Page 13 of Not Your Enemy

“Okay, I just texted myself from your phone, so I have your number too.” She nodded and placed one of her hands over her mouth, covering a yawn.

“It’s been a long day; tell me something interesting to keep me awake.” Hopefully she was exaggerating about how tired she was, but nonetheless I racked my brain to think of something.

“I can’t think of anything,” I said with a laugh.

“Oh, come on. Outside of your job and being super organized and polished all the time, you haven’t told me anything about yourself. I’m not asking for much here.” Maybe I should be annoyed by how she described what she knew about me, but I knew she was more so just teasing me.

“Well, I like the city. Just going out with Jana, shopping, eating out, going to events, that kind of stuff. Um, I love romance movies, likePride & Prejudice,for instance. I haven’t played in years, but I took piano lessens when I was younger and enjoyed it.” I felt nervous talking to her. Not because I didn’t want to, but more so that I knew she was such an intense listener.

“That’s a good start. Anything else?” she said, keeping her eyes on the road. I tried to think of something interesting, but it was hard when my heart was racing.

After a swallow and a few silent beats, I spoke up. “I like to knit; it's always been soothing to me. I, uh, always wanted to be a dancer when I was younger, but I’m not coordinated for that. And I wasn’t ever the body type that they wanted me to be.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I mean, you’ve seen me. I’m not small by any means. But even when I was younger, I was always a big girl. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I like the way I look. But it took me time to get there. Back then, I felt like even trying to dance or cheer would have been an invitation to be made fun of.” Jade was quiet for a second, and I was curious to know what she was thinking.

“I’m sorry that you had to deal with people like that. You don’t need me to tell you, but your body is fucking perfect. Feel free to dance for me anytime.”

I blushed at her words and looked out my window to hide it.

Chapter 9

“So, Libby, is it? How long have you known Jade?” Crissy asked me while cutting into her chicken.

I’ll give her this: her food was good. But I also knew this dish could be better with more seasoning. It was a rude thought for me to have, but ever since that night at dinner when we met, I couldn't stop feeling odd about the woman temporarily championing Jade's attention.

“Not long, I—," I cleared my throat. "I’m actually best friends with her sister and just kind of helping.” It was the nicest way I could think of to describe the situation.

Crissy looked surprised by my answer but was soon distracted by her toddler pulling on her sleeve. Their brown curls were barely visible above the pedestal dining table.

“I know what you’re thinking, Crissy, and the answer is no, we haven’t made up. But Libby here is a goddess, and has been helping in her place to keep us from fighting.” Okay, so clearly Crissy knew a lot about the drama. She nodded and gave Jade a quick smirk. “You guys trying to beat the Duggars?” My jaw dropped at Jade’s question.I mean, four kids were a lot but nowhere near twenty-plus. At least Jade wasn’t only direct with me.

Crissy laughed while she finished chewing her food. “We are done, I swear! I couldn’t handle another one.” It surprised me how easygoing she was, but I guess you’d have to be to be friends with Jade. “Hunter wants a cover-up done. You still at the same shop?” Crissy asked, changing the subject.

“No, I opened up Canvas in Riley a few years ago.”

“Oh wow, that’s awesome. I’m still working at Mann’s.” I had no clue what Mann’s was, but I smiled and nodded while they continued to catch up.

“Crissy and I used to be in choir together,” Jade stated, looking over at me.

“I didn’t know you could sing,” I stated, imagining how pretty her singing voice must be.

“Honey, she can’t sing for shit. That choir was an embarrassment to the school,” Crissy said with a choked laugh.

“Unfortunately, I think she’s correct, but you can be your own judge later if you want.” I blushed at her teasing words. She was always so smooth with her lines, and they worked on me too well.

“Remember that tournament we went to in Manson?” Crissy asked Jade.

“How could I forget? I’m pretty sure I found one of the shirts we made in the guest closet the other day.”

After dinner, Hunter, who had offered little to the conversation, left to take the kids to bed. The three of us sat in the living room drinking a glass of wine while Jade and Crissy continued to chat. She sat in a tan recliner while Jade and I sat on the leather couchacross from her. There were various toys and stuffed animals on the rug below us, but it was actually a very comfortable space.

“Oh, Libby, Jade has to tell you the story about her promposal.” Jade gave Crissy a dirty look.

“I know embarrassing things that you did too, least you forget,” Jade responded, sounding more playful than anything.

“Oh, come on, it was sweet!” Crissy pressed.