by Hazel Kelly
Izzy shrugged. "It’s true."
"I was going to say other interests, but you're not wrong," Steph said.
I turned an ear towards her. "Will you be coming home tonight or-"
"Obviously," she said. "Who do you think you're talking to?"
I lifted my palms towards the ceiling. "I don't know. The fanciest thing I've seen you in lately is pajamas that actually match, and now you're here with your legs shaved above the knee so I didn't want to be presumptuous."
Steph pursued her lips and suppressed a smile. "I suppose I do appreciate you pretending that I'm capable of slutting it up a bit."
“Of course you are,” Izzy said. "Besides, at the end of the day we're all just Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman on the inside."
Steph laughed. "Glad to see you're not too drunk to make film references."
"Never," Izzy said. "If anything, drink makes it worse."
A moment later, “Ain't No Mountain High Enough” started playing in Steph's purse. “That's him," she said. "I better go."
"Have fun," I said. "We won't wait up."
Steph rolled her eyes and grabbed her purse, giving Izzy another cheek press on the way out.
"Damn," Izzy said after she closed the door. "She was decked the fuck out."
"I know," I said, topping up our glasses and holding the bottle up to the light to see how much was left. "I'm kind of thrilled for her. She's literally been behaving like a vampire to keep up with her coursework."
Izzy shook her head. "Becoming a doctor is too much trouble. I couldn't do it."
"At least she knows what she wants to do," I said. "Like you do. And Shane. Sometimes I feel like I'm just drifting."
"It's okay to drift. Look at Forrest Gump. He's, like, the happiest guy ever."
"Are you actually comparing me to Forrest Gump? Is that supposed to make me feel better?"
"Yeah. I'm saying you're a legend and that no matter what you end up doing, you'll bring your own special Andi-ness to it and that will be enough."
I sighed. "Want to hear something even lamer than that?"
"Sure."
"The only thing I know for sure about my future is that I want you and Shane to be in it."
She smiled. "I think that's a given considering the fact that we're The Three Musketeers. I mean, we can always take someone else on- like when I find my very own Dartanian- but no one is going to break us up."
I raised my eyebrows. "So you're cool with it?"
She shrugged. "If you guys are happy, why shouldn't I be, too? After all, my happiness is all tangled up in yours anyway, always has been."
A bright warmth swelled in my chest.
"Sure, it might take me some time to get used to the idea, but as long as I keep my imagination from considering the actual implications of your attraction to each other, I suppose I can keep my gag reflex at bay."
"Well that's a relief."
"Plus, I heard this quote the other day I really liked."
"Go on."
"It said the key to a lasting friendship is to have the same taste in alcohol and different taste in men."
"I like that."
"Me, too," she said. "And we fit that description perfectly."
"True. So now what?"
She cocked her head. "Besides opening another bottle?"
I nodded.
"Now you guys do whatever it takes to keep each other happy so you don't spoil my plans for a happily ever after."
I smiled. "Deal."
Chapter 52: Shane
I switched the bag of warm bagels to my other hand and ran my fingers through my wet hair, noticing a slight twinge in my arm where it had been crushed against a fast moving wheelchair at that morning’s game.
"Shane?"
I turned away from the door and looked down the hall.
Steph was approaching in a red dress that I recognized instantly with her heels in her hand. Gently smudged eyeliner framed her eyes, which looked like they were still getting used to the light.
"Late night at the library?" I asked, my mouth curling into a smile.
"Not exactly," she said, glancing down so quickly I almost didn't see the flush sweep across her cheeks.
"Did you have a good time?" I asked, stepping away from the door.
"Yeah," she said. "Too good, in fact. I think I might celebrate by spending the day in bed."
“From what I hear you don't do that enough."
She pulled her key out of her bag and slid it in the door. "Those smell good."
"There are plenty for everyone so don't be shy."
She paused before pushing the door open. "Here for the final verdict, are you?"
"Let's put it this way, you're not the only one who didn't sleep much last night."
She opened the door, and I followed her inside. The curtains were drawn and the only sound I could hear was the kitchen clock ticking over.
"Looks like your damsels in distress didn't have any problems sleeping."
I furrowed my brow. "Did they seem distressed?"
She laid a hand on my shoulder. "I think it's going to be fine."
I swallowed.
"And for what it's worth-" She leaned over and tossed her shoes under the entryway table. "I made a point of telling Izzy that I think you guys are great together."
