”I’ll ask Charlie, but yes, I would love to be a part of that. Thank you.”

”Great. I’ll get you the details.”

”Great.”

Silence.

”I really am sorry, Bo.”

”I know and I don’t think I’ve ever seen Lauren that drunk. Let’s just move on.”

”Okay, cool.”

As they fell silent once again, I figured this would be a good time to make my appearance. I was thankful, and quite frankly surprised, that it went so smoothly. I pulled the door open and stepped out cautiously. They didn’t know I’d been listening and part of me felt a little bad for doing it, but it also set me at ease to see that they could settle this like adults. Mandy could be almost as brash as Bo when the mood hit her.

”Hey Mandy.” The words came soft and hesitant as I eyed the two of them standing ten feet apart in the living room.

”Hey, glad to see you’re sobered up.”

”Mostly,” I chuckled. Mandy and Bo smiled at me. Mandy didn’t seem too hungover either, but she was used to partying.

”I brought your clutch.”

”Thank goodness. I was worried. Do you want to sit and have some lunch or something? We have a little bit of time before we meet my mom for shopping.”

”No thanks. I already ate a nice greasy breakfast about an hour ago. I have some plans today, but you all have fun.”

”Well make sure you don’t leave town without stopping by first. I mean it.”

”I know. I know. And I won’t. Maybe Tuesday night we can grab a quick bite or something?” She glanced at Bo who just nodded in agreement and then to me to confirm.

”Sounds great Mandy.” I approached my best friend with open arms and pulled her in for a hug. ”See you Tuesday. We’ll go easy on the alcohol.”

”Definitely,” she agreed and hugged me tight.

I stepped back to stand beside Bo with a smile as Mandy took her leave. Bo’s arms slid around my waist and pulled me in close so we were face to face. ”You were listening weren’t you?”

Busted! A flush of embarrassment swept up my spine. ”Yeah. Sorry. I just didn’t want any fights.”