Page 85 of Real Fake Husband

“So many things happened. But you’ll just have to wait until girls’ night to find out just what those things were,” I tell her. “Tonight.”

“Oh, you tease!”

“Seriously, Kaylin. It was wonderful. The only reason I’m not telling you right now is that everyone else is due in any second, and I want to give you a play-by-play.”

She does an excited little jig. “Yes! Okay, I’ll be patient then. This is going to be the best girls’ night ever.”

Afew hours later, I hear a customer groan in a thick, tipsy voice, “Come closer, doll.” I look up and see Kaylin a few tables down. It seems like déjà vu, only this time, the dude is clearly drunk. The second I notice the jack-off reach out to touch her ass, my vision goes red, and I rush toward them.

My mouth drops open.

To my surprise, Kaylin isn’t flustered or shy.

“I’m not serving you,” I hear her say. She’s holding her own, and when the douche-canoe says something douchey back, she speaks up even louder. “I don’t care, and I’m not repeating myself. If you’re not gone in ten seconds, I’m going to press charges. Out, now!” She’s pointing to the door to really drive home the message.

The drunk prick is out of the door before I can blink.

“Hey there, wow,” I tell her when I pull her into a hug. “Good job, hon.” I couldn’t be prouder. I hardly ever get emotional, but now, I almost want to cry. “Get the girl a chocolate lava cake,” I call out to Deacon. “Wait, make that two. Extra ice cream on top. And two French Vanillas.”

“You’re the best.” Kaylin beams.

“No,you’rethe best,” I say, pressing a big kiss to her forehead.

“I wassonervous. I’m shaking all over.” Kaylin shows me her shaky hands.

“But the prick deserved it. Doesn’t it feel good?”

“Oh, yes, it sure does.”

We sit and eat and enjoy the deliciousness of the rich chocolate and melted ice cream Deacon provided, and we can’t stop smiling at each other.

“Have you texted Theo yet?” I question, knowing if I don’t ask, I’ll forget, and Cal will likely bug me about it later.

She shakes her head.

“You haven’t? Why, hon?”

She sighs. “I can’t reach out first. I’ve never been the one to call first. What do I do? What do I say?”

Laughing, I place my hands on her shoulders. “It’s all right, sweets. If it’s freaking you out, we’ll draft a text together tonight, sound good?”

Kaylin nods, exhaling with relief. “What would I do without you, Josie?”

“You never have to find out, hon. BFFs, remember?”

31

JOSIE

My good mood lasts throughout my entire shift. Even a couple more annoying customers can’t rain on my parade. By the time four o’clock rolls around, I’m ready for food and much-needed best friend time.

Kaylin and I clock out together.

“You hungry?” I ask her.

“I’m always hungry,” she says with a smile. “You know me.”

On the way back to the apartment, we stop to grab a pizza and some wine—the dinner of champions.

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