Page 102 of Mad Love
Caleb gets a short nap in while we drive to Boulder and wakes up as we’re checking out our Airbnb. It’s a gorgeous house, and there’s even a full-size crib for Caleb. The place is massive and each room is stunning. The kitchen and living room are perfect for a group, and once we’ve all put our things away and met back in the kitchen, Scarlett pulls out a page that she’s printed out with places for us to go.
“Sofie and I have been to Boulder the most, but Ruby had heard of great places too, so we put this list together. Should we start with what’s closest and see how many shops we can hit before they close?” She points at the two at the top. “These two are closed tomorrow, so we should definitely hit those today.”
Everyone looks at me, and I hold up both thumbs.
“I am just along for the ride,” I say, laughing.
We get back in the SUV and I try a couple of things on at the first place, but don’t love anything, so we move on to the next shop. I find so much there that I have a hard time choosing. While I try things on, Caleb is being passed around to everyone and in his element. Felicity insists that I step out of the dressing room to show off each new outfit.
“My brother is going to die when he sees you in that,” she whispers after the salesperson walks away. “Just so you know, I have neither confirmed nor denied about you and Weston with them.” She tilts her head back to the girls. “I thought I’d leave that to you, but believe me, theyallhave plenty of thoughts about it.” She laughs and I do too, my cheeks flaming.
“Let’s see this one,” Ruby calls. “Oh, you have to get that. All of it.”
I nod. “I think so too.” The jeans fit perfectly and the light sweater is the perfect amount of sexy without being too revealing.
There’s a dress that I almost don’t try on, but they insist on it, and I can’t resist it. It’s cute in the front, but the back amps up the look with the low V and the material beneath that ties into a big bow.
“I wouldn’t have thought I like this, but I love it,” I say.
I get a few cute blouses from there too, and then we hit one more shop. This place has the best loungewear I’ve ever seen. The sweats and sweatshirts have cute detailing and I get comfortable sizes that still aren’t over-the-top baggy.
“One more thing for you to try,” Scarlett says, tossing some leggings and tanks my way. “Your butt will thank you for wearing those.” She laughs when she sees my expression. “Trust me.”
I try them on and when I turn, I gasp. “Holy hell,” I say, looking at my backside in the mirror.
“Let’s see!” Felicity says.
I step out and my cheeks are red, but I turn around and they clap. I face them quickly, laughing, my hands reaching up to cool my face.
“I want them in every color,” I say.
They crack up at that, and I think we all leave the place with at least three pairs of the peach-lift leggings.
We go out to dinner and never struggle for things to talk about. When we get back to the house, Scarlett’s the one who brings up Weston and me first.
“So, am I right to have picked up on a vibe between the two of you?” she asks, lifting an eyebrow.
“You’re not wrong,” I say, grinning. “His agent thinks we should keep quiet about it because of my sister, and I agree with her. Weston doesn’t love it, but I don’t know…me being on those covers might convince him she’s right.”
“I get that it’s a complicated situation, but no one knows the details like you do,” Marlow says. “You’re not doing anything wrong, and it’s no one else’s business anyway.”
“Those articles were harsh,” Sofie says, shooting me an apologetic expression. “I’d probably be doing the same thing as you to avoid more of that…”
“But they’re not openly dating and it still happened,” Felicity says. “I say you live your life openly and let the chips fall where they may.”
“That’s easy for us to say, but I agree,” Ruby says. “Hopefully, it’ll die down soon. I hate the idea of you and Weston avoiding being out together. This is such an incredible time when you’re first falling for each other.” She covers her mouth. “That is what’s happening, right?”
“My brother is so gone over her,” Felicity says, grinning at me. “And I could not be happier about it.”
“And judging by that spark in your eyes every time you talk about him, I think it’s safe to say you feel the same,” Marlow says.
I nod and they all chatter excitedly about it for the next half hour. Felicity and Ruby make cocktails, while I put Caleb to bed. We stay up talking until late, and before we go to bed, I thank them again for this trip.
“I haven’t laughed like this since…my sister. Maybe ever, honestly,” I add. “You’re all incredible and have made me feel so special.”
“You’re one of us now,” Felicity says. “And we’re here for you, Sadie. This whole paparazzi thing feels huge, but the important thing is you and Weston. Don’t let them, or Weston’s agent, or anything else detract from what’s happening with the two of you.”
I nod, thinking about what she’s saying and wishing I could just take the leap.