SittingherewithDavidand Jerica is the absolute last place I want to be. Still, after the elevator disaster, I know I have to face the two people who once called themselves my best friends before I can even think about fixing things with Hayvin.
This would be easier behind closed doors, since these two are infamous for their explosive tempers, but there’s no way I’m risking Vin hearing I slipped off somewhere private with Jerica.
That’s a lesson I’m learning the very hard way.
“Give me a second,” I mutter, grabbing my phone and tossing my suit jacket in the booth.
I keep my head down, weaving toward the exit. Privacy is a myth in public, but I don’t care. I want to see if Vin will finally pick up now that I’ve switched numbers. No one else has it, not even Jerica. I almost kept it from David, too, but cutting him out is harder. We’ve survived too much together, though our friendship is hanging by a thread, and this conversation might be the one that snaps it.
I pull up Vin’s number, hoping that since it’s a new number, I’ll finally get to hear her voice. After hitting the call icon, the ringtone squeals in my ear twice before it goes to voicemail, letting me know that she declined the call.
Should have known she’d be too smart to answer an unknown number when we’re not on talking terms. She’s not going to risk that it’s me on the other end.
Fucking sucks, but there’s no one to blame here but myself.
So, instead of talking to her, I leave her a voicemail.
“Hey,” I start, clearing the awkwardness from my throat. “Um, can we talk? I know you really don’t want to.” I blow out a breath. “Fuck. I’m sorry, Hayvin. I know I keep saying that, but it’s the truth. I fucked up, and it makes me an even bigger shit that I’m just now realizing how badly. I’m fixing it, okay? I’m trying, baby girl. Just…please, don’t give up on me. Do what you have to do, just…don’t do that. Please,” I finish in a whisper.
The beep sounds in my ear, then the automated voice comes on and goes over my options. After hitting Save, I end the call and shove my phone into my pocket.
I stare at the ground, rubbing the back of my neck, trying to figure out how I’m supposed to fix this if she won’t even talk to me. Hayvin’s stubbornness never bothered me before, but now it feels like a wall I can’t climb.
A car horn jolts me out of my thoughts. Across the lot, a teenage boy waves over a girl with wild curls. My chest tightens as I watch her light up, sprinting to him. He sweeps her up, spinning her in a hug, and I press my hand to my chest, trying to soothe the ache blooming there.
Their joy, the way the world melts away as they look at each other, stirs something in me I almost don’t recognize.
Envy and longing.
I remember moments like that with Hayvin, when her warmth wrapped around me and I let myself believe it would always bethere. I took it for granted, used it up, all because I was too much of a coward to let her close. I thought I could keep us both safe by keeping her at arm’s length, while still holding on to everything I wanted from her.
I really am a damn fool.
Tearing my eyes away, I shove open the door, steeling myself to finish this confrontation once and for all.
Lost in my own head, I barely notice the person in front of me until we collide. I reach out instinctively, trying to steady them as we stumble together.
The figure is familiar, and when her angry words spill out, I can’t help the small smile tugging at my lips.
“Stupid, idiotic, dick bandit. Watch where the hell you’re going next time.”
“Everleigh,” I say in greeting, making sure she’s steady on her feet before I let her go and step away.
She peers up at me, her eyes flashing dangerously. “Oh. It’s you.” Then they roll over to the people in the booth we crashed next to. “And I see you brought STD one and STD two along with you.”
“What is your problem with me?” Jerica snaps. “Every time I see you, you’re running your mouth for no damn reason.”
Everleigh smirks, folding her arms over her chest and raising her brow. “No reason?” She glances over at me. “No reason, asshat? Really?”
I open my mouth to reply, but she shakes her head and turns back to Jerica.
“You know, Hayvin will never come at you. You’re not worth it to her. None of you is. She considers this shit beneath her. The truth is, she’s just better than all of us put together. But me…oh, baby. I’mthatbest friend. And let me tell you, sweetcheeks. For her, I’ll come at you every second of every day for the rest of your life, if I have to. You, Jerica, are nothing but adisrespectful bitch. You sit there acting like your pussy doesn’t stink, pretending to be stupid and not know what the hell you did wrong. But honey, let me clue you in. Your pussy is the raunchiest fucking thing I’ve ever smelled in my life. So, how about you just sit there and keep your mouth shut? And if you can’t do that, then I’ll be more than happy to make sure you do. Your choice, crotch rot.”
David looks ready to defend his sister, but Ever’s glare cuts him off. “Don’t even try it, bitch boy. You’re just as guilty. The two of you are so fucking toxic, I feel like I need to scrub my skin raw after being near you. Seriously, get some therapy and sort out whatever twisted mess made you like this.”
“Ever,” I call gently, wanting to pull her out of her rage.
Her breaths come sharp and fast as she tears her gaze away from them and fixes it on me. I instinctively step back, her sneer making the air between us crackle.