"You did?"
She nodded. "I did. And I meant it, too."
"Thanks, I owe you one. They both in Andi's room?"
"Most likely," she said. "But it doesn't sound like they're up so I'd take the bagels in with you if you value your life."
I smiled and stepped backwards down the hall. "You're a good friend, Steph."
"Try and save one for me," she said, nodding towards the bag.
"Sure thing."
I walked to Andi’s door and knocked lightly before pushing it open. Izzy was curled up and facing the wall while Andi's face was crushed against the pillow closest to the door.
I moved to the side of the bed, squatted down beside her, and ran a few fingers over her temple.
She opened her eyes and smiled as she closed them again, taking my hand in hers and curling it against her warm chest.
"Morning sleeping beauty."
She sighed.
"How did last night go?" I whispered as I scooted the bag of bagels to the side.
She opened one eye. "Sleeping beauty can only be awakened with a kiss."
"Oh right." I leaned forward and laid my lips so gently on hers it made my whole body burn.
She opened her sleepy eyes- which looked darker than usual when framed by her messy bedhead- and scooted over to the middle of the bed, patting the empty space she'd vacated.
I sat down and leaned back against the pillows, marveling at how much more interesting a woman's personal space seems when you're consumed by her.
Her closet was closed, but a few colorful shirt sleeves were jammed in the door, and her desk was covered in a stack of books, each of which seemed to have a highlighter as their bookmark.
Above her desk there was a small speaker and a few pictures, including the one Izzy took of us the day Andi nearly died from heat exhaustion trying to perfect her layup. My heart swelled at the memory.
I was so proud of her for not giving up. And the smile that lit up her face when I gave her the picture for Secret Santa, well, it kept me awake for days.
She scooted towards me and laid her head and a hand on my chest.
I lifted an arm and wrapped it around her.
"Did you have basketball this morning?" she asked.
"Yeah. We got whooped," I said. "Our second best guy couldn't make it, and they showed up with a bunch of new plays."
"Sorry."
"It's cool. It's the only time I actually don't mind losing. The kids were so pumped you'd think they won the lottery."
She gave me a little squeeze.
"So how did things go last night?"
"Fine. Izzy was… surprisingly understanding."
"Surpr
isingly?!" Izzy said, rolling onto her back and propping herself up on her elbows. "Am I usually not?"
Andi laughed. "No you are," she said, rolling away from me. "I was just nervous is all."
"I told her I knew all along," Izzy said, her eyes on me. "In fact, my only regret is that I didn't think to set you guys up in the first place, in which case I could’ve taken credit for your sickening happiness."
"So we have your blessing?" I asked, raising my eyebrows.
"Yeah." She sat up against the wall. "Seems like she's just as crazy about you as you are about her, so who the hell am I to get in the way? I'd only lose you both if I tried."
Andi shot me a look that said she knew as well as I did that Izzy would need time to get used to the idea.
Then she rolled over and pulled Izzy into a hug. "We wouldn't be The Three Musketeers without you."
"So true," she said, pushing Andi away with a groan. "Besides, I suppose the only real change is that I used to sleep in the middle."
"We also used to fit in a bed a lot better than this," Andi said.
“Yeah.” Izzy cocked her head. "We’d never fit on the pullout now.”
"No shame in trying," I said, elbowing Andi.
Izzy rolled her eyes.
I smiled.
"What is that divine smell?" Izzy asked, taking a big sniff.
"I got bagels," I said, leaning down to grab them. "Fresh from Newton’s."
Andi raised her eyebrows. "Please tell me you remembered the tubs of cream cheese this time."
"As if I'd ever make that mistake again," I said, remembering her horror at my previous oversight.
"Thanks," Andi said, pulling the bag close. "Did they have any of the ones I like with the-"
"Blueberries?" I asked, raising my eyebrows.
She glanced at me through smiling eyes. "You’re the best."
"Thanks," I said.
"Make sure you remember to tell him again in five minutes," Izzy said. "He never tires of hearing that."
"Noted," Andi said.
"Do you guys want me to get you some plates or a knife or something?" I asked.
They looked at each other, each poised with a bagel in one hand and an open tub in the other.
"I think we're good," Andi said. "But if you need one-"
I raised my palms. "No. I'm good if you are."
Izzy clutched her bagel to her chest. "Awww. I want that."
