Free Nuclear Heat (Firework Girls #4) by J. L. White

vague about exactly when they’re coming home, though. Hell if I know why. I haven’t heard from him in a couple days. Whatever.
    I take a bite of salted caramel gelato and listen as Chloe tells us about her and Grayson’s upcoming travel itinerary. The website and YouTube channel they run together continues to rake in the dough, so they’ve got plenty of money to travel on.
    Like Jack, I guess.
    Stupid Jack.
    When Chloe and Grayson first got engaged, she hinted that their busy schedule was keeping them from setting a date. But I think she’s full of crap. I impulsively decide it’s time to find out what’s what.
    “So why haven’t you two set a date yet?” I ask her.
    Chloe looks startled.
    “Geez, Sam,” Isabella says, rolling her eyes.
    “What?” I ask. Chloe’s looking down at her engagement ring. She’s fiddling with it and wearing an uncomfortable expression. I can see she needs to talk about it. I think we need to stop tiptoeing around the topic. “You guys have been engaged for, like, two months now. What’s the deal?”
    She sighs and puts her spoon on the counter. Isabella, Ashley, and I all lean in slightly, waiting.
    “Well,” she starts. She gives us a sheepish look. “I’m kind of afraid to send out invitations.”
    “Ahhh,” Ashley says, and we all sit back at once.
    Well, that makes sense. Chloe’s first fiancé called things off after they sent out like a billion invites, so I can see why she’d be hesitant. I once saw that asshole and the little hussy he’d been cheating on Chloe with at the grocery store. This wasn’t long after he broke Chloe’s heart, so I was still pretty pissed. Jack and I had been brainstorming revenge tactics, but I took my opportunity while I had it. I got out of the store before they saw me, found his car in the parking lot, and let the air out of all the tires. It was juvenile and not near as rotten as what he deserved, but it was satisfying anyway. I never mentioned it to Chloe, but Jack rewarded me with a fist bump when I told him.
    I don’t think I’d be keen to send out invitations either, if I were in Chloe’s shoes. “So just elope then,” I say, shrugging. Easy enough.
    “No,” Chloe says. “I still want the wedding. I guess I’m just being a little gun shy about it.”
    Isabella gives her a thoughtful look. “Are you having doubts about marrying Grayson?”
    “God, no,” and her face takes on a glow. “No, he’s amazing. Wonderful. I love him so much.”
    “I’m going to puke,” I say.
    “No,” Chloe continues, smiling at me and not missing a beat. “I already feel like I know we’ll be together the rest of our lives, you know? I mean, you guys know what that feels like, right? To feel like you belong to someone?”
    My heart starts thumping in this thick, agitated way.
    I don’t know why.
    Stupid Spain.
    Stupid Jack.
    My phone rings at that exact moment, and it’s Jack’s ringtone.
    My heart’s still pumping hard. I think I’m just feeling badly for Chloe.
    “Hey stranger,” I answer lightly. I might be irritated with him, but I’m still glad to talk to him.
    “Hey you,” he says. Wow. It’s really good to hear his voice. “You home?”
    “Yeah. The girls and I are eating ice cream without you. Sucker.”
    “Good to know.”
    Chloe grins, and Isabella hollers, “Hi Jack!”
    “What’s up?” I ask him.
    “I just wanted to make sure you’re home.”
    I suddenly realize why. “Are you back?”
    The girls all straighten at this potentially good news, grinning and looking at me. My heart’s really pumping. God, I feel really weird.
    “Yeah,” he says. “Can I stop by?”
    “Why the fuck are you even asking?” I ask. I’m teasing, but not. Just get over here already.
    “I don’t know. I just wanted to make sure you’re home.”
    Since when does he check? “Stop being weird,” I say. “And you’d better hurry up if you want any ice cream. It’s almost gone.”
     

     
    Isabella once asked me why