Page 183 of Chasing Hope

“Have you met her?” I ask. “Of course she would.”

“She’d have it on a loop,” Tristan adds.

“I’m going to burn her phone,” Kalani grumbles under her breath.

“Already saved to the cloud. Suck it up, princess.”

Kalani rolls her eyes. “He isn’t going to propose anytime soon, anyway. You’ll forget about the video by then.”

Angel turns the phone around, the video playing once more, and even Kalani can’t hide her humor as Angel purrs, “Absolutelynothingwill make me forget this.”

Going back to my breakfast, I’m smiling around a mouthful as the two begin to bicker again. By the look on Tristan’s face, we’re in the same boat. I’ve had close friends in my life, had a best friend at one point that felt like a sister—sometimes I still think about Sarah and what happened that made her stop speaking to me—but watching these two, I know I have never come as close to another woman on a friendship level like theirs.

Tristan and I give each other a knowing look as Kalani jumps up, trying to snatch the phone away…right as Angel shoves it down her bra. Kalani stops in her tracks, glaring at her.

“Now why would you do that?”

“Because as much as you love me, I know you’re not down to fondle my boobs.”

Groaning, Kalani returns to her seat, digging into her food as she mutters curses underneath her breath.

I suddenly feel like a deer caught in headlights as Angel turns that charm on me and purrs, “So Evie, how’s Matteo?”

It takes a lot of maneuvering to not choke on the hashbrown I’m currently swallowing. My gulp, however, is audible. “He’s doing justfine.”

Those red manicured fingers tap her cheek. “Has the sexual tension exploded yet?”

“Angel, stop asking her if she’s fucked him. You ask every day,” Tristan states dryly.

Shrugging, she leans back. “What? I’m curious! They’ve been in love with each other since they were little and yet they’re still holding out.”

“The tension must be insane, though,” Kalani whispers.

I take a sip of my coffee, keeping my lips sealed, but as the heat crawls along my cheeks and down my neck, I fear my face is doing all the talking for me.

Angel’s eyes widen to saucers. It’s the only warning any of us get before she squeals, her coffee sloshing over the cup. “Oh my fucking god, they did the deed!”

Tristan and Kalani snap their gazes my way, the former cocking his head as he assesses me. “Isthatwhy you’re glowing?”

Angel whistles before teasing, “I just know it was like fireworks!”

“It was…” I can’t lie. Sighing, I relent, “Fucking amazing.”

Everyone hoots and whistles. Angel is all but bouncing in her seat as she leans forward, placing her chin in her palm as she stares at me dreamily. “When can we meet him?”

“Preferably with his other teammates present…in their uniform,” Tristan teases.

That has me straightening. “Fuck, you haven’t met him yet?” I don’t know why but because he’s such a big part of my life and heart, I’ve just assumed everyone has met him already.

Tristan bumps me with his shoulder. “Holding out on us.”

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t curious,” Kalani adds, her grin widening.

“Okay, we need to rectify that. Why don’t you all come to a game? We can go to O’Malley’s after. It’s where the team celebrates or commiserates.” I click my fingers. “What about tonight?”

The excitement around the table dissipates. Angel’s nose scrunches. “Goddamnit, I already have plans.”

“I’m working a double shift,” Tristan adds sadly.