“Oh, my apologies. I didn’t mean to disrespect a fake snowman.”
“You better watch your mouth, sir! Disney movies are to be protected at all costs!”
“Welp, I finally found it.”
“Found what?”
“Your one flaw.”
Smacking his chest, I shook my head. “How is that a flaw?”
“Because Disney isn’t real life. I much prefer the Grimm Fairy Tales.”
“It’s not meant to be real life. That’s the whole point!”
“Well, I’ll compare you to a fake snowman and see if that makes you feel good.”
“Fine. You’re like a warm hug…” I paused, thinking when the idea came to me. “You’re a warm hug for my vagina.” I grinned wide, proud of myself for that retort.
Monroe stared at me for a split second, my words hanging in the air as he comprehended them. Laughing out loud, the sound was full of happiness, and I joined him.
“Oh, Lo, I take it back. You are perfect.”
“Nah. But I like that you think I am, flaws and all.”
“Your flaws are what make you, you. Of course, I love them.”
Smiling, I fell asleep in his arms, contentment filling me as his words imprinted themselves on my heart.
* * *
Rushing into the restaurant,I slowed when I saw the girls sitting around a table. I smoothed my clothes down, a broad grin on my face as I approached. It might have taken me thirty-two years to find genuine friendships, but it had been worth it. These women had shown me more kindness, acceptance, and understanding than all of the ladies I’d gone to school with or been in similar circles as. When they spotted me, an enthusiastic ‘welcome’ rang out from them, and they all stood to hug me.
Hugs—they were quickly becoming my favorite thing.
“Loren!”
“Hey, guys! Sorry, I’m a little late.”
“Girl, it’s fine. Besides, you’re usually fifteen minutes early for everything. I think you’ve banked a few minutes to run late with,” Nat teased.
“Yeah, I mean, hopefully, you come bearing a fun story?” Cami eagerly asked.
Laughing, I didn’t know if it was possible for my smile to grow wider. I waited until the server took my drink order, returning quickly with some coffee. Stirring in some creamer, I picked it up, a coy smile on my face as I took a sip. Looking over the rim, my cheeks heated as I shrugged one shoulder. “Maybe.”
“Oh! There is a story!” Cami exclaimed, smacking the table in her exuberance, the silverware clattering as she did.
Ducking, I hid my face behind my hair as I set my coffee down. Nat didn’t let me off the hook either, quick to goad me with the other two.
“Oh, there’s a story. I’d say a couple, actually.”
“Hey!” I teased, sticking my tongue out at her. Sighing, I couldn’t even pretend to be mad because I was so happy. I didn’t think I’d ever felt this blissful before. It was a sad thought, but I pushed it away, focusing on the fact I was, not that I hadn’t been before. The before didn’t matter now.
“Where should I start?”
“At the beginning, duh! Give us all the juicy details,” Stacy enthused.
So while we drank our coffee and waited for our food, I filled them all in on my night with Sax, going over to Atticus’ house, getting a tattoo, getting Barkley back, and kicking Brian in the junk.