“Because we want you to be happy?” Hudson asked.
I threw up my hands in frustration. “Because you’re defending Maksim’s actions.”
“Neither one of us is saying that,” Tara argued.
“Yes, youare. For fuck’s sake, you’re encouraging me to talk to him and give him another chance!”
“People forgive those they love for all kinds of horrendous things,” Hudson reasoned.
Crossing my arms over my chest, I countered, “And you and I are the ones usually dragging them for being idiots with no self-worth or moral compass.”
“Well, I stand corrected for my role in debasing those relationships, and I stand by the fact that love makes you do crazy things, Whit, Whit.”
“I don’t love him.”
While Hudson rolled his eyes, Tara argued, “Jesus, Sarah, evenIlove the man. Considering how rich and handsome he is, he should be a total dick. But he’s not. He’s helped you put the pieces back together for Silas and your parents. He even agreed to take a girl with special needs to a dance. He took freakin’ allergy shots so you could have Voxie with you.”
“I’m well aware of what he’s done, but none of that excuses him deceiving me.”
“He is worth loving!” Tara shouted.
Hudson nodded. “Deep down, you know we’re right. It’s okay to be hurt and angry for a while, but please, please don’t throw away happiness with both your hands.”
“There’s no doubt in my mind that Maksim will spend the rest of his life making this up to you,” Tara said in a softer tone than before.
With my frayed nerves threatening to snap, I shook my head. “Please. Just go.” At their hesitation, I swiped my eyes. “If you love me like you say you do, then please just give me some space.”
With an agonized sigh, Hudson nodded. “Will you promise to text me the instant you’re ready to talk?”
“I promise.”
He leaned over and kissed my cheek. “I love you, Whit Whit.”
Although I wanted nothing more than to be alone, I pulled him into my arms. “I love you more,” I whispered.
After giving him a squeeze, I pulled out of the embrace. When I turned to Tara, she pursed her lips. “Do I get a hug?”
“With your attitude, probably not.”
“Bitch,” she muttered as she jerked me into a bear hug. “You’re a pain in my ass, but I love you more than my luggage.”
I snorted at the reference to one of our favorite movies,Steel Magnolias. It was the first time I’d remotely laughed in a week. “I love you, too.”
Her expression sobered. “I’m here whenever you need me.”
“I know, and I appreciate that.”
She then smacked my ass playfully before leaving Hudson and me alone. “You know I’m not going away. I’m going to keep harassing you until you let me back in.”
“I would be mad if you didn’t.”
He smiled. “Archie sends his love as well, and he wants you to know that you will never, ever find a man as handsome, rich, or as good in the sack as Maksim.”
“How kind of him to remind me?”
“Just keep pushing, Sarah. Push for Maksim like you’ve always done for Silas and Sammy and your parents.”
“I’ll try.”
