Page 68 of Breaking the Ice

“It’s true.” Ariana pops over her shoulder. “Doesn’t matter what color or style. If they get to take it off you, they like it.”

“Then why would it matter? Can’t I just wear my normal bras and stuff?” Evan sure wasn’t complaining the other night.

“You can.” Ariana nods. “But it’s fun to feel sexy. It’s a confidence thing.”

“Tell the truth.” Vanessa steps closer, shoving the clothes into my arms, even though it’s not my size. “Were you really secretly dating Evan the whole time?”

“Um.” I swallow. I don’t want to lie to my friends. But also, there was Sing-O, pinball, and the hockey Halloween party. At the time, I said those were all “just friends” activities, that we weren’t dating…and look where that got us? I told him they didn’t count as official dates, but with the narrative the college made for us, maybe they should. “Reality was kind of in between what the social media stuff said and what really happened.”

Both of their gazes lock on me, narrowing.

“Spill,” Vanessa says, voice commanding.

“Well, you have to promise that you won’t tell anyone.” They nod in agreement, and I continue. “We were hanging out a lot but not officially dating because of my dad. Our Vegas wedding was more accidental than anything, but now?”

I try to put words to my feelings as they wait for my answer. “Now…he’s amazing. Goofy and funny, but also sweet and thoughtful. I love being married to him, even if it was a wild and irresponsible choice.”

Thinking about him makes my heart race. I’m definitely getting this lingerie set. I put it back on the rack and find the correct size.

Vanessa holds her hand to her heart and pretends to swoon. “That’s so romantic.”

I raise a brow. “Even now that you know what really happened?”

“Absolutely.” Ariana nods. “Social media is always exaggerated. That’s to be expected. This is true love.”

I didn’t think she’d have a soft spot for romance, but her dark eyes gleam with intensity. I’m not sure she’s right, but I already said more than the university’s social media lady would like. I can’t burst any extra bubbles today.

So I smile. “It’s definitely been a whirlwind, but it’s been great so far.”

“And he’ll definitely have fun with that.” A sly grin crosses Vanessa’s face as I head to the cash register to pay for my purchase, and my cheeks heat. “Merry Christmas to Evan.”

I don’t know what to say. I like having girlfriends, but I’m not ready for sex talk. Evan and I aren’t really spending Christmas together, so it’s even more awkward. But I still buy the underwear set, picturing his face when he sees me in it.

“I’m getting it for me,” I whisper as I fork over my debit card. But if he enjoys it, too—well, that doesn’t make me sad. It’s Christmas, after all.

What would it be like to wake up on Christmas morning with Evan? Give him this set wrapped in shiny red paper? Or better yet, tell him I’m wearing his present and he gets to unwrap me?

Too cheesy by far. But still a great fantasy. My face is on fire as the checkout girl bags up my purchase, and I take deep breaths and try to will the color to recede as Ariana and Vanessa pay.

By the time we head to the food court for a pretzel, I’ve gotten myself under control. We chat about plans. Ariana is headed home to Colorado and Vanessa’s family is going on vacation to Disney World—the dream of her younger siblings.

I dip my last bite of pretzel into my cup of mustard, then grab their wrists. “Hey. I know I’m student teaching next semester and married now. But I don’t want this to change. You guys are my first college girlfriends. Promise we’ll still hang out?”

“Of course!” Vanessa ignores the table between us and wraps me in a hug, then pulls a laughing Ariana into it, too.

As we separate, I bite my lip. “I have an idea. It’s dumb. Like, so dumb.”

“Then you must tell us.” Ariana waves her hand around. “The dumber the better.”

“I’ve always wanted matching best friend necklaces, but I’ve never had anyone who’d go for that.” I point to a juvenile jewelry store across the food court. “What do you say?”

My best friend from high school, Lacey, was a little too cool for something so silly. She would have thought I was being ironic if I’d ever asked her this. I definitely need to reach out to her over break, but this would not be her jam.

Vanessa, however, squeals. “A million times, yes!”

Dragging Ariana with us, we pick out the sparkliest necklaces they have and wear them out of the mall with pride. Because it turns out, you’re never too old to find girl friends who will support you in your endeavors, even if that includes accidentally getting married.

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