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MONTANA

“It’s been too long,” Leena says. We’re back where it all started with Asa and me. This time, it’s his sister throwing back the margaritas and me keeping a watchful eye as I nurse my first while she’s on her third.

“Yes, it has. I’m sorry, Leena. I should have made it a point to still make time for our weekly margarita and quesadilla nights.” I do feel bad about that. It was just so hard to keep a secret when it comes to being around your best friend.

“Montana, shut your face already about that. Does it suck you guys felt like you couldn’t tell us?

Yes, but, dude, Asa will make you my sister-in-law.

I am getting the best of both worlds.” She takes a sip of her drink.

Whoever thought it was a good idea to give her a straw for a margarita was an idiot.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself. We haven’t even said I love you to each other yet,” I admit, grabbing a chip and putting more guacamole on it than the chip has room for, making a mockery of myself with how big I have to open my mouth to shove it inside.

Thank goodness she doesn’t like guacamole because I swear my body could live off it alone.

“No freaking way, Montana! You guys practically live together and are joined at the hip. You haven’t said it yet?”

“Nope, I keep waiting for Asa to say it first. He hasn’t yet. Maybe the words are too hard for him to voice?” I ask her honestly.

“Oh no, honey, you need to pull up those big girl panties and make the move. All your plants are at his house. How many magazines have you left all over the house without him bitching? And you know that brother of mine is a clean freak, more of a minimalist than Keller. He loves you. If you want the words, I think you need to say them first because he’s clearly showing it.

” Okay, apparently, tipsy Leena is definitely a voice of reason.

Maybe I should get her like this more often.

“I think you’re right. Enough about me. Why haven’t you gone to your job interview yet?

” It’s been well over a month since we last talked about it.

We’ve discussed it on the down low, not letting anyone know, and it’s not because Leena is miserable.

That couldn’t be further from the truth.

I think she just wants to see what it feels like to have to work for it, to see her worth, so to speak.

“Girl, the process to get interviewed has taken so long. I didn’t think it would be so in depth, honestly. I’ve had two phone call interviews, a questionnaire, damn near had to give blood and promise them to name my firstborn after this company.” She blows out a puff of air.

“Wow, are you sure it’s worth it?” The waiter that’s been serving us brings our food. We both pause our talk because, well, food, and it’d be rude to blab our conversation and ignore him.

“Thank you. Can I get extra sour cream?” Leena asks. The girl is obsessed with all things dairy—cheese, milk, ice cream, there’s no end.

“Of course. Anything else?” he questions.

“Yes, thank you. I’ll take a glass of ice water when you get a chance?”

“I’ll be right back with that.” The waiter is gone as fast as he appeared. His tip will totally be awesome tonight.

“Do I think it’s worth it? Maybe, for my self-esteem alone, yes. The hassle? Probably not, especially because you and I both know I’m not leaving Hart Construction. I talk a big game but definitely can’t walk the walk.” Leena, my sweet best friend, she could do anything she puts her mind to.

“Girl, yes, you can, and if it helps your self-esteem, which I think is pretty fucking spectacular, do you, girl. I’ve got your back completely.

Also, I’ve tried the sneak attack with your brother on the whole having them relax and not go psycho protective mode.

No dice, doll.” It sucked, but I’m still going to keep trying to make them see the error of their ways.

“Thanks, but I kind of figured that. Another reason for the job interviews. I’m just glad vacation time is coming up. Nothing but me and the beach in the Bahamas. I can’t wait.” I’m so shocked her family still lets her get away without having a security guard or following Leena themselves.

“Send me pictures. You know if you happen to slip and fall on a piece of man meat, that wouldn’t be bad either.” She bursts out laughing. I follow suit. Girls’ night will be happening weekly from here on out, no matter what. We both need this, not to mention it’s so good for the soul.