Page 14 of Before I Love You

Bristol smiles brightly at me before threading her arm through mine and handing me a piece of paper. “And friends have each other’s numbers and addresses.”

“Are you sure she’s okay with this?”

“The moment you left the room to go fix the thermostat, Jade begged me for Love’s number. As I was writing it down, I let it slip that Audrey and Love were moving into your neighborhood, and naturally, she wanted their address next.”

“Why didn’t you give this to her?”

“Because I also need a favor.” Bristol shoots me a pleading look as we come to a stop in the lobby right in front of the door. “Audrey has a hard time asking for help, so I know she’ll be trying to unpack her entire house by herself. Since you live in the same neighborhood, I hoped you would swing by and give her a hand when her delivery arrives tomorrow.”

“That won’t be a problem at all,” I reply, my mind already coming up with ways that I could drop by Audrey’s place and not seem like a total stalker.

“Did you fix the thermostat?” Jade questions as she pulls her earbuds from her ears and pushes to her feet.

“Kind of. I think there is something wrong with the unit itself.” I wrap my arm around her shoulders, pulling her in for a one-armed hug and planting a kiss on the top of her head.

“That sounds very expensive.” Bristol pulls her lip between her teeth, worry written all over her face.

“Don’t stress. It should be an easy fix, and I think we have all the parts we need at the office, but you should really think about getting a new unit before more costly repairs arise.”

“With the baby coming soon, I’ve been trying to save as much as I can, but since I won’t have to close the shop after the baby is born because Audrey’s here, I should be able to swing a new unit in the winter.”

“I’m sure the baby’s father wouldn’t mind helping.” Jade smacks me hard on the shoulder, scowling at me before putting a finger over her mouth.

Bristol has been tight-lipped about who the father of her baby is. The only thing she’ll tell any of us is that he isn’t from here or in the picture. I’m not sure if the poor guy even knows she’s pregnant with his child, but it’s not my place to say anything. The only thing any of us can do is keep supporting Bristol and be there for her if she needs anything.

“Shut up, Dad. You know baby daddy is a sore subject. One harsh word from Bristol could send Audrey running.”

“Your dad is only looking out for us, Jade.” She runs her hand across her belly before pointing her finger at me. “But he won’t continue to push his luck because he remembers the baby and I have everything we need right here. You two, Selina, Vance, Leia, Audrey, and Love. You guys are our family.”

“That’s right!” Jade runs toward her, wrapping her arms around her shoulder and planting a wet kiss on her cheek. “I’m like a fungus. You’re never getting rid of me.”

“An incredibly adorable fungus.” Bristol gives Jade a tight squeeze before pushing her in my direction. “Now, you two get out of here so I can close up shop and head home for the night.”

“I’ll come by later in the week to do the repairs on the unit.”

“Depending on the day, Audrey might be working. Just let me know what day you plan on coming in so I can let her know.” Bristol holds the door open, letting Jade and me exit. “Thanks so much for doing this for me. I know you guys are in your busy season right now.”

“Call us even. Thanks for the pep talk.”

“No need to thank me. Just promise me you’ll be careful with both of your hearts.”

Chapter 5

Audrey

“You and Jade seemed to have become fast friends.” I break the silence that has settled between Love and me since we walked out of the small café a few minutes ago. “Maybe you two will have some of the same classes.”

Seeing Jade and Love coming into the coffee shop together was amazing. Love has always been on the shy side around people she doesn’t know. To say I worried about her making friends after the move would be an understatement, but seeing those two together warmed my heart. It reminded me of the first time I met Bristol. Her bright red hair shone in the sunlight as she came barreling toward me at the bus stop. I was standing alone, away from everyone else, under a tree. As usual, my nose was stuck in a book, but she didn’t care. She started talking to me like we were the best of friends, rambling on about some show on television, and she hasn’t left my side since.

“She’s awesome, Mom.” Love smiles brightly as she comes to a stop in front of Barre Studio. “The moment Iwalked into class with Auntie Selina, she came right up to me, introduced herself, and said we were going to be best friends.”

“Best friends, huh?” I snicker softly at the expression on Love’s face.

“Ha, that’s what I said. She said she heard everything she needed to know about me from Auntie Selina and Auntie Bristol.”

Although Love and I are similar in most ways, when it comes to our emotions, we couldn’t be more opposite. Where I wear my heart on my sleeve, she keeps hers close to her chest. I trust anyone at their word, but Love is skeptical until proven otherwise. However, once you get through all the safeguards she has around her heart, she’s the most loyal person you’ve ever met. I just hope Jade proves to be someone worthy of that devotion. I have a good feeling about her, but I’m not sure I’m the best judge of someone’s character.

“Sounds more like a relationship than being best friends.” My eyes widen as her smile dulls slightly, realizing how she must have taken my statement. “Not that there's anything wrong with that. No matter who you choose to have a relationship with, I’ll support you.”

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