Page 107 of Only You

“People do silly things when they’re in love,” Sue said.

“Kayla?” Josie interrupted her musing.

“Sorry. What were you saying?”

“Do you want to watch a movie or something?”

“Okay.” Kayla agreed to have a distraction. However, when Josie put on Titanic, she heard the name Jack repeatedly. Halfway through the film, Kayla couldn’t take it anymore. “I’m going to bed.”

Josie furrowed her eyebrows. “Bad movie choice, huh?”

“It’s not that. I’m just tired.” Soon, she was in bed, which wasn’t as comfortable as Jack’s, and hugged her Squishmallow to her chest. She was so exhausted from all the emotional turmoil, she fell into a deep sleep.

On Friday, Josie insisted Kayla wear her new red dress to the bar.

“Why does it matter what I wear?” Kayla asked.

“Getting dressed up will make you feel better. Trust me.”

Kayla took Josie’s advice. She even spent extra time on her hair and makeup. On the outside, she liked the results, but on the inside, she was still a wreck. I’ll just go for a little while, and get an Uber home, she decided as she put on her gold hoop earrings.

Soon, Ryan arrived and escorted the women outside to his truck. Kayla hated being a third wheel, but Josie had insisted she wasn’t one. On the way to the bar, Josie and Ryan fell into conversation while Kayla gazed out the window. It had been almost one week since she’d seen Jack, but it felt much longer. I wonder what he’s doing tonight. Does he know the three of us are going out? Maybe he’s going out too. Kayla stiffened. When they were just friends, she’d teased him about his revolving door of women, but now she hated the idea of him being with someone else.

Ryan drove past Yard House, the bar they were supposed to be going to.

“You missed the turn,” Kayla said.

“I need to make a quick stop before we go there,” Ryan replied nonchalantly.

“Where at?” Josie asked.

“You’ll see,” he said.

Kayla didn’t question it until he turned into the entrance of Somerset Mall.

“Last minute Christmas gift?” Josie asked.

“Something like that,” he said.

Ryan was acting strangely, but maybe he had planned a surprise for Josie. Why would he drag me along too? Kayla wondered.

Ryan parked the truck and glanced at Kayla. “It’ll only take a few minutes.”

“Should I wait here?” Kayla asked.

“No. Come inside with us.”

As the three of them strode up to the mall entrance, Josie eyed Ryan curiously. “What’s going on?”

“You’ll see in just a minute,” Ryan replied.

Kayla felt uneasy as she followed them inside. Christmas music played overhead as shoppers bustled in and out of the stores, loaded down with packages.

Ryan was like a man on a mission. He led them down the hall toward Nordstrom and Tiffany’s. As they approached the famous jewelry store, Ryan came to an abrupt stop. Suddenly, Jack strode out of the store and into their path.

Kayla’s eyes widened, and Josie beamed.

Ryan reached out and shook Jack’s hand. “Good luck.” He grabbed Josie’s elbow and led her away.