Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 60081 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 300(@200wpm)___ 240(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60081 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 300(@200wpm)___ 240(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
I cringe at the mention of pliers, but Wren seems to read the worry on my face and adds in a comforting voice, “And I told you, jewelry making is basically my only hobby. I’m obsessed with it and pretty handy with a pair of pliers if I do say so myself.”
“She makes amazing earrings,” Drew says. “Barrett bought sets for all the women in our family last year for Christmas. They were everyone’s favorite present.”
“And next year, I’ll tell Barrett to buy jewelry for the boys, too,” Wren says, a teasing note in her voice that makes me like her even more. “I already have a few ideas on something unique I can make for you, Andrew.”
“I’m never going to live this down, am I?” he asks as Wren returns to the coffee table, pulls out her jewelry pliers, and gives them a quick swab with an alcohol pad.
“Oh, sure you will,” she says, laughter in her voice. “Because I am never going to tease you about it again. I just couldn’t help myself, just this once.”
“You’re a goddess among women,” I say. “And I’m really sorry we didn’t have a a chance to become better friends before you had to see my lady parts.”
She laughs as she pulls on a pair of surgical gloves. “Oh, sweetie, don’t worry. I’m a nurse. I’ve seen it all and there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We’re all just people getting by as best we can.”
I make a considering noise and Drew says, “You’re a wise woman, Wren, and I appreciate you.”
“Of course, that’s what friends are for. And honestly, I’m glad to see you in this kind of pickle after all the years you’ve spent alone,” Wren says. Before I can properly digest this juicy bit of information on Drew’s dating history—or lack thereof—she adds, “Now, both of you lean back a bit, close your eyes, and think of England.”
Drew and I both laugh, even as we try to hold still in our weird positions. By the time we stop, I hear a sharp snipping sound and the pressure vanishes from my nether regions.
I exhale a relieved breath. “Oh my God, is it out?”
“It’s out.” Wren says, holding my now broken ring up, still clasped in the pliers. “Yours was the easiest to get free, so I took it out and left Drew’s in. I hope that’s okay. I’m assuming you can buy another one to replace it?”
“I’m going to leave it out,” I say. “For now. And maybe forever. It was a fun, impulsive thing I did with my crazy younger sister, mostly to shock our mother. But in light of the evening’s events, it seems better to go ring free for a while.”
Wren smiles. “I have to agree. No sense letting jewelry get in the way of a good time.” She pats Drew on the shoulder. “Okay, you two are good. Just give me a second to grab my things and I’ll hit the trail.”
“Wait,” Drew says. “Just turn around for a second and let us get dressed. Then I can pay you for your trouble.”
Wren snorts as she turns her back to us, loading up her bag. “Oh, hush. I don’t want your money. You’d do the same for me if I had a property law problem that could only be solved by a midnight house call while I had my pants off.”
“I would,” Drew agrees with a laugh, reaching for his boxer briefs and my panties on the other side of the couch. “But I want to do something to show my thanks. I mean, Tatum’s making cookies. I have to do something.”
“I am,” I agree. “I’ll go shopping for ingredients first thing tomorrow. It’s my last day before I start my new job so the timing’s perfect.” I glance at Drew as we slide out from under the throw blanket and quickly pull on our underwear while Wren’s back is turned. “You could help if you want,” I whisper.
“I would love to,” he whispers back, “but I’m back on dad duty at eight a.m. Rain check?”
“Of course,” I murmur. “Gotta make Sunday pancakes for your little…boy? Girl?”
“Girl,” he says, the instant softening of his voice making me positive he’s an amazing father.
“Cool,” I say. I’m about to ask how old she is when Wren starts toward the door, calling, “See you two later.”
“Wait,” Drew says, hopping on one leg as he struggles into his jeans and starts after her. I take the chance to pull on my jeans, too. “At least let me give you an escort home. I can watch your six while you head inside, keep you from having to defend yourself from another turkey attack.”
Wren pauses, peeking back carefully, then turning fully once she sees we’re both dressed. “Well, if you’re calling it a night anyway…”