Reckless Abandon (November Blue, #2)(34)

oh, come on!” Rae’s attention refocuses outside.

“What?”

“The girl’s persistent. She’s got that going for her.” Rae throws the roll of paper towels down and runs up the stairs,

slamming her door shut. I walk to the window and see Ainsley coming up the front walk.Great.

I ignore my irritation at Rae for promoting my friendship with November and hurry to the door, opening it before Ainsley has the

chance to ring the bell.

“Spencer! You startled me!” She smiles playfully and whips her hair over her shoulder.

She called me Spencer when we were dating in high school, as a way to assert her position on the invisible top-rung of the high

school social ladder. I’m not so sure it isn’t different now.

“What’s up, Ainsley?” Her smile fades slowly as she must read the irritation on my face.

“I tried calling you ...”

“Sorry, my phone was on silent—I was in the studio.”

“Well, I wanted to know if you wanted to have lunch.” She fidgets slightly on my front steps since I haven’t invited her in.

“I don’t know, Ainsley ...” I drag my hand through my hair and leave it perched on the back of my neck.

“Look, Spencer, we’re friends. Can’t friends have lunch?”

Her intentions are muddled inside that innocent smile of hers. I can never tell what her angle is. Either way, I give in. I’m

hungry.

“Sure, let me just go get my phone downstairs. I’ll be right back.”

As I walk outside, my phone vibrates with a text message.

Rae: Big mistake.

Shaking my head, I climb into Ainsley’s car, and head out for lunch.



*



Ember



My nerves increase with each minute I wait for Monica.

“Knock, knock!” She exaggerates as she bursts into my apartment.

Instantly, my place feels alive with happiness and excitement. Monica wastes no time before showing me the lovely ring Josh used to

ask “forever.” We make our way to the couch, where I have celebratory Brie and Riesling waiting.

“It’s so perfect, so you.” I run my thumb across the emerald-cut solitaire. “I’m throwing you two an engagement party on

Fourth of July weekend, a clam bake.”

Monica’s smile is even bigger than before. “You’re amazing! A perfect Maid of Honor.”

“What?” I scream.

“Did you think I’d choose anyone else?” We scream in unison and hug, yet again.

“So,” Monica continues after our second glass of wine, “what is this nonsense that you had to discuss with me in person?” She

places her elbow on the back of my couch and rests her head on her hand.

“It’s Adrian ...” I start with shaky cadence.

“I knew it.” Her blue eyes grow wild, a million questions and assumptions swirling behind them.

“I told you when there was something to tell, I’d tell. Last weekend, when you saw his car in front of my house, we kissed the

night before—hard. It was so good, Monica, I have no words. I didn’t lie to you; we didn’t have sex that night.”

“That night?”

“No. That happened on Friday...in his apartment.”

“Ember, A, what the hell? B, how could you not tell me?” She slaps my shoulder and crosses her arms.

“I know. I know. He asked if I wanted to come by his place on Friday on my way home from Concord. It worked out well that you had

to drive separately anyway. I really didn’t want to make a big deal if it turned out to be nothing.” I feel my cheeks reach a

temperature I haven’t felt in a long time.

“So ...”

I can’t help the grin. “It was perfect, Monica. We had dinner, went dancing, then...you know.” I shrug. “I’m telling you

because you’re my best friend and now that I think this is turning into something, I need you to know about it. I’m going to his

place again on Friday.”

“Are you going to start spending all of your time in Boston, or is Big Shot going to grace the Cape with his presence?” Her tone

is playful, but I know she’s serious.

“Relax, he’s coming here Monday or Tuesday for dinner. He’s grown up, Monica. We both have. When we were together on Friday, it

was like the best parts of our past and the best parts of our present collided. We got to skip over the “get to know you” stuff

and just enjoy each other.” I swirl the last sip of wine around in my glass.

“Judging by the glow you’ve had since I got here, I’d say you aced the “enjoying each other” portion of the evening.” We

break into laughter; mine is relieved.

“Thanks for not being pissed, Mon. Listen, don’t tell anyone about me and Adrian. By anyone, I mean Rae or Bo.”

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m livid; I knew there was something going on that night we met Regan. I hardly talk to Bo at work, and I

’d never say anything to Rae. Your secret is safe with me until you’re ready. How is he, by the way? Regan, I mean.” She can’t