“Girl, where have you been? I've waited all day to hear back from you!” she says, the worry evident in her voice. God, I love her.
“Sal…” I choke out, before bursting into tears.
Fuck, I did not want to cry. Not over Cole, not again.
“Oh my god! What's happening? Scratch that—where are you? I'm coming to you.”
“No, no.” I take deep breaths, in and out, trying to calm my nerves. My whole body shakes with rage, tears of frustration streaming down my face. “Can I just come over?”
She hesitates for the slightest moment before saying, “Yes, of course. Please drive safely, pull over if you need to.”
“I will,” I manage to say. I disconnect the call and crank upthe car, blasting the heat. I'm freezing, goosebumps dotting my skin. I have no jacket and no plan, I was only thinking about my need to escape.
I take a deep breath and drive, blinking tears from my eyes as I race for Sal’s, my safe space to fall apart.
15
SOPHIE
Sal is ready and waiting for me with open arms, her living room transformed into a sanctuary of comfort. Blankets piled high, a tub of rocky road ice cream already softening on the coffee table, and the remote ready to queue upThe Office. No words needed. I sink into her red velvet couch, my body folding into hers as she throws an arm around my shoulders. And then I break.
She holds space for me, saying nothing, just letting me shatter to pieces in her arms, ready to put me back together again when it’s time. The sobs rip through me, raw and unfiltered, the kind that steal my breath away and leave me gasping. My chest heaves until my ribs ache, my throat burns, and my eyes run dry.
I don’t know why tonight cracked me so wide open. I thought I’d long since left him and the memories of us behind.It must be the stress and the pressure, building up until I couldn’t hold it in any longer. The dam has finally burst.
Sal doesn’t try to stop it, she doesn’t rush me or offer me empty platitudes. She just lets me exist in the mess of my emotions until the storm inside me settles. When my body is hollow and spent from too many tears, and my breathing finally slows, Sal finally speaks.
“Want to talk about it?”
“No,” I shake my head slightly, still held in her embrace. “Not really.”
“Was it your mom?”
I let out a scoff, wiping my damp cheeks. “Surprisingly, no. Well, kind of. She invited Cole and his family over for dinner. He cornered me…” I let my head fall back, closing my eyes against the image of his snarling face. “He does what he always does. Such an asshole.”
She stiffens beside me, her whole body pulling taut. “Fuck, girl.” She exhales sharply, her arms tightening around me. I can feel her holding back questions, but she swallows them down. She always waits until I’m ready to talk, it’s a fraction of why she’s such a good friend. “I’m sorry. And for the record, if I ever see him again, I’m gonna kick him in the nuts.”
A wry laugh escapes from my lips, finally feeling some of the weight lift off of my shoulders. Fuck him, fuck my mom for inviting him, fuck it all. At least here, in Sal’s house, I can feel safe.
“At least you're here. You're safe now.” She reminds me, giving me a squeeze.
I nod, inhaling deeply, my body still trying to reach equilibrium. Vanilla and warmth cling to every inch of Sal’s home, a scent so familiar it soothes the raw parts inside me.
“Wanna smoke? I can steal a joint from Jace’s stash.” Sal winks, a mischievous grin playing on her lips.
“Yes, please!” My smile is immediate.
Jace is a year older, but still lives at home. Though I really can’t blame him. I’d never leave this house, either. The two of them fight like cats and dogs, a constant tug and pull. The tension between them is thick, a fraying rope ready to snap. I have a feeling, though, that she secretly admires him. Evenwhen he pisses her off. He’s mysterious, an enigma I’ve never quite been able to figure out.
She hauls me up, leading me upstairs towards their bedrooms. The second floor is like a world of its own. Two massive suites, hers and Jace’s, take up either side of the space. Each is complete with a room big enough to fit my entire house in, only a slight exaggeration, an ensuite bathroom fit for royalty, and a sitting area.
Sal’s side is an explosion of chaos, makeup and clothes spilling over every surface. Light oak furniture compliments the rosy pink walls that are plastered with posters. Swag lights hang from the ceiling, casting beautiful light over the vast space. Her guitars take up a large corner of the room. Music is her favorite hobby besides reading. She’s good, too.
Jace’s room, on the other hand, is the opposite. A total man cave. Dark walls, leather couches, sharp angles and moody lighting. The dark wooden furniture is massive, making the room feel small. Walking to his door always makes me feel like I’m trespassing on sacred ground.
We don’t talk much. He’s always been cordial, but reserved in my presence. A little gruff, if anything. But Sal… well, she loves him, for some reason I can’t quite place.
We hang a left at the top of the stairs, following the hallway down to Jace’s room. The plush carpet is soft beneath my bare feet, the feeling luxurious. A faint trace of Jace’s cologne lingers in the air, something rich, sharp, and unmistakably man. Sal doesn’t hesitate, knocking confidently.
