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CHAPTER ONE

Lainey Cooper

The second I pull into Carla's driveway, I remember why I never let more than a few months pass between visits.

She bursts through the front door before I shut off my SUV. "You're here!" she screeches with both arms over her head. Her long, dark hair flies all over the place. She jumps on her wooden porch, even though it's worn down enough to break, while wearing red, six-inch stilettos that match her blingy red cocktail dress.

I climb out, laughing, and grab my overnight bag from the back seat.

She asks, "What took you so long?"

I put my hand on my hip. "Carla. I took a shower, did my hair and makeup in record time, and drove three hours nonstop."

"And your hair and makeup are spot on! But I'd have made it in two and a half!" she gushes.

"That's because you drive like the devil's chasing you," I remind her.

She meets me at the bottom of the steps and wraps me in a tight hug. "I've missed you!"

"I've missed you, too!" I hug her just as hard.

She declares, "We need to get ready."

"I am ready."

She steps back and looks me over from head to toe. "Oh, absolutely not."

I glance down at my jeans and boots. "What's wrong?"

"That's what you're wearing tonight?"

"I thought we were going to a cowboy bar?"

She groans dramatically. "Lainey, it's New Year's Eve."

"It'll still be New Year's Eve if I wear denim."

"It'll be New Year's Eve with missed opportunities."

I roll my eyes and sling my bag over my shoulder. "You've been watching all those romantic comedies again, haven't you?"

"I've been living in Texas."

"Last time I checked, Texas allowed women to wear boots."

"It does. But it also encourages them to look hot while doing it." She hooks her arm through mine and steers me toward the front door.

I lie, "You're exhausting me."

"I'm saving you from another New Year's Eve without any fun."

"We have a long drive tomorrow. Houston isn't exactly close," I remind her and point at the moving trailer.

"Excuses, excuses! I'm not letting you have another sad New Year's Eve," she declares.

I roll my eyes. "I had fun last year."

She arches her eyebrows. "With your mama and daddy?"