Alek moves over to settle behind me, and his hands anchor at my hips. “Talk to me. What’s going on in this beautiful head of yours?”
“The last time I got fixed up like this was the night I caught Keaton cheating on me,” I admit in a watery voice.
“Ah, hell, Charlie.” He drops his face to the back of my head. “We don’t have to go. We can stay in and watch some movies, play cards, whatever the hell you want.”
Closing my eyes, I lean back against this chest and allow him to lend me some of his strength. It takes longer than I’d like for my panic to settle, but once it finally does, I blow out a deep breath and open my eyes, moving out of his arms and turning to face them.
“No, we’re going. I’m going to face this and him head-on. I’m going to make new memories because I refuse to be held down by the ones that try to break me.” I smirk at them. “What do you think?” I ask, propping my hand on my hip and angling my leg so that it pops my hip out. Just for the hell of it, I give them the stupid ass duck face Rianna was always making in her damn pictures and holding up the peace sign the same as her, too.
Their eyes widen before laughter fills my bedroom, breaking up the melancholy that was nearly choking us.
Alek smirks, walking up to me and holding his hand out. I slide mine into his and laugh when he spins me around so he can check me out properly. A whistle of appreciation passes through his lips.
“Lollie-girl, you’re the finest piece of ass I’ve seen in a long time.”
I crinkle my nose at the crudeness, but snicker anyway. “I’ll take it.”
“Good.” He gives me a friendly peck on my lips and smacks my ass. “Let’s go blow the roof off this fucking place then, what do you say?”
As I stare at him and Amelia waiting patiently for me, peace works its way through my body, stealing away the worry and pain from my thoughts of facing Keaton again.
The smile forms slowly on my face, and theirs mimics it until we’re all three grinning at each other.
If not for these two, I honestly don’t know where I’d be. They’ve carried me through so much, and though they’ll always be part of my story, from here on out, this journey is mine to walk.
And I think I’m finally ready to do that.
No matter how painful it’ll sometimes be.
I Don't Think We've Been Introduced
Charlie | The Past
Alek,Amelia,andIspill out of the Uber, nerves buzzing as we head for the bar’s glowing entrance. I tell myself I won’t drink much, but we all know plans can change in a heartbeat.
Better safe than sorry.
Every time the door swings open, music spills out, wrapping around the comings and goings. Friends tumble into waiting cars, couples share secret smiles on their way out, and new arrivals clutch hands as they step inside. Outside, a smoky circle of laughter and conversation grows as people wait for their night to begin.
I lose track of time, letting waves of emotion crash over me as I take it all in. Amelia stands steady on one side, Alek on the other, both patient and silent. Their quiet support makes my love for them swell until it aches.
My heart thunders, wild and unpredictable, threatening to break free from my chest. It’s been pounding ever since I spotted Keaton’s truck parked right by the entrance.
“Charlie?” Amelia says softly, reaching out to tangle her fingers with mine. “We can walk away now. Go back home. We don’t have to do this if you’re not ready.”
Closing my eyes, I inhale deeply and hold it for a few seconds before blowing it out slowly, repeating the steps a couple more times, like Rebecca showed me. Once my anxiety has worked its way back under the surface, I open my eyes.
My thoughts sharpen, the storm inside me settling into a quiet calm.
I square my shoulders and lift my chin. “No. It’s time.” I squeeze Amelia’s hand, offering them both a brave smile. “I’m ready, really. This won’t be easy, but I think the hardest part is already behind me. Don’t you think?”
Amelia drops my hand and lifts both of hers to cup my face. She drops her face toward mine and presses our foreheads together. “You never fail to astound me with how fucking strong you are, Char. You’re the best fucking friend a girl could ask for, and I’d go to damn war for you. I don’t know what the future holds for you and Keaton, but I’m going to be right here with you every step of the way.” She pulls away, and her eyes are fierce while her mouth draws tight. “But I will promise you this. If he ever fucking hurts you like this again, I will not hesitate to make his intestines my new jewelry. It’ll go well with the orange jumpsuit I’ll be wearing in my motherfucking mugshot.” Amelia squeezes my cheeks together, drops a quick kiss to the tip of my nose, and steps back. “Ride or die, babycakes.”
Tears fill my eyes, and I widen them in a hurry while fanning them with my hand to keep them from falling. “Fuck. Now, look at what you did.”
“Feeling totally inadequate over here, ladies,” Alek grumbles, his hand brushing against my back.
We laugh, and the moment breaks.
