Page 133 of All This Time

Dilynne smiles proudly. “Seeing Tori’s reaction to her face on a freaking testicle was worth every penny.”

“I think you’re enjoying getting them both riled up a little too much.”

“Elliot is a given, but now that I can mess with his fiancée too? Well, that’s just icing on the cake, pun intended.”

“Anyway,” I say, rolling my eyes. “There’s so much to consider when it comes to what a life would be like with Fletcher. And I can’t help but wonder what my mom would think.”

I miss being able to talk to her about things like this, the difficult moments in life that feel like huge ones, the kind of decisions that will change the course of my life moving forward.

“She loved Fletcher.”

“Yeah, but when he was just Rhonan’s friend. Not sure how she’d feel knowing he had feelings for her only daughter.”

“Back then? She probably wouldn’t have been thrilled and would have definitely put a stop to him sneaking into your room at night if she knew.” Nervous laughter pours out of me. “But now, I can just hear your mom saying that she’d be thrilled as long as you were happy.Remember when she used to tell us that the most important thing to look for in a man was how he made us feel about ourselves?” I nod, growing emotional from Dilynne’s own memories of my mother. “That it wasn’t about his looks, his job, the money he made, or how many friends he had… It was all about how he made usfeel—like we could be ourselves and he wouldn’t try to change us, that he would encourage us to chase our dreams, even as they changed, that no matter how hard things got, he always treated us with respect.”

“God, I miss her,” I croak out as tears fall from my eyes.

Dilynne squeezes my hand. “I miss her too, Laney. She was like my mom too, you know?”

“I do.” Dilynne and Henley’s upbringing was more than chaotic, but my parents always kept a safe space for her and her brother in our home.

My best friend swipes under her eyes now. “Fuck, okay. New topic, please. I did not plan on crying today, so I didn’t wear my waterproof mascara.”

“You plan for tears?”

“I have to. Can’t risk a streak ruining my image.”

***

Dilynne motions for me to spin around. “Yup. That’s the winner. Your ass looks amazing.”

I stare at my reflection in the mirror, twisting so I can see the same view of my rear as Dilynne. “You don’t think it’s too sexy?”

The dress I’m currently wearing and contemplating for Elliot’s wedding does not, in fact, cover up the hickey that Fletcher gave me.

But with the way this dress fits my body, I know for certain that when he sees me, he’ll be itching to get me out of it. Blush satin clings to my curves with a halter style neckline, highlighting my shoulders and the dip in my waist, and Dilynne’s right—my ass looks amazing. The dress is simple, yet sexy and classic.

It’s exactly what I would pick for the bridesmaids in my wedding.

My eyes drift over to the racks of bridal gowns on the far side of the shop, taunting me with their sparkles and lace. Dilynne walks over to where I’m standing on the pedestal and grips my shoulders.

“You know, while we’re here…there’s no harm in trying a few of those on.”

I bite my bottom lip. “I’m not even getting married.”

“But you will someday.”

“I had my chance, remember?”

Dilynne spins me to face her. “That’s the thing about chances—sometimes you get more than one. And I know for a fact, that they don’t come along again for no reason.” Her brow lifts before she continues. “You’re my best friend, Laney, and for as long as I can remember, you’ve had feelings for that man. Now, you know he wants you too. Stop overthinking it. Stop second-guessing, I’m begging you. Jump in headfirst for once in your life.”

“But what if I drown?”

“Then I’ll rescue you. I’m an awesome swimmer, remember?” She winks at me. “But if you don’t at least try, you’re always going to wonder what if.”

“This was just supposed to be about orgasms.”

Dilynne rolls her eyes. “You and I both know that was bullshit. There has never been anything casual between you and Fletcher Adams.”