I Have Lived and I Have Loved - Willow Winters Page 0,192

short with me. Just one word answers.”

“I’m glad he knows. I hope he hates himself for walking out on you.”

Eli was not happy about that conversation. He knew he couldn’t say much, but I could see how angry he was that I had to tell Matt. It’s the part about my job that sucks. I wish I didn’t have to deal with my ex-husband, yet I can’t say I didn’t enjoy having to tell him.

“Matt made his choice, and he has to live with it,” I say as I put the last of my clothes away. Not being here much in the last few weeks has made me a little lazy regarding my home. “All right, let’s finish up. They’ll be here soon.”

“Is that what you’re wearing?” Nicole asks.

“Yes.”

“Oh no,” she admonishes me as she looks at my outfit. “You need to change.”

I glance at the shorts and top I’m wearing, confused as to what the hell her issue is. “There’s nothing wrong with my clothes.”

“Put a freaking skirt on.”

“What I’m wearing is fine.”

“No.” She laughs. “What you’re wearing is lame.”

I’m not sure what the hell she wants. “What is the issue? Should I be wearing a ball gown for a party with friends and Eli’s brother?”

She snorts and heads to my closet. “You need to dress a little sexy for the man. It’s his birthday! I have two words—easy . . . access.”

The one thing that will always be constant is that Nicole is always thinking about sex. I’m here, worrying about making sure the house is ready, and she’s worrying about me getting laid. Nicole riffles through my clothes, and a few things fly from my closet.

“Here,” she shoves a skirt and off-the-shoulder top at me. “Put that on, fix your face, you have like . . . two minutes.”

Sometimes, I love this girl, other times I’d love to kill her, this is the latter.

Instead of arguing with her, I get changed. I don’t think Eli gives a shit about what I’m wearing, but I want this to be special. After I get dressed, I check my makeup and decide Nicole is an idiot because I was perfectly fine.

A few minutes later, Kristin and Danielle arrive. Both of them left their husband’s and kids at home. I explain again while it’s the four of us that Randy will be here and they have to control their inner fangirls.

“I swear I’ll behave,” Kristin says. “I figure after Eli, this should be easy.”

“I make no promises,” Nicole says as she plops on the couch.

I glare at her. “I swear to God, if you do anything stupid, I’ll pepper spray you.”

Her eyes widen, and I know she’s flashing back to the one time she accidently sprayed herself. Dumbass thought it wouldn’t hurt and was acting like anyone could be a cop, she pushed the button, but it was pointed at her. After that, she’s never even gone near my canisters.

“Not funny.” She crosses her arms.

All of us laugh at her face. She’s such a turd.

Brody and Rachel arrive a few minutes later, and I’m glad they made it. He got along well with Eli at my sister’s memorial. They bonded over the Rays and their predictions for this season. I can’t tell you how happy I was that Brody finally had someone other than me to talk to about baseball.

Five minutes later, the doorbell rings. Once again, a dose of fear hits me. I’ve only met Savannah and Randy once, and it was at their mansion on the beach, now they’ll see my home. Will they think I’m a gold digger? What was I thinking having them come here?

I feel a hand on my shoulder, and I know it’s Nicole. Sometimes our damn near telepathy is a blessing. “You’ll be fine. No one is going to judge you, and if they do, famous or not, I’ll kick their ass.”

I nod and open the door.

“Hey!” Savannah says with her arms wide. “I’m so glad you gave us a reason to come out. I swear, Adriel is giving me gray hair.”

“I’m happy you’re here.” I hug her back.

“Hey, Heather,” Randy’s deep voice booms as he pulls me into a hug.

“Savannah, Randy, these are my friends Nicole, Kristin, and Danielle. That’s my partner Brody and his wife Rachel.”

They all take turns saying hello and shaking each other’s hands. It’s clear that everyone but Nicole is nervous meeting Randy. However, Savannah’s constant poking at him makes it easier to see he’s just a guy. Brody