Page 196 of Where We Stay

Courtney accepts the picture with a smile. It’s the one of Dean, Aspen and me at the lighthouse. A woman passing by took it for us because Aspen decided we needed documentation of our surprise date.

I give Courtney an awkward smile, but hers appears completely genuine.

“I love this,” she tells Aspen. “You all look really happy.”

“We were.” Aspen takes the photograph back before racing toward the front door. “Come on, Mommy. We’re going to be late!”

“I’m coming,” Courtney calls.

Before following her, she looks back at me. “They really love you.”

There’s nothing bitter in her voice. She sounds genuinely happy for them.

Maybe even for me.

My chest tightens, leaving me unable to do anything except smile back.

* * *

My phone buzzes during lunch with an incoming call from G.

“Please tell me you’re free tonight,” she says the second I answer.

“Hello to you too.”

“The Breakwater. Drinks. No excuses,” G announces pointedly.

I laugh. “That sounds suspiciously like an excuse to get drunk.”

“Bingo, babe.”

“I don’t know, G. I had a shitty sleep, and I’m exhausted.” A yawn escapes before I can stop it. I’ve been trying to hide them all day because apparently yawning is the funniest thing a person can do, according to twenty six-year-olds.

“Come for one drink,” she bargains. “I’ll have you home early.”

“That is a blatant lie.”

“Probably. But you’re barely home anymore, and I miss your face.”

She’s right. I’ve spent almost every night at Dean’s lately, and although I wouldn’t change that, I don’t want to become one of those people who disappears the second she gets a boyfriend.

I groan dramatically. “Okay, fine. I’ll go home after work, and we can head over together.”

“Mwah.”

G hangs up before I can change my mind.

I open my messages and text Dean. After promising I’d be back at his house tonight, changing our plans without saying anything feels a little rude.

ME: G is demanding drinks tonight. Mind if we rain-check?

His reply comes through almost immediately.

Mr. Ashford: You don’t have to ask, baby. Pen’s staying with Mom and Dad tonight anyway. Call me if you need a ride.

ME: I might hold you to that. X

* * *