“My mum wanted me to get out. I forced myself.”
I didn’t know why I was opening up to them. I didn’t know them from Adam. What did they care about my life?
“You should be proud of yourself. That’s a big step.” Emily reached over and squeezed my hand again. I sat there, dumbstruck. What else was I supposed to say? My conversation skills were seriously lacking, and I didn’t want to make the effort. I needn’t have worried though. Emily and her friends could talk the hind leg off a donkey.
“I’ll go get us some more coffees. What are you having, Harper?” Liv asked.
“A latte would be great. Thanks.” I went to grab my purse to give her some money, but she brushed me off.
“I’m not taking your money. Put it away. You can get us a drink next time.”
Was there going to be a next time?
“So, what’ve you got planned for tonight then? Spill!” Effy said, turning to Emily.
“Ryan is taking me out. It’s our date night. We don’t get much privacy these days. Don’t get me wrong, I love living at Sean’s, but we have to get creative with our alone time, if you know what I mean. Connor doesn’t care, but I don’t like doing stuff when Sean’s about.”
“Show Harper your dress.” Effy grinned
then turned to look at me. “We just went to try on dresses and Em bought the cutest outfit for tonight. Show her, Em.”
Emily stiffened slightly.
“I don’t think Harper is bothered about my dress. She has more important things on her mind.”
I did, but I shrugged. Maybe a bit of normality was in order.
“I don’t mind. I’d like to see it. I can’t remember the last time I bought a dress. I live in ripped jeans, hoodies, and Converse these days.”
“Nothing wrong with that. I love a good pair of Converse.” Emily gave me a wink. Then she pulled out a chiffon and silk blue baby doll dress covered in delicate glitter. It was so pretty and unlike anything I’d ever wear. But I liked it. It suited Emily down to the ground.
“Now that is a fucking dress,” Liv said, placing the tray of coffees down on the table. “Doubt it’ll stay on long though. Good job it’s not a tight bodycon, hey. Better access, if you know what I mean.” She cackled at her own innuendo and the other two blushed.
I sat watching them, fascinated by the dynamics at play. Liv seemed to be more confident and louder. Effy was quieter and more reserved. And Emily? She was a mix of the two. Not in your face, but welcoming all the same. I was starting to warm to her. Only a little bit, but it was something.
“Do you know where he’s taking you?” Effy asked.
“I couldn’t care less,” Emily replied. “I don’t need anything fancy.”
“What? You bought that dress so he could shag you on the back seat of his van?” Liv rolled her eyes.
“No. Maybe.” Em chuckled.
“Ugh! I’m so jealous.” Liv threw her head back and groaned. “At least one of us is getting some action. I could make a joke about camel toes and being as dry and barren as the Sahara Desert, but I won’t gross you out while you’re all drinking.”
“Yeah, thanks for that image, Liv. Nice one.” Emily laughed, almost choking on her latte.
“You know you can get creams for that,” Effy whispered, and then went bright red again.
“I was joking, Eff. You know me. If I’m getting no action, I’ll make my own. Speaking of which, did you see the photos of those new vibrators I sent you on WhatsApp? Bloody amazing.” Liv started to tap on her phone and show Effy what she’d already sent her. Effy pretended to look interested, but she just looked awkward.
“Put your dildos away, Liv. Harper didn’t come to sit with us to find out about your latest purchase.”
“She saw yours.” Liv shrugged.
“It was a dress not a twelve-inch rubber cock,” Emily blurted out, and I couldn’t hold back my laugh.
“It’s silicone not bloody rubber. Anyway, maybe Harper would prefer dildos to dresses. You get more use out of them.”