“It’s okay, I’m used to grown-ups talking around me,” Lindy interjects. “I stopped listening a long time ago.”
Holly and I both laugh.
“How’s Joey?” Holly asks.
“He’s my little boyfriend,” Lindy responds before I can.
“You like younger men?” Holly asks, chuckling.
“He’s so cute,” Lindy gushes. “But I have a different boyfriend at school. I have to keep them separate, I guess.”
“You have a boyfriend?” I ask in surprise.
She nods. “Tucker. He’s nice. He wears glasses and knows a lot about science.”
“As long as he’s nice to you,” Holly says. “That’s important.”
“Yeah.” Lindy shrugs. “I don’t like people who aren’t nice to me.”
Another weird silence follows, but luckily, we’re pulling into the school’s parking lot.
“Holly, we just got to school, so I have to run. If you want to talk tonight, call me. Otherwise, let’s plan for this weekend.”
“Sounds good. Have a great day! And it was nice to meet you, Lindy.”
“Nice to meet you too!” Lindy grins, even though Holly can’t see it.
I can’t help but wonder what’s going on with my friend. Maybe she’s finally going to dump Nathan. That probably makes me a bad friend, but she changed once they got engaged, and it feels like I barely know her anymore.
All I can do is focus on myself for now. When and if she needs me, or if things in her life change, she can reach out. But I’m done making the first move.
Besides, I have a handsome hockey player keeping my thoughts—and other parts of me—busy.
I smile just thinking about him.
And I know exactly how I plan to be waiting for him when he gets home.
Chapter
Twenty-One
West
I’ve just gotten to my hotel room in Nashville when I feel my phone buzz in my pocket.
SERENA: Hey, handsome. Whatcha doin’?
We’ve talked and texted every day since I’ve been gone. I’ll be home the day after tomorrow and I’m looking forward to seeing her. Sleeping next to her. Touching her. I didn’t realize I’m addicted to touching her. But I am.
WEST: Hey, angel. Just got to the hotel.
SERENA: Tired?
WEST: A little. Not too bad. Plan to get a good night’s sleep tonight.
SERENA: I can let you go.
WEST: Not this early. I’m going to shower and talk to a gorgeous redhead I know for a while. Then I’ll get to bed.