Jewel grinned. “The one and only. Didn’t think I’d see the day he fell for a woman. I’ve known him for years and I’ve never seen him with the same woman twice. Not that he’s a player or anything. He doesn’t jump on anything with a skirt, he just never seemed interested in commitment.”
She ran her finger down the moisture that had gathered on the outside of her bottle of beer. “We haven’t exactly talked about commitment.”
But she knew he was serious about her and she felt the same about him.
Jewel snorted. “What do you think that statement just was? That was basically a wedding ring to these guys.”
She blushed. “It was?”
Jewel nodded. “So I hope you’re serious about him. Because Duke’s a good guy, one of the best. I don’t want to see him hurt.”
Sunny stared at her for a moment. Hurt Duke? That was the last thing she’d ever want to do. “He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me and the thought of hurting him makes me feel ill. The thought of being without him. . .” she shook her head. “I don’t even want to think about it. It’s hard to think we’ve only known each other a few weeks. I shouldn’t feel this intense about him already, right?”
It was nice to have someone to talk to about this. She’d just met this woman, but she felt instantly at ease with her.
“If it’s right, it’s right. Doesn’t matter if you’ve known them six minutes or six years. Don’t go messing it up just because it doesn’t stick to society’s timelines.”
“You’re smart. And beautiful. I wish I was more like you.”
Jewel threw her head back and laughed. Around them, men stopped and stared, their admiration for the dark-haired woman apparent. But Jewel didn’t look at any of them. Her attention was fully on Sunny.
“Sorry, that probably sounded weird. I’ve never had a friend before, not that I’m saying you have to be my friend or anything,” she groaned. “Stop me anytime you like.”
“Now why would I do that? You’re seriously entertaining.”
Sunny just shook her head. “I’m a nutcase, is what I am.”
“Babe, seriously, you do not want to be like me.”
Sunny sighed. “You seem so confident and together.”
Jewel leaned in. “A little secret, because even though we’ve just met I feel like I can trust you.”
Sunny nodded. “I feel the same.”
“It’s all a freaking act.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, babe. I give people what they want to see. Even if I don’t feel it on the inside.”
On instinct, Sunny reached over and grabbed hold of her hand. “I’m sorry you have to pretend all the time.”
Jewel smiled sadly. “Me too.”
“I also wish I could dress like you.” Sunny looked down at herself with a grimace.
Jewel narrowed her gaze. “You don’t like your clothes?”
“Everything in my wardrobe has been there for years. It doesn’t fit me properly. I don’t feel like I’m me in these clothes. I think maybe I’ve been hiding too.”
“I’ll take you shopping.”
“What? Really?”
“Yep. We can go this weekend if you like.”
Sunny grinned. “That would be awesome, if you’re sure it’s not too much trouble.”