della. “You know what, I like that. I like it a lot.”
“Thank God.” Della groans. “There’s only so many times we can go over this.”
“It’s perfect, Scottie,” I say, giving her an encouraging smile. “You don’t want to have to pretend in a relationship. Imagine how hard it would be if we were together and he came by, and you had to try to keep your stories straight.”
Cricket stands, her face flushed. “Does anyone need a drink? Scottie, can I make us drinks?”
“You know where the kitchen is,” she replies.
Cricket takes Della’s glass and leaves.
The room grows eerily quiet once Cricket is gone. Scottie sits on the edge of her chair, her eyes glued to the doorway Cricket just passed through. Della looks at me with raised brows. I run through the last few minutes of conversation and try to figure out what doesn’t fit.
