Tryst - Forbidden Hearts Series

39| Through the Grapevine

As I stood in my kitchen with my closet friends, I couldn't have imagined a better girl's night -- and I had Jackson Reese to thank for it. My fiancee. My soon-to-be husband. My. . . betrothed. Okay, maybe I'm guilty of turning into one of those giddy brides that was sublimely happy, but I didn't care.

After the heart-to-heart with Nate -- and with Jackson -- I finally felt free. Free to gush with my girlfriends over weddings dress ideas. Free to debate between which front I should use on the invitations. Free to argue with Lanie about whether or not I should wear a veil. Or as she likes to call it, a mosquito net. Basically, I just felt. . . free. And Happy.

For the past few hours, Lanie, Danielle, Karma, Jamie, and I have been at my apartment. We ordered pizza for dinner, made margaritas -- virgin and regular -- and also watched as Lanie made a mess while making her famous homemade triple chocolate cake. It's been non-stop laughter and girl time ever since they got here. It was perfect. Of course, that all changed when Lanie got a not-so-bright idea.

"Who's ready for a game of Through the Grapevine?"

When Karma and I groaned at Lanie's question, Danielle frowned and glanced at each of us. "What's Through the Grapevine?"

"Don't ask." Karma muttered.

Jamie smiled, clearly enjoying this. "Tell us!"

Lanie's glared at Karma and myself before turning to Danielle. "It's a game I made up when we were kids. It's kind of like. . . Truth or Dare."

I scoffed, "No, it's not. It's a game where you divulge some of your deepest secrets." I gave Lanie a pointed look. "And we aren't playing it. Remember the summer of 2004? Let's not have a repeat of that."

Jamie perked up immediately. "I want to know what happened the summer of 2004!"

Karma shook her head. "No, you don't. Believe me, this is a memory not of us wants to relieve."

"Enough about what happened last time," Lanie whined, "let's play! It's so much fun. Besides, everyone in this room is trustworthy. Nothing that's said will leave this apartment. No matter what.

Danielle shrugged a shoulder. "I'm game."

"Me too." Jamie added.

The three of them looked at Karma and I with expectantly. Damn. I really didn't want to play this game. The last time we did, Karma, Lanie, and I ended up not speaking for two weeks. Nate was the one who sat us down and got us to make-up.

I looked at my friends with a grimace. "I don't know. . ." I glanced at Karma. "What do you think?"

Karma crossed her arms over her chest and looked from me to Lanie. "If we do this, you need to promise me that what happened before won't happen again."

Lanie rolled her eyes. "It's not going to ---"

"Promise!"

"Fine! It won't happen again," Lanie vowed. "Now, can we play?"

Karma looked back at me and nodded, "I guess so. Where do you want to do it?"

Lanie squealed so loud, most of us had to plug our ears. "Everyone get comfy! Danielle, especially you."

The rest of us followed an overly excited Lanie to the living room. Danielle sat on the sofa chair, while Karma, Jamie, and I sat on the couch. Lanie stood in front of the fireplace and she rubbed her hands together mischievously.

"All right, Ladies! Who wants to go first?"

"Karma raised her hand. "I will."

My mouth dropped open a little. I wasn't expecting Karma to volunteer to go first. Especially since she was one of the trio that was involved in the summer of 2004 incident of this game. She was also the first one who swore that she never wanted to play this game again.