Summer Breeze Kisses - Addison Moore Page 0,7

knew Laney and Annie were that close. Roxy is Ryder’s sister so that makes sense.

“And”—she wiggles her shoulders—“we’re having a sort of impromptu engagement party next Saturday night right here at the Black Bear.” She slips Baya a secretive smile. “In fact, we’ll be making a very special announcement, and I don’t want any of you to miss it.”

“So August 10th is the big day, huh?” I’m thrilled for my sister. There’s nothing in this world I want more than for her to embrace that great happily ever after with Ryder. I love Laney with my whole heart. I would do anything to protect her. And I did vigilantly for years.

“That’s the day.” She grips Baya by the hand and giggles. “Anyway, it means the world to me that each of you is willing to be a part of my big moment. Ryder and I have decided we’re paying for each of your dresses, and I’d like for you to pick out your own from the bridal shop in Jepson. Anything you want as long as it’s black. We’re going with that whole classic theme with clean lines.” She wrinkles her nose at Baya. “Just something simple.” She loses herself in a giggle fit once again, and Baya makes large eyes at her as if telling her to knock it off.

“Okay, we get it. You’re happy.” Roxy leans toward Baya and Laney. “But something else is going on. What is it?”

Roxy has a no-nonsense appeal about her. I’ve always appreciated that.

“Oh, just something.” Baya waves to Bryson by the door. “I’d better go kiss my boss before I get fired.” She trots over to her fiancé with her ponytail wagging, and, for a second, I think she’s about to make-out with Holt because they look so much alike.

Marley, Jemma’s younger sister, walks through the door, and I wave her over.

“I’ve gotta run myself,” Laney says, getting up. “My shift started ten minutes ago. Just remember to get fitted by the end of the week, and don’t change dress sizes before August.”

Roxy scoots over. “Sorry about your shoes.” Her face remains expressionless, and yet I know she means it. “I do miss the studio by the way. How about I gift Electric Lights two-dozen cupcakes, any flavor of your choosing. I’m a full-fledged baker now.” She brims with pride.

“That is so awesome! I’m really proud of you for following your passion.”

She glances up. “Speaking of passion.” Roxy jumps to her feet and wraps her arms around a gorgeous dark-haired boy. “This is Cole. He stole the heart I never knew I had.”

“Nice to meet you,” I say. “And, for the record, I knew she had a heart. She used to stomp on it for fun back in her dance hall days.”

“Nice to meet you, too.” He grins down at me. “And I’ll be the first to testify she has a heart the size of Texas.”

“You found a good one. Okay, Rox, I’ll take you up on those cupcakes. The ELDS is celebrating its twentieth anniversary in three weeks. How about a mix of red velvet and chocolate?”

“They’ll be there, and so will I. Can’t wait to see your mom again. She’s a freaking hoot.” Roxy gives a little wave as they take off.

Hoot. I shake my head as Marley plops down at the table.

“Sorry,” I say stroking her long blonde hair. “Your sister had to bail.”

Marley has the face of an angel and long, healthy curls as opposed to the chemically damaged carnage her sister wears like a bad wig. Marley is the anti-Jemma, and I mean that in the very best way.

“I’ll have to call her and apologize.” She looks to Annie. “I was down the street at Whitney Briggs signing up for my student orientation. I’m officially a college freshman.” She rolls her eyes as if mocking herself in the process.

“Annie is starting in the fall, too,” I say just as Annie whips out her phone and introduces herself to Marley through a series of spastic notes.

“I’ll leave you two girls to get to know one another.” I give Annie a quick hug before heading to the bar and taking a seat.

Baya and Bryson are still tongue tied in the darkest corner of the facility. Laney jets from table to table, beaming with a smile that Ryder himself put there. Even Annie and Marley seem to have a new connection that signals a great friendship on the horizon.

I spin in my seat and land my elbows over the dark,