Page 68 of The Triple Play

This isn’t a real relationship.

It’s just three people who enjoy each other’s company, getting together occasionally, and having some fun.

God, I’m getting sick of using that word.

When I woke up this morning, my hair was falling out of the braid Griffin had done earlier in the day, but my cramps were gone, thanks to the heating pad, and I had a plethora of snacks sitting on my kitchen counter, courtesy of Denver going crazy at the grocery store. My favourite flavour of Doritos and sour gummy worms were there, along with what looks like every single type of chocolate bar imaginable.

Best of all, I feel rested. Usually, the first two days of my period, I don’t sleep, can’t get comfortable, and am simply miserable. But yesterday and last night, I was cared for. Pampered, even. And between my nap on the couch with Griffin and a full night’s sleep last night, I woke up feeling good today.

Well, as good as can be expected while my uterus is actively trying to murder me.

Which I suppose makes it a good thing that I don’t have to work today and am instead meeting up with Juniper and Isla. When they invited me to join them for a girls’ day, I felt a small thrill of excitement. Initially, they were talking about getting together on a day I have a lecture to give at the university, but as soon as I explained that, without me asking, they changed the day to today.

As if my availability truly mattered to them both. I didn’t let on how much that meant to me. Even though I should be taking every spare minute I have to work on my request for funding, the idea of spending a day relaxing with my new friends was too tempting to pass up.

I find a parking spot just down the street from Dot’s Diner. In my time here, I’ve been able to explore most of the shops in downtown Cedar Creek. Easy enough, seeing as the town is quite small, with just one main street, really.

“Olivia!”

I turn at Juniper’s excited voice and see her and Isla waving me toward them, where they stand at the corner of Main Street and one of the side roads that I think eventually leads to Dogwood Cove, the next town over.

“Hi,” I greet them with a smile on my face. “Thanks for inviting me.”

“Girl, of course! I’m glad we were able to find a day that worked for all three of us,” Juniper says as she pulls me in for a hug. “Your schedule can be as crazy as Isla’s, from the sound of it.”

Isla’s in the middle of pulling her long red hair up into a ponytail but she gives me a smile of her own. “Mom life. I’m constantly chauffeuring him somewhere. It’s easier here than in the city since he can walk most places, and Luca helps a lot, but still.”

When she finishes getting her hair up, Isla hugs me as well. “But no chance was I going to miss today. My feet are in desperate need of some love.”

I frown. “What do you mean?”

“We’re getting pedicures. Didn’t I mention that? I swear I told you to wear sandals,” Juniper says as she starts walking down the street.

I glance down at my shoes. “Umm, no? You didn’t.”

“Shoot. Well, they should have some of those disposable ones you can wear,” she replies breezily. “Have you been to Westport yet? That’s where the nail bar is. Isla's going to drive, since she’s got the mom mobile and can fit us all.”

“Not a chance we’re jamming into your tiny car,” Isla comments. Turning to me, she adds, “Have you seen it?”

I shake my head.

“It’s awesome, and Isla’s just jealous,” Juniper announces. “It’s lime green and electric and fun.”

“Sounds perfect for you,” I tease and both women laugh.

“It really is.” Juniper nods sagely.

We reach a minivan parked just around the corner and pile in.

“I’ve actually never had a pedicure,” I admit.

Juniper twists around in her seat, her mouth open comically wide. “What? You haven’t? Oh my god, you’re in for a treat. The foot massage is the best part.”

My mind immediately drifts back to last night, when Griffin was rubbing my feet.

“Hold on, why are you blushing? Do you have a foot fetish or something?” Juniper says, and I know she’s teasing, but I instantly panic. She can’t possibly know about last night.

“Ew, no, of course not. Just thinking about getting a foot massage.”