Page 100 of One Little Kiss

Julia rolls her eyes but steps closer. “Well, he does, doesn’t he?”

My defenses rise, prepared to defend Wes. “Yes, he does,” I reply curtly.

A broad smile crosses her face. “No other diagnosis? He’s not on the spectrum?”

Now I’m getting pissed, and it appears everyone else is holding their breath. “No.” It comes out through clenched teeth, but her smile glows impossibly brighter. Her eyes literally twinkle as she bounces from foot to foot.

“Me too,” she squeals. “I have SPD, too. They probably recommended a lot of the therapies I went through. I wanted you to know that he will be just fine, and I can’t wait to meet him. Easton said he already has the headphones. That’s the biggest obstacle right there!” She talks so fast, I can barely keep up.

“When did you find out that you had it?” I’m genuinely curious now.

“Oh, as a kid. But I did all my therapies when I was a little older than Weston. I’m still quirky, but once I learned coping mechanisms and went through various desensitization therapies, I was like a new person. If you have any questions at all, please ask. I’m actually so excited to meet him. Gah, I already said that, didn’t I? Way to scare her off, Julia.”

“Ah, Julia has a hard time keeping private thoughts private,” Lexi offers. “The good part about that is you’ll never have to guess where you stand with her.”

“Anyway,” Julia interrupts again, “I went to the same center you took Weston to. It’s an amazing place, and it’s one hundred percent worth the travel time and cost. He’ll excel there.” She launches herself at me then whispers, “You’re also welcome to talk to my parents anytime. They could give you some insight or offer suggestions. Or really, just commiserate with you. They’re amazing people and would be happy to sit down with you anytime.”

“Oh, wow.” I try to extricate myself, but she’s surprisingly strong for such a little thing. Eventually, she pulls herself away. “That’s really nice of you, Julia. Thank you. It’s all so new. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it all.”

“No worries! Give me your phone.” I scan the room, but no one seems to think this is odd, so I reluctantly hand it over. A few minutes later, Julia’s phone rings in her hand. “There. Now you have my number, and I have yours! We’ll be besties in no time.”

“All right, Jules. You’ve monopolized enough of her time,” Ari chides, handing me an entire bottle of wine. “Don’t ask me. Apparently, they don’t believe in glasses.”

“Cheers!” everyone calls out, raising their own bottles and bringing them to their lips.

We go through another round of congratulations before Lexi leads me to a sofa and everyone piles in around us.

“Welcome to the chaos.” Emory smiles. She’s quieter than the rest, but her eyes gleam with a happiness that’s contagious.

“Thanks. I think.” A small laugh escapes, and then the rapid-fire questions begin.

“What kind of wedding do you want?”

“Have you picked out a dress yet?”

“Colton says he wants to get married like yesterday.”

“Have you picked a date?”

“How did he propose?”

“Whoa, ladies. Give her a break,” Lexi cuts in. “Let’s play a game.”

Lanie’s sitting on my other side and groans loudly. “Lex, come on. The last time you made us play a game, I ended up throwing up for six hours and Emory ended up naked in a hot tub.”

“Not naked. Nearly naked. There’s a difference.” My gaze cuts to Emory in time to see her flush a deep shade of red.

Lexi lifts my hand holding the bottle of wine to my lips, and I take a long sip, allowing the pleasant warmth to fill my belly. “Fine. No games. Party poopers.”

For the next hour, we make pleasant small talk. They ask me about Weston and my work. They each tell me about themselves, and I’m surprised to find they’re all really normal, and down-to-earth. And best of all, they’re sincerely making an effort to include me. I’m lost in my thoughts when Mase’s “Feel So Good” comes on in surround sound.

Julia jumps up on the coffee table, singing loudly and off key. “This is my jam!”

I watch in horrified amusement as every single one of these ladies stands up and quite literally shakes their tatas. Already a little tipsy, Lanie leans down, takes my free hand, and tugs me to my feet. “Come on, chica. It’s a dance par-tay!”

Glancing around at the chaos, I laugh. A real, heartfelt giggle that takes over my entire body. After taking a giant swig of my nearly empty bottle of wine, I set it down with a shrug. Turning to Lexi, I wait until she makes eye contact and I shake my tatas for all their worth, which causes her to double over laughing. In no time, we’re all falling to the floor with laughter as our common bond.

“I t-told you,” Lexi gasps through a giggle-attack.