Page 63 of Last First Kiss
My phone buzzes on the nightstand. It’s a text from Isabella, asking if we’re still meeting for coffee in an hour.
Isabella and I need to review the pictures I picked for the show at her gallery before I print them out. I’ve been editing them on and off for a few weeks, and I’m at my wits’ end. I think I need someone else to look at them at this point because I will keep tinkering with them and never be done.
But Clara looks so cute cuddled up next to me, I want to cancel to watch her some more.
Five more minutes,I tell myself, snuggling up closer to her.
When my five minutes are up, I sneak out of bed carefully, making sure not to wake Clara. That’s a sure way to get her to be grumpy all day.
I head into the bathroom, shower, brush my teeth, and do my makeup. When I step out, I almost wish Clara was up so I could kiss her goodbye, but she’s still knocked out in bed.
I tiptoe past her and lightly close the door behind me.
When I make it to the cafe, I grab a dirty chai while I wait for Isabella to arrive. I pull out my phone to text Clara, but I already have a text from her.
Clara 8:00 a.m.:
Where are you?
Alejandra 8:00 a.m.:
Morning sunshine!! I’m meeting bel about the pictures remember?
Want anything from the coffee shop?
Clara 8:00 a.m.:
Oh! right and no thank you. I can meet you there when you’re done
Alejandra 8:00 a.m.:
perfect!!
“Hey,” Isabella says, squeezing my shoulders, startling me slightly.
“Hey.” I cover my eyes from the beaming sun—even though it is a chilly morning—as I look up at her. “How are you?”
“Good, you?”
“Mm . . . fine.”
“Just fine?” Isabella smirks.
“Yes?” My eyebrows furrow as I sip my chai.
“Hmm, I thought you’d be great after that one night with Clara.”
I nearly choke on my drink, and start coughing so much that Isabella has to pat my back to help me get through the fit.
“What do you mean?” I choke out.
“What do you mean, what do I mean? The balcony.”
“How do you know about that?” I ask, probably too loudly for this early in the morning. A few annoyed eyes land on me.
“Ale, there were no curtains, and the sun was still out. Weallsaw.” Isabella laughs.
“Well, that’s embarrassing.” I touch my cold fingers to my suddenly burning cheeks, trying to tame the heat, but it’s too late.
