“I can’t believe I didn’t see it.” I sniffed as I laughed, almost giddