We go around the board twice more, and I consume another four beers by the time Kinsley finally lands on a chance.

“Finally! I was almost going to give up,” she giggles, the alcohol making her giddy — as per usual. “I want to know everything!”

“That’s not how this works, Meadow. Ask me a question.”

“Did you and Sophie go on another date? After the double date. I mean — actually, I need to rephrase. Have you guys seen each other outside of our group catch-ups?”

“No.”

“No?”

“That’s what I said …” I pick up the dice, but Kinsley grabs my hand.

“Hey, I’m not finished my turn yet!”

“One question Kinsley, that’s all you get.” She pouts and I consider what I could tell her so she will drop it. If I don’t tell her anything, she will quiz Sophie tomorrow. “Soph is awesome and we get along great, but we both kinda just friend-zoned each other straight off the bat. It’s no biggie, Kins.”

Her brow furrows, I study her face not knowing what direction she will go next. She almost looks defensive. Oh no. Kinsley is a little more than giddy from the alcohol and she thinks Sophie has given me the cold shoulder, this isn’t going to go down well.

“What is wrong with her? Has she not seen — Let me call her, don’t worry, Jess. I will fix this,” Kinsley continues to ramble to herself whilst looking for her phone. The phone I have just now tucked under a pillow. I won’t let her embarrass herself on my watch, especially when her assumption is so far from the reality of the situation.

“Just take your turn, otherwise I’ll call it a night. One of us has to get up for work in the morning.”

“Isn’t it your turn?” She raises one brow in question. “Someone has had one too many.”

“Fine, one more turn but if I don’t land a chance, I’m out.”

Without the liquid courage I wouldn’t be able to ask her the question that comes out of my mouth next. Let’s hope we end the night without tears. I cross my fingers behind my back for luck. “Are you ever going to let Tanner see all of you?”

She bites her bottom lip, her mind going straight to the gutter. “Fuck, Meadow,” I growl. “That’s not what I meant.”

Seeing her like this, so free and happy, I decide to drop it. I run my fingers through my hair. “Let’s just call it a night.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

Kinsley