Page 103 of Out of Bounds
“Ohmygod, Sloane! That’s still huge news for you two!” She squeezes my arm and smiles, but it doesn’t reach all the way to her eyes.
“Aww, babe. Don’t be sad.”
“I’m not. I mean, I am because I love having my bestie back home. But moving to Florida to be with your man? Understandable. I’d move too. In a freaking heartbeat.”
A weight lifts off my chest, knowing she’s speaking the truth. I’d be out of my mind if I turned down a chance to move in with Cam. A gorgeous professional football player who adores me? Yeah, there’s only one right answer here.
“Have you told your dad?” Gracelyn rattles the ice in her almost-empty drink.
“No. You’re the first person I’ve said anything to. I don’t want to jinx it, you know? And there’s no use getting into it with my dad over a possibility. I’m waiting until the offer’s a reality before I go there.”
“Girl, knowing you, you’ll wait until the moving truck’s in the driveway.” She nudges my elbow and I laugh.
“True.”
The bartender wanders over and leans across the bar in Grace’s direction, his biceps flexing and straining the fabric of his T-shirt.
“You ladies want a refill?” He cocks his dark brow at Grace’s empty glass.
“Sure, why not?” She flashes him a smile and he lickshis lips, swooping across the bar and snatching up her glass.
“What about you?” He reaches for my wine glass.
“I don’t know—it’s already kind of late.”
“Ohmygod, Sloane, it’s not even nine pm yet. Live a little! Besides, I might not have too many more nights out with my bestie.”
“Fine. One more drink. But that’s it.”
The bartender tips the wine bottle, filling my glass almost to the tippy-top. He pours Grace another tequila and squeezes a lime into the glass, then slides the drinks over the bar and winks.
As soon as he’s out of earshot, I lean over to Grace. “He’s kind of cute.”
She shakes her blonde curls. “He’s barely out of school, Sloane. Way too young for me.”
“You’re the one who told me I can’t be too picky, to broaden my horizons. Maybe you need to take your own advice.”
“Maybe…I’m more into the older guys now anyway. Stable, established. I’ve had to pay for one too many dates.”
“I hear that.”
“At least you won’t have to worry about that with Cam. Gawd, I need to head home and start randomly emailing men.”
I throw my head back and laugh. “It wasn’t exactly random. And I wouldn’t recommend that approach. I tried to recall the email, but I am glad I couldn’t figure it out.”
“Hey, Sloane. Grace.” Jamie slides up to the bar with a martini in hand, her assets perfectly displayed in a black satin cami and tight jeans. She jockeys for the stool next tomine, practically tapping the guy’s ass as he vacates the seat.
“Hey, Jamie.” Grace greets her cooly, pressing her glossy lips tight. I nod in her direction, but don’t smile.
And this is why I wanted to stay home tonight.
It’s nearly impossible to go out in Thunder Creek without running into someone you know. And in this case, I’m not exactly dying to sit here and shoot the breeze with one of Cam’s old flings.
“Cam’s not here with you?” Jamie’s scarlet hair shimmers under the pendant lights as she searches around for Cam. “I heard the two of you are together now. Finally, huh?” She runs her finger around the rim of her glass, staring at me.
“We are.” I clip out the words, not bothering to acknowledge the jab. “And he’s not here tonight. He’s out of town.”
I take a sip of wine and try to stay calm. Nothing good will come from me getting in a fight with this woman. The less I engage with her, the better.