I quickly change out of my pajamas, text Dixie an apology for hanging up on her, and hurry downstairs. I have a plane to catch.
…
The next morning I wake up back at my aunt and uncle’s house, the bedsheets in restless disarray. It took some deep thinking, but I’ve got a plan. Operation Vaughn Rocks is set in my mind despite the false components to it. I’m not comfortable lying, but desperate times call for desperate measures. I’ll apologize to everyone later.
“Knock, knock,” Dixie says, entering my room.
“Morning,” Amber says from behind her.
“Hi.” I sit up, unsure why tears are tickling the corners of my eyes. “I’m happy to see you.” That’s probably why. I’m home. These girls and this city are my home now.
They sit on my bed. “Don’t go getting all sappy on us,” Dixie says, observant and unsentimental as ever.
“I’m not.” I so am. Talk about an emotional few days.
Dixie leans back like my feelings are contagious, but I see the truth in her eyes. She’s glad to see me, too. “We came in here for an update, not a heart-to-heart.”
“I can do both,” I say, and launch into discussion on the funeral, the media, my parents, and Vaughn. “Am I making a mistake?”
“No,” Amber is quick to say.
I bring my legs up and cross them, waiting for Dixie to weigh in. It hasn’t always mattered to me what my sisters think, but this summer has brought us closer; their opinions mean more now. And whether Dixie admits it or not, I know she cares about me.
“I’m the Queen of Mistakes,” she says.
“Meaning?” I ask.
“Meaning where would we be without making them?”
I certainly wouldn’t be here. Things happen for a reason may be a cliché, but I’m a believer. I like the person I am sitting on this bed with the two girls who mean so much to me. Saying good-bye to Mason, forgiving myself, telling my dad my truth, all major steps to helping me move toward the future I’m meant to have.
“Not that I think you’re making one now,” she adds.
“Thank you,” I say with a sigh before spilling my plan to help Vaughn.
“That is badass,” Dixie says.
“Ditto.” Amber nods her head.
I’m relieved they don’t think me crazy or out of line. I eye the alarm clock. It’s only eight. I’ve got a few hours before it’s showtime.
“In other news,” Dixie, says. “Dylan told Amber she looked uptight and offered to loosen her up.”
“He was trashed,” Amber points out. “And despite the charming offer, a hard-partying club owner is the last thing I need in my life right now.”
I drop my gaze to her tummy. “How are you feeling?”
Amber scrunches her nose. “A little better.”
“Well enough to sit on a dick? Or has that not kicked in yet?” Dixie smirks. “A girl I worked with back home got knocked up and I shit you not, she was horny all the time.”
“Great. Can’t wait.” Amber sinks into the comforter and closes her eyes.
“I know what we’re getting her for her birthday,” I say to Dixie.
Dixie fist-bumps me. “Wi
th extra batteries.”