a place I could see myself staying for a very long time to come.
“The chicks are Lily and Penelope, and I met them when I started teaching my yoga class. Lily is in charge over at the library, and Penelope has three kids even though she’s our age. They’re really nice and want to take me out for a girl’s night. But you know you’re still my best friend. We’ve been through too much shit together for me to ever cut you lose … you might spill my dirty little secrets.”
I choose to ignore the second half of her question. Not that I’ve told this to anyone yet, but I’ve pretty much decided to stay where I am for the foreseeable future.
“Pinky promise I’ll take them to the grave. I have to go. This guy I met on Tinder is taking me to an escape room.”
“You’re going to an escape room with a guy you just met? Don’t families get destroyed in those things? Isn’t there a lot of yelling and working together?”
Ryan snorts. “Exactly. It’ll be the ultimate test if we would be good together. And if we can’t escape, then he definitely isn’t coming back to my room.”
Her absurd logic has me giggling long after we’ve hung up.
I swipe some red lipstick across my lips, pucker in the mirror, and run a hand down my navy blue sundress. I’m excited for this girl’s night. When Penelope suggested she get a babysitter and drink Lily and I under the table at the Goat & Barrister, the only bar in Fawn Hill, I was all for it. My nights and days had been spent with Keaton and Grandma and having a little girl gossip would be fun.
My phone blinked nine o’clock as I got behind the wheel of Grandma’s car. I still didn’t have one, and she was fast asleep so she wouldn’t miss it. I sent one last text to Keaton before I drove over to meet the girls.
Me: Hope you’re having a fun night on the couch.
I snapped a selfie, making sure to highlight the V-neck of my dress, and sent it.
Keaton: You look incredible. Have fun, be safe. If you need a ride home, call me.
While I was happy to have some time with new friends, part of me wished I was sitting on that couch with him. Keaton’s house was so cozy and having a place where we could be alone was a novel concept for me. Even though I was nearing thirty, I’d never had a place of my own, detached from other apartments or devoid of roommates. Spending time with Keaton made me feel more grown-up.
Parking is located behind the bar, and when I walk into the Goat & Barrister, Lily and Penelope are already seated atop barstools. The place is part British pub, part Pennsylvania dive bar, and I appreciate the charm.
“Hi ladies.” I sidle up next to them, putting my purse on the bar and climbing onto the stool next to Lily, who now sits in the middle.
“Hey, girl, thanks for coming out.” She smiles.
Penelope holds up her drink. “Catch up. Mama has a babysitter for another hour and a half and then this princess turns into a pumpkin.”
Her sarcasm makes me laugh. “I have zero idea how you manage it. I can barely take care of myself, let alone three kids.”
“TV and chicken nuggets, the secret to parenting.” She downs the glass of wine in her hand.
The bartender, a surly old man in a flannel shirt, even though it’s July, comes by to take my drink order. I ask for my usual, a nice, dry glass of white, with an ice cube. He obliges, and sets it down in front of me in exchange for my credit card to start a tab.
If I’d asked for an ice cube in my wine back in New York, some hipster bartender would have rolled his eyes at me. But here, I just get my drink, no side of judgment.
“I think that might be the secret to single life, too, because I do that often.” Lily giggles, taking a sip of her light beer.
“Amen, sister. Although give me a pint of ice cream any day.”
“You’re not single, get the hell out of here. You’ve got the oldest Nash wrapped around your finger,” Penelope scoffs.
I smile, unable to hide my happiness. “I don’t know about that, but …”
“He did yoga for you.” Lily raises an eyebrow.
“Speaking of the Nash men …” Penelope’s eyes swing across the