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established yet.” She sighs, her voice softening. “It’s okay, you know. I never took it personally that
you didn’t want to get to know me before. I could see that you were a very private person, and I knew
you had a hard time opening up.”
“I do have a hard time,” I admit. “But that doesn’t excuse it. I promise I’ll try to be a better friend
from now on.” Maybe all this Brash togetherness is rubbing off. Or maybe I’m out of my mind. I have
no other explanation for what comes out of my mouth next. “You could come and stay with me. The
guest room has pink glitter all over the walls.” Her delighted gasp makes me smile. “You could stay
for a bit, regroup. And I don’t know, maybe we can find you a job here.”
She’s quiet, and I bite my lip to stem the tide of words that want to escape. I can’t decide if I want
to take it back or convince her to come. I do know that I’ve never shared my space, and I have no idea
if I’ll be ok with it.
“Are you sure?” she asks hesitantly.
Her hesitancy makes me more confident in my offer. “Surprisingly, I think I am. You…you’re the
only part of my old life I really miss, other than Birdie. And you’re the only person.” I’m such an
idiot. “I would like to see you.”
She sniffles. “So maybe we just call it a little vacation for now. Then there’s no pressure for
either of us.”
“A little vacation,” I murmur, really liking that idea. I’ve never been on a vacation. “We could do
some touristy things. It’s cold, but the apartment is lovely and close to all kinds of cute shops.”
“Did you just use the word cute to describe a store?” she says with a gasp. “You? The woman
who actually gagged when I suggested we shop for the staff Christmas presents together?”
“Yeah. That sounds like me.” I shrug, forgetting she can’t see me. “I’m starting to realize that I’ve
been missing out. Zach has taken me shopping a few times, and maybe I don’t completely hate it.”
“Wait! Zach? Who is Zach? Why am I just hearing about him? I need details, woman!”
If I hadn’t had practice with Bree and Cara, I probably would have just hung up the phone right
then and there. But thanks to them, I’m a little more prepared for what friendship entails. Gossip
appears to be one of the key requirements.
“He’s my boss here at Brash. My direct boss, anyway. There are nine of them. And…ah, we’re
also dating.” There’s a clatter on the other end and some coughing and muttered curses.
“I think I just had a seizure,” she yells, sounding far away. “I could have sworn you said you’re
