Page 37

“Pizza is always good.”

“How about pizza and wings?”

“That sounds great.”

“Okay.See you in about an hour?”

“Okay, see you then.”

I end the call, immediately texting Jules.

Blair: Magnus is coming over.He wants to help me study.

Jules: Son of a whore, we’re going to dinner with one of Noel’s former teammates and his wife, or I’d come get the boys for a sleepover.

Blair: It’s not like that.He’s bringing food over for all the kids.

Jules: Are you new to womanhood?FFS.If he’s bringing over food and helping you study, he wants to pet the kitty.

Blair: My kitty has cobwebs.And like I said, my kids are here.

Jules: At least get in some quality flirting.And wear the black top you got when we went shopping.

Blair: You really think so?I don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard.

Jules: Bitch, you can’t wear sweats and old t-shirts every time you see him.That’s not trying at all.

Blair: I’ve been trying to play it nonchalant.

Jules: Well stop.He’s a really good guy.This is the first night off he’s had in a while, and he called to say he wants to spend it with you.

Blair: My kids are here.And Eli’s having friends over.It’s not a date.

Jules: God you’re exhausting.Your vag is basically a dusty antique.I can lead you to a hot man who wants you, but I can’t make you drink.

Blair: Okay, I’ll wear the top.But with pajama pants.

Jules: Bitch I will list your vag on Ebay right now.HARDLY USED!MAKE OFFER!

I snort-laugh as I type.

Blair: I was kidding about the pajama pants.He’s made me insane for almost a week now, it’s time to repay the favor.

Jules: That’s my girl.Make him crawl.

I set down my phone and take a deep breath.She’s right.I’ve felt helpless and worried all week, but I have more power than I’ve given myself credit for.There’s a pretty, desirable woman buried beneath my defensive, sarcastic mom armor.

I’m breaking her out tonight.Not wanting a man in my life right now is a general thing, but Magnus is specific.I refuse to bring any man into my bedroom when my kids are home, which is why I haven’t been with a man since Coop’s dad left.But I can make Magnuswantan invitation into my bedroom.

As soon as Eli’s friends arrive and I’ve talked to their parents and settled the boys downstairs, I run to my bathroom to take a shower, letting Coop watch a movie in my bed.

Thanks to Jules’s room of beauty products, I have everything I need to scrub, pluck, and polish myself thoroughly.I wear loose-fitting jeans with a few holes and the formfitting, cap-sleeve black top Jules picked out for me.Black flats complete the outfit.

I blow dry my hair and keep it down, adding a few curls.Then I turn on one of my sister’s makeup tutorials for a natural look and fly through the steps.

I admire myself in the mirror when I finish, adding a spritz of perfume.I look good.

When I walk into the bedroom, Coop says, “Why do you look fancy?”