Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 62737 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 314(@200wpm)___ 251(@250wpm)___ 209(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62737 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 314(@200wpm)___ 251(@250wpm)___ 209(@300wpm)
It’s been ridiculously hard, even the guys have had the same issue. Jude made a statement last night that enough is enough. It’s time someone host a Sunday dinner, and it might come down to us doing the hosting. We got into a routine along the way, bouncing back and forth between both our places. The nights I work till almost three o’clock in the morning, we’re at my apartment. Sometimes, Jude will drop me off at the bar, go do his thing, and then come back an hour or two before closing. He sits in what I’ve now dubbed as Jude’s place in the corner, back to the wall, where he can survey the entirety of The Social. All entrances and exits are in his sight at all times.
“I’m so sorry. Inventory took forever. I’m trying to convince my father to do some upgrades in the way of technology, but he’s balking at every turn.” I take my seat between Lennie and Winnie.
“Ignore her. She only got here two minutes before you,” Kenney throws Lyric under the bus.
“Is your dad finally going to let Jude update The Social?” Winnie asks. I let out an exasperated sigh thinking about the words we spoke to one another less than an hour ago.
“Nope, he’s not budging.” I’ve explained to him that while I love working at the bar, it was time to get with this century. It would help with inventory alone, make things more seamless, and maybe I wouldn’t have to come in hours earlier or stay hours later. Dad told me until the bar is mine, it’ll be staying the same. I mouthed off and said the rate he’s going, that will happen sooner than any of us want. I almost cried. When Zane walked in, he took one look at my face and waded in. Our conversation abruptly ended. The only thing I could do was tell them both I loved them before taking my leave.
“I’m sorry, girl,” Macie says, squeezing my wrist.
“It’s okay. It’ll all work out one day. What’s everyone been up to?” I ask the crowd, sitting back in my chair while waiting for a barista to take our order.
“The twins have their days and nights confused, so that’s been fun. Asher’s mom has been a godsend, comes over during the day to help out so I can nap,” Lennie responds first. I notice the dark circles beneath her eyes that weren’t there the last time I saw her.
“Oh god, I remember when Seb went through that phase. I promise it does get better.” Winnie’s tone sounds ominous for a moment. I’m the youngest in our family. There weren’t babies or children around growing up, I have absolutely zero input to add to the conversation. “Speaking of Sebastian, guess what Johnny came home with last night?”
“I can only imagine,” Kennedy states. “The man buys him anything his heart desires, and it’s not just a sweet treat, either.”
“You’re right. The last time Seb asked for something, Johnny came back with a piano, and that’s on top of the drum set he already has!” We all laugh at Winnie throwing her hands up in the air. “This time, it’s way worse, worse than the drum set,” she says in a whisper.
“Umm, hate to break it to you, but I’m not sure anything could be worse than that,” Lyric says. I lift my eyebrows and look at her. One thing I can say about boys and living with two of them is that the louder, the better in any element possible.
“I think an electric guitar says otherwise.” I shake my head. A lot of the other girls gasp in horror, and a couple laugh.
“Two words: soundproof room, stat. You’ll thank me for it later,” Shae says once we’ve settled down. “I do have some news of my own.” She owns LITHE, a studio for yoga, Pilates, dance, and some children’s classes, too. I’ve yet to take a class, but it’s on my list once I get a spare moment when I’m not sleeping.
“Tell the class!” Macie claps her hands together. Her energy is infectious, it makes it hard to be in a bad mood when you’re around her.
“Coralynn, my sister, is finally taking on the role of co-owner of LITHE with me. We’ve talked about this for years, but she refused until she could afford a buy-in option, and she still won’t do a fifty-fifty deal, stubborn girl.” That’s really freaking awesome news for them. I’ve yet to have a similar discussion with my dad, mainly because I’m good with where things are, well, kind of. It would be nice to have a say in, you know, updating the point-of-sale system.
“I’m so happy for you.” Lyric, who also works at LITHE part-time, stands up, hugs Shae, and then announces, “Okay, what’s everyone’s order? It’s super busy here, and I don’t begrudge them in the least, except time is of the essence, and I told the veterinarian’s office I’d be in at some point today.”