“You look amazing, Holly.” I ignore my best friend and turn the attention on the bride-to-be.
“Oh, I know I do.” Her laugh fills the suite as she does a little twirl. “But, I wanna hear more about this doctor. Spill, naughty nurse.” She holds her hand out for a drink and like a well practiced maid of honor, Kadence has one ready.
“It’s nothing, guys. He just asked me out for coffee.” I brush it off, starting to feel guilty. “I’m not even sure I’m going to go.”
“You’re going, Bell Johnson.” Lissy takes on her ‘mother hen’ tone, her finger pointing down at me. “You need to get out there. Besides, it’s coffee, not marriage.” I know she’s right. I do need to get out there, but everything is still raw since the fall out with Jesse. It’s not like I’m crying myself to bed every night. I’m just not sure I’m ready.
“Lissy, dating is the last thing I need right now. I’ve only just settled in to our new place,” I try to explain, but I know it’s only falling on deaf ears.
“Even more reason to relax.” Her brows bounce on the words relax before she throws her head back and laughs. “Think of it as a house warming present for yourself. Flying Out Of The Nest Award.” She laughs louder at her own joke but I don’t.
“Isn’t this weekend meant to be about Holly? Let’s talk about her.” Heat creeps up my neck. I hate being the center of attention. I know everyone is worried about me this weekend, but I didn’t come here for lectures or adventures. I came here for Holly.
“New goal tonight. Let’s get Bell laid!” Holly exclaims, placing a bright pink sash over her head and totally ignoring my attempt to shift the attention.
“What? No! Oh, God, no!” My head moves from side to side, watching everyone nod in agreement. Even Kadence.
Jesus, help me. “I’m so not ready for that.” I’m in way over my head. A one-night stand is not my scene and never will be.
“It’s exactly what you need. You’re still hung up on Jesse, God knows why when you keep avoiding him. Seriously, girl, you either need to let that man in, or decide he’s not the only one who can flick your bean,” Lissy says, pushing my blush back into the hot zone. Just kill me now.
“Oh, I love her! Where have you been hiding her, Bell?” Holly laughs, holding her palm up for a high five. Lissy returns it then they both fall back giggling.
“Jesus, this isn’t good.” I turn to Kadence and Kelly for help, but they don’t offer any relief. Only telling me the inevitable:
“Welcome to our world. Just hold on, Bell. It’s easier if you don’t fight it.” Kelly chuckles, leaving me to fend for myself. Taking a deep breath, I reach forward and take my glass. I probably shouldn’t have another drink after this one, but something tells me between Lissy and Holly, I’ll need it.
“We’re not talking about dating or one-night stands tonight.” I dig my heels in, refusing to get into anything with them.
“Why? ‘Cause we’re right?” Holly taunts just as bad as Lissy.
“I need another drink.” I ignore her jab and turn to Kadence holding up my glass. She holds my stare but doesn’t push. Instead she leans forward and pours me more wine.
“This reluctance to talk about dating doesn’t have anything to do with the fact that a certain someone is in this hotel and we might possibly see them at some point tonight?” Holly continues, knowing exactly how to rile me.
“Not at all,” I deny, and watch as all the girls look at me with grins. “We’re not seeing them tonight, right?” My voice hitches in my panic. Shit.
“No, tonight the boys know it’s girls’ night.” Holly laughs, calming my nerves. I know I have to see him; I’ve just been trying to hold off for as long as I can.
“You do know you won’t be able to hide from him tomorrow night at the wedding, right?” Kadence pushes this time. I don’t know why they think I’m trying to hide… Oh, right ‘cause it’s what I’ve been doing for a month now.
“Of course I know.” I laugh awkwardly, swallowing my unease. It’s what’s going to happen when I see him that worries me.
Ever since Jesse called and told me he was going to win me back, I’ve been laying low. Hiding out. Avoiding his texts. It’s not that I don’t want him back. It’s more that I’m exhausted and unsure. The back and forth, it’s been too much for me. Jesse is dealing with some pretty deep issues, issues he has to handle on his own.
“Are you going to be okay when it happens?” She watches me carefully.
“Yeah, of course. I mean it might be a little strange seeing each other, but I’ll be polite and won’t cause you any problems, Holly. It’s going to be fine.” I turn to assure Holly but catch her sharing a look with Kadence. “What?” I stop and ask.
“Nothing,” Both girls reply, but something tells me their nothing means something.
“Don’t be playing any games, guys,” I say, watching both of their grins grow wide.
“We’re not playing anything, Bell. We just know Jesse. There is no way that man is going to see you and want to be friends.”
I roll my eyes because I knew this was coming. “Jesse knows how I feel guys. He’s respecting my space.” I direct my stare at each of them, willing them to understand.
“If you say so, Bell.” Holly shrugs, not looking directly at me. She doesn’t believe me.
I turn to Lissy to gauge her opinion. “Don’t look at me. I’m with them on this.”
“I do say so. What we had is over.” I shake my head, ignoring the flutter their doubt ignites in me.
“It doesn’t have to be,” Holly argues, ready to challenge me. I knew this would happen. Dealing with Jesse on my own I’ve managed to stay strong and not cave, but with a room full of Jesse fans, I don’t see how I’m going to survive.
“What we had, it wasn’t healthy, guys.” I’m not ready to admit they might be right and maybe I should let him in. I just wish I wasn’t so confused.
“Bell, you know I love you, and I will respect your decision either way, but that man has been through hell the last few months. What he did that night was wrong, I’m not taking that away from you, but people make mistakes, babe.” Holly fights his case, cracking a little at the hard shell I’ve locked myself away in since Jesse pushed me out of his life.
“I know, but I’m not ready guys.” I look back to Kelly and Kadence hoping they understand. I know I’m probably hurting everyone for pushing Jesse away, but I still need time.
“Just don’t give up.” Holly steps forward and wraps her arms around.
“I’m trying not to.” I admit, more to myself than anything.
“Okay, we’ve all established whatever is happening between Jesse and Bell is just going to have to wait. Now we have dinner and drinks to go to.” Kadence steps in, taking the focus off me.
I blanket my mind from everything Jesse, and focus on getting through the night. Through this weekend.
“She’s right. We have a bachelorette party to have. Strippers to see, money to win. Are you ready to do Vegas, ladies?” Holly calls shifting gears into party mode.
“Hell yeah!” they all reply, hopefully forgetting their need to fix Jesse and me.
“Let’s do it then, ladies!” She hollers before throwing her drink back. Kadence turns her gaze back to me and gives me a wink.
“Thank you,” I whisper as we gather our bags and start to head out.
“Don’t worry, Bell, I have your back,” she assures me and I trust that she does. I know none of these ladies will let anything happen to me. They are part of my family now. Even after everything that’s happened, they have been there every step. Even when I tried to push them out they wouldn’t allow it. I’m stuck with them and I can’t fight it.