I rolled my eyes. She didn't know what the hell she wanted.
But I did.
I wanted the gorgeous brunette beside me with the smudge of blueberry cream cheese on her cheek.
And that was never going to change.
Chapter 53: Andi
Shane and I were chilling on the couch when Izzy came down the hall looking fresh faced with her overnight bag packed and ready. She sat down in the chair by the end of the couch and looked back and forth between us.
"What?" I asked, looking at Shane beside me and then back at her.
She shrugged. "You guys are kind of cute together-”
I smiled.
"If I let myself forget who you are for a second."
I rolled my eyes.
"You better get used to it," Shane said.
Izzy clasped her hands. "I'm trying. Trust me."
"When do you have to be back at school?" I asked.
Izzy glanced at the clock on the wall. "I'm giving a girl from one of my classes a ride back at noon," she said. "She's meeting me back at the frat house so I probably shouldn't keep her waiting."
"We should leave now then," I said, rising to my feet.
Izzy shook her head. "You guys are good. I'll say good bye here and text you when I get home."
I furrowed my brow. "Are you sure? We're happy to walk you-"
"Really, it's fine. As amusing as it is for me to watch you guys try and keep your hands to yourselves, I think I’ll leave you to it."
I pursed my lips.
"I'm too young to be an aunt, though, so please use protection."
I cocked a hip. "Jeez, we're not that bad."
"Preferably two types," she added.
"Well-" Shane set his hands on his knees and stood up. "Now that you've spoken your mind, I'd like to request that you never ever reference that aspect of our relationship again. Otherwise, I'll consider it an invitation to speak freely and in great detail about the exact-"
I squeezed my eyes shut.
Izzy clamped her hands down over her ears and starting humming “The Song That Never Ends.”
I laughed. "I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing that we all still turn into children around each other."
Izzy craned her neck forward. "Further proof that we aren't ready to have them, don't you think?"
Shane raised a finger at her. "This is your final warning, Iz."
"Okay, okay," she said, lifting her palms in concession. "The topic of whatever you guys do behind closed doors is officially off the table."
Shane folded his arms. "Good."
"Assuming you lock said doors going forward."
I felt my cheeks burn. "Sorry about that again."
"It's fine," she said. "Two minutes earlier and I'd probably be in therapy right now, but as long as we’ve all learned from the close call-"
"We have," I said.
"Excellent." She stood up. "In that case, I only have a few more requests."
I raised my eyebrows.
"I want you both to promise me three things," she said, pointing a finger back and forth between us.
"Go on," I said, stepping beside Shane so we were shoulder to shoulder.
"Promise you won't hurt each other."
"I promise," we said in unison.
She bent over and pulled her shoes on without taking her eyes off us. "Promise you'll never take each other for granted."
I glanced at him. "You have my word."
"And lastly-" She yanked her high ponytail with both hands so it tightened against her head. "Promise that we’ll always be best friends first, above all."
Shane nodded. "You got it."
"Good," she said. "I think those things- along with my agreeing to remain ignorant about the finer points of your relationship- will go a long way to making sure this never gets weird."
"That's very thoughtful of you," I said, pulling her into a hug.
She squeezed me tight.
"It really means a lot to me that you're okay with this."
"Me too," Shane said, his arms closing around both of us.
We stood there like that for a moment, and I swear I felt so cocooned by warmth and love I thought tears might spill down my cheeks.
"Are you sure we can't walk you back?" I asked when we'd all taken a step back.
"Positive," Izzy said. "I'll see you guys at Thanksgiving break."
"We'll pick you up," Shane said, opening the door. "If your schedule gets out at the same time."
"Sounds good," she said. "Give my love to Steph."
Izzy hugged Shane one more time and then disappeared down the hall.
As soon as she was out of sight, I closed the door and turned towards Shane. "I'm glad that's over," I said, dropping my shoulders.
"Over?" He raised his eyebrows and slipped his hands around my waist. "I'm pretty sure this is only the beginning." He pulled me to him.
"Thank you," I said, laying a hand on his chest.
“For what?”
"For whatever you said to her before she came over."
He leaned his face down and rested his forehead against mine. "You don't need to thank me. But if you insist, I have a few good ideas for how you might try."
I tilted my head back and pressed my lips to his.
"And don't forget the blueberry bagels," he said, leaning his hips against mine. "There must be a reward I can collect for remembering those."