Into the Tide (Cottonwood Cove #1)(19)

Delilah raised an eyebrow as if she were done with the conversation, and Mrs. Runither waved at us before hurrying away to greet some customers who’d just walked in.

“Remind me again why we come here?” my best friend asked, and she didn’t hide her irritation.

“Because it’s not crowded, and we can talk,” I said with a chuckle. “Plus, it’s almost like a Cottonwood Cove rite of passage to be grilled by the old sexpot.”

“Perhaps it’s not crowded because the owner has a crazy-ass obsession with the customers’ sex lives. I mean, she just used popped that cherry, erection pond, and take the pussy cat out for a ride all in one sentence. This is not normal. You know that, right?” She shook her head, just as our server, Jenna, approached and took our orders after we made a little small talk.

“Well, at least it’s interesting. I swear, my virginity is really a topic of conversation back here in Cottonwood Cove. No one seemed to care about it in Chicago.” I paused when Jenna set our drinks down before hurrying off.

“I still can’t believe you told Hugh you were going to put it on your bucket list,” she said, as her head tipped back in laughter. “So, who are you considering for the deflowering?” She smirked.

“Well, there’s Kline, and that would be easy because he seems more than willing. But then I’d have to work with him, and if I didn’t like it, that could be super awkward.”

“True. But he is hot, and he’s funny. He’s got those tats that give him a little edge.” She smiled.

“Good point. I’m supposed to have a drink with him tonight, so I can feel things out. See if there’s an attraction. Maybe we can all go out next weekend, and I can check out my options.”

“Yes. I’m going out with Quincy again Friday night, so let’s get the girls together for Saturday night.”

“Deal.” I shot a quick text to Sloane and Rina in our group chat, and they immediately sent back thumbs-up emojis and a few eggplant emojis, as well, because those were Sloane’s favorite.

“So, how is it living with Hugh? Oh my gosh, I can’t even imagine seeing him in the morning. What was he wearing this morning when you had breakfast with him?”

I was laughing so hard I barely pulled myself together when Jenna set down our grilled cheese sandwiches and french fries. Once she walked away and was out of earshot, I bit off the tip of a fry and turned to Delilah. “I’ve lived there all of one day. And yes, he wore joggers this morning.”

She fanned her face. “No shirt?”

“Nope.”

“Baseball cap?”

“Yep. Turned backward.”

“My God. I’ve seen him at the beach, and that man is chiseled perfection. Why not add him to the list?” she asked.

“I kind of joked about it, but he was definitely not interested. I’m clearly not his type, and Travis would lose his shit. So that’s out.”

“Travis is such a cockblocking bastard sometimes.” She shook her head and reached for her sandwich. “You are definitely Hugh’s type.”

“How do you know?”

“I just do. I think you’re kind of everyone’s type. You’re gorgeous and smart and funny.” She shrugged.

“Says my bestie.”

“Trust me, Lila. He’d go for it if it wasn’t for Travis. Just feel things out. Maybe you could have a fling and keep it between the two of you. And me, of course. You’ve got to let me know how good it is. Although, your first time is never all that fabulous, but I’m sure he’d make it amazing.”

I reached for my drink. Was it hot in here?

“Okay, that’s enough sex talk for one night. What else can we put on the list?”

“Hmmm… you could tell off Drew Compton. Remember how she made out with Dougy during senior prom? That girl was a bitch back then, and nothing has changed.”

Dougy and I had only dated for three months when we went to prom, and I’d found him in the bathroom making out with Drew, which had been completely mortifying at the time.

“Well, that was on Dougy. He was my date, not Drew.”

“Yes. And Drew was with Robert. They’d dated for three years, and she made out with his best friend at a party. Shady lady, that’s all I have to say.”

I laughed again. “Damn, I’ve missed you, Del.”

“Me, too. Can we just have you tell her off for me? I can’t stand the girl.”

“Fine. I’ll add it to the list.”

“Let’s go to that biker bar while you’re home. Flirt with some of those hairy, handsome beasts.”

“Ahhh… Sloane will be so happy. Remember how many times she tried to get us to go there?”

“That’ll be a good one to check off. What else?”

“The top of the list is helping my dad. I found a place that has inpatient care, and I’m going to go check it out next weekend.”

“Aren’t those programs expensive?” she asked.

“Yep. But I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it. I’ve got a plan, and I’ve been messaging with the woman over there.”

“You’re a good human, Lila James. The best I know,” she said, biting off the corner of her grilled cheese.