The back of my eyes sting with the threat of tears as she hands over the present. In true Everly fashion, the outside of the present is picture-perfect. “You didn’t need to get me anything.”
“I know. I wanted to. Open it.”
I remove the white tissue paper until I pull out a flat, rectangular wrapped item. “You could be a professional gift wrapper.”
She snorts. “I’m a bit of a perfectionist.”
I tear the smooth paper and unfold it until I reveal a wooden picture frame. Me, Grace, and Everly have our faces squished together. The Wildcat hockey arena is the background. I barely remember taking the photo at the game we went to last week because I was nervous about seeing Ash. But despite that, I look happy. I am happy.
I run my finger over the bottom of the frame. Our names and the date are painted in pretty lettering. “Did you make this?”
“I bought the frame, but yeah, I painted it.”
“I love it.” I hold it to my chest. “Seriously. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I have a little something for you too.” I set the picture down on my nightstand and open the first drawer where I stashed Everly and Grace’s gifts. I wasn’t sure if we’d do this. I had just planned on leaving them on the kitchen counter before I left for home.
“It’s just something silly.”
She tears into the present with more excitement than it deserves. When she sees what’s inside, she looks up and smiles. “Oh my gosh. Bridge, this is beautiful.”
She pulls out the snow globe and shakes it.
“It reminded me of the night we were snowed in and watched movies.”
“The first night we all really hung out together.” She smiles at me and then stares at the fake snow falling inside the little globe. “I love it so much. It’s perfect.”
The doorbell rings as she hugs me.
“I wonder who that is,” she says.
“You’re not expecting anyone?”
“No.”
She hurries out of my room to get the door. I stay put and start to look through my clothes to figure out what I want to take home for a week or more of lounging around my parents’ house.
“Bridge!” Ev yells. “It’s for you.”
“For me?” I swipe under both eyes like that’s going to make me presentable. I need a very long shower, but apparently don’t have time for it.
When I get into the living room, Everly is holding out a black box with a red bow, grinning like a fool.
“It’s for you,” she says.
“From who?”
“Look and see.”
I flip open the small card on top of the box without taking the present from her. Bridget, I owe you a drink. – Ash I’m certain I’m blushing as I move to open the box. Inside are four small bottles of vodka, triple sec, simple syrup, and fresh lemon juice. Each one has a little red bow on top. Laughter bubbles up inside me. He got me the ingredients for lemon drops.
Everly moves closer to look inside.
“It’s what we were drinking,” I say by way of explaining the contents of the gift.
“Damn, Kelly. I’m impressed,” she says more to herself than me. She turns those knowing hazel eyes on me. “Still think it was just one kiss?”
It’s late before I’m able to hide away in my old bedroom at my parents’ house. I spent all afternoon shopping with my mom before she and my dad went to a work party.
I have a text waiting for me from Ash. It came in while I was in the car with my mom. I could have looked at it before now, but there was something exciting about knowing it was there. Anticipation and giddiness that I wanted to last as long as possible.
I sent him a thank you for the present earlier this afternoon and his text is a reply to that.
Ash
You’re welcome. Have any plans tonight? Want to have a drink with me?
And a little later when I hadn’t replied yet.
Ash
I knew I should have gone with roses.
Me
The gift was perfect. Sorry, I was shopping with my mom. I drove home this afternoon for the holiday break.
Ash
Where’s home?
Me
Rockview. It’s about two hours north.
Ash
Well shit. How long do you think roses will last?
Me
Umm a week maybe. Why?
Ash
I panicked and sent roses to your house about twenty minutes ago.
Me
You did not.
Ash
Oh, I absolutely did.
I smile at the screen as I crawl under the covers with my phone.