Swallowing hard, I shut my eyes. There’s no anger in his words, or guilt, just understanding, which somehow hurts worse.
Mind made up, I get up slowly and walk into the bedroom Hope and I have been sharing for the past couple of weeks. Hope’s sweater is still draped over the foot of the bed. I lift it, breathing in the scent of cinnamon and vanilla before hanging it over her chair. Shuffling around the room, I start packing up my meager belongings and shoving them back into my go-bag. Every item feels like it weighs ten pounds. When I zip the bag, something in my chest caves in. Taking one last look around her home, the one place where the noise in my head quieted down long enough for me to breathe, I sling my duffle over my shoulder and head toward the front door.
I think about writing her a note, but I’m not strong enough. What am I supposed to tell her?
Hope,
I’m sorry. Club needs me for the toy drive.
I’ll call you when I can.
Frost
No, it’s not good enough. I’ll text her once I get back home and explain what happened. Hopefully, she’ll forgive me for up and leaving without a word.
Walking out the door, I force myself not to look back because if I do, I won’t leave. I stuff my shit into my saddlebags and swing my leg over the seat of my bike. My Harley rumbles to life beneath me.
“Time to face it,” I mutter to myself.
The road stretches in front of me, empty and cold like my soul. I pull away quickly before the temptation to stay wins.
CHAPTER 13
HOPE
“Thanks for making some time to go shopping with me,” Amy says as she parks her car next to mine.
It’s our yearly tradition to go to Vegas for a marathon of Christmas shopping. We always get all our shopping done in one day so we can enjoy the rest of the holiday season without having to battle pesky crowds. I don’t know why she’d think I’d miss this year.
Because of Frost. You’ve been so mesmerized by him. You haven’t made the time to hang out with your bff.
My heart plummets. “Amy, I’m sorry I’ve been neglecting you lately.”
She waves me off. “Bitch, please. I’m not complaining. I’m glad you found someone who puts a smile on your face the way Frost does. It’s my job as your best friend to make sure he doesn’t turn out to be a total fucktard, but that doesn’t mean I’m not happy for you.”
“Yeah, but I haven’t been a very good friend lately,” I say with a sigh.
“Who’s there for me for every sticky breakup? Or my crash and burn days?” she asks. Without waiting for a response, she continues. “You… You show up when it counts. I do not doubtin my mind that if I called you, you’d be there in a heartbeat. News flash, bestie, as much as I love you, and I know you love me, I’m not the center of your universe. We both know I should be because, let’s face it, I’m a fucking delight, but when a man comes along that can fuck you into a co-”
Laughing, I smack her arm. “Behave.”
“I’m jealous,” she confesses. “Someday I hope to find what you have, Hope.”
“You will, Ames,” I say with sincerity. “Who knows, maybe one of Frost’s brothers will fall head over heels.”
Amy snickers. “I’d probably scare them away with my psycho tendencies.”
“We need to find one as loony as you are then,” I retort. Reaching over the center console, I pull her into my arms. “Love you.”
“Love you, more,” she responds. “Get out of my car, and go get your brains fucked out.”
Shaking my head, I push the door open and exit her vehicle. “Lunch next week?”
Amy winks. “You know it.”
I shut the door and wave as she speeds off. Checking my watch, I realize we were gone for ten hours. I unlock the door, smiling. Tonight is all about me and Frost. We’re going to decorate the Christmas tree, drink hot cocoa, listen to cheesy holiday music, and watch my favorite movie,National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
“Frost?” I call out as I push inside. “You won’t believe the?—”
