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If she was anyone else I’d be annoyed that they’re imposing on my space in such a way, but I can’t bring myself to be annoyed at her these days.

“I know. I won’t pressure you to go, I just figured I’d ask.”

She starts humming some song I know I’ve heard, but can’t remember. I watch as she finishes one side of her head, and looks around for something to secure it with. Before I can tell her where she can find a bag of hair ties, she opens the closest drawer and lets out an amazed little gasp.

“I haven’t seen butterfly clips since I was a kid!” She clips the bottom of her braid with a bright smile. “How freaking cute!”

Sheis too freaking cute.

I watch as she clips the end of her braid and holds it between her fingers to study it in the mirror. A pleased expression is plastered on her face, reminding me of the day I found those clips at the store. Who doesn’t appreciate a little piece of childhood nostalgia here and there? I was so excited, but I had completely forgotten I even had them until now.

Kara finishes the other side of her hair, topping it off with a matching clip.

“I should’ve been getting ready in here every morning. What else are you hiding from me?”

Without waiting for an answer, she hops off the counter and opens another drawer. I should be embarrassed, knowing I’ve never spent a second of my life organizing or decluttering anything in those drawers. A peek over her shoulder shows me that one is filled with loose cotton swabs, scrunchies, earrings, random makeup I don’t use but don’t have the heart to throw away.

As expected, she grows bored with that quickly, slamming it shut.

“What’s there?”

I squint my eyes.

“Did you not just see?” I ask.

She smirks.

“Not in the drawer, at thebar. Why are you going?”

“Vic has a friend who has a thing,” I poorly explain. “And she hasn’t been out in a while, so I feel obligated to not miss it.”

I have a feeling if I neglect to mention what thethingis, there’s a slight chance of convincing her. I really do want to spend a night out with my friend, she deserves to have a fun night away from the house after being in baby mode for the last couple ofmonths. I also know that she and Kara get along,andit’d be nice to have some extra company while she’s being bombarded by all of her old yoga pals.

“I feel like you’re neglecting the obvious,” Kara says.

If there is something obvious, I’m missing it.

“That you don’t like that kind of place? No, I get that. It’s–”

“That you and Vic have a mutual friend that you might not want to see us together.”

Oh.

I laugh out loud, visibly confusing the woman in front of me.

“Not a concern.”

“Why? Is she not a fan of being there for her friends?”

“No, she absolutely is,” I defend. I don’t think Autumn would appreciate me divulging her issues to Kara of all people, so I keep it short. “Let’s just say she’s also not a fan of public places.”

It feels like a miracle that Kara followed me out the front door, got in my car, and let me drive us here.

I’m giddy about my win,

But as soon as we step inside and I glance at the bar, I want to link arms with Kara and drag her back out the door.

I must be quite the idiot for not thinking that part through.