Adore [H.S.]

48

"Pie in jars? Is that an actual thing?" I ask her completely amazed.

"Yes! It's great for portion control." She laughs. Jaz flips over to another page.

The more I looked at the notebook, the more excited I became. This was going to be a wonderful twenty-third birthday. Add in Harry and I knew that it was going to be the best night of my life. The only downside was that I knew Natalia wouldn't be here to celebrate with me. That broke my heart the most.

I missed my sister almost too much. She was my best friend. My main girl. When I decided to move to London, leaving her behind was the last thing I wanted to do. She made life much easier. Her wisdom was always welcomed. For an eighteen year old girl, she was wise beyond her years.

"Oh no, what's wrong? Do you not like the ideas?" I look up to see a worried look on Jaz's face. I quickly shake my head, easing her of her worries.

"No, no. It's not that. I'm just thinking about how Nat is going to miss this. I miss her."

Jaz gives me an understanding smile. Her hand wraps around my own that sits on top of the table. She gives it a gentle squeeze before retracting her hand. "I'm sure you can Skype her or something..."

"Yeah." I mutter glumly.

"Please cheer up!"

"I"m fine."

"No, you're not."

"I am," I give her a half-hearted smile.

"You're a shit liar," Jaz shakes her head laughing.

I sigh deeply. It was in these moments that I couldn't help but wonder if moving to London was a good idea.

"I miss my family, is all," I tell her. She gives me a sympathetic smile. I grab the notebook, shutting it close. "These look great, Jaz. I'm excited to see it all come together."

Jaz grabs the book from the table and put's it back into her bag. She slips it over her chair before leaning back. Her eyes watch me closely. I shift in my seat. Her stare growing slightly uncomfortable. I take another sip from the almost finished glass of fizzing pink juice. "You'll see them soon." She says to me, a reassuring smile on her lips.

"Not soon enough," I say with a sigh. "I mostly miss Nat."

Jaz nods, "I get that. I miss my sister too."

"I forgot you had a sister."

"I do. She's older. Moved to Spain with her husband. We talk everyday but I still miss her."

We finish up our meals silently. When we're finished, I grab my purse from under the table and swing it over my shoulder. We walk off of the patio and towards the road.

"How are things with Harry?" Jaz asks me suddenly. I give her a quick glance.

"Good," I answer her briefly. "Really good."

She nudges me gently with her shoulder. A smile on her lips. "I can tell. You look really happy."

"I am."

"Good." Jaz sighs, "If he was giving you a hard time, I'd kick his ass."

A boisterous laugh erupts from inside of me. Shaking my head, I turn towards her. "You couldn't hurt a fly."

"I would go all kung-fu panda on his ass if he hurt you." She tells me with a straight face.

This only makes me laugh more. The mental image of Jaz in a karate outfit, attempting to put Harry in a headlock bringing tears to my eyes. "You're ridiculous."