“Yes, and we’re taking steps.”
“Did you kiss him?”
I couldn’t fight my smile at the thought of Gabe’s kisses. They had ruined me for any other man, and now I had them back.
“Damn it, Tori. You hoe. Did you sleep with him already?”
“No, we’re taking it slow. And I’m not a hoe, bitch.”
She let out her usual laugh, the one that came from deep in her belly and told me she was considering the same things I was. “What about Reid? Does he know?”
I shook my head. “I’m not ready to tell him. Just in case. I don’t want him hurt, but he adores Gabe and…” I thought about Gabe with him, the looks of wonder, pride, and love that were there. “…Gabe adores him. They look and act so much alike. You should see them together.”
“Why did you call me, Tor?”
“Because I needed a voice of reason.”
She frowned. “You wanted me to give you the answer. I know you, Tor. You fell head over heels for him all those years ago,and you never stopped loving him. I saw it. Even when you were at your worst, you refused to throw that damned flower out. Refused to sell your wedding dress, which is still hanging in the closet at your parents’ house. Do I want to ask where you have the bracelet?”
The bracelet Gabe had given me that Christmas. The one I’d held over the trash ready to throw away but couldn’t. Instead, I had tucked it into my jewelry box, where it remained buried below enough pieces to keep it from my sight.
“No, you don’t.”
“You never let him go, Tor.”
“I couldn’t.” I’d given up trying to because he had taken up too much space, and even with the void he’d left, I knew no one could ever fill it. Reid had taken up some of it, but the rest remained a hollow core that no man could reach.
“Do you really believe him?”
“Yes.”
She was quiet for a minute, and I could see her thinking about something. “You’re going home this weekend, right?”
It had been my plan. My parents wanted to give Reid his birthday present, and my father’s birthday was the following week. We’d planned to celebrate. Even Cash and Brandi were coming.
“Yes. Are you and Noah able to make it?”
She shook her head. “No, Noah has a gig. I need to be there to fend the groupies off.”
This time I laughed. Noah was in a local band that was earning a loyal following. Their shows sold out, and Cindy always teased him about the groupies. But Noah worshipped her, so there was no chance another woman was a threat. Still, she insisted on attending every show.
“Bring Gabe with you,” she said.
My mouth fell open. “What? I can’t do that. It’s too early.”
“And your family hates him. Especially Cash. Shoot, maybe I should go so I can watch the fireworks.”
“Cindy, I can’t throw Gabe into that.”
“Why not? If he really does still love you, he’ll go. Let him defend his actions to your family. If he goes, you’ll know he’s sincere and willing to do whatever it takes to win you back. If he refuses, then you have your answer.”
Noah’s head popped over hers. “She’s right. Any man worth his salt will face the fire if he really loves his woman. If he really gave you up to protect you, he’ll do this to keep you.”
“When did you become so philosophical?” I asked him.
“Who cares?” Cindy said, tugging him to her. “I think it’s sexy.”
I rolled my eyes. “You two are gross. I’m hanging up now.”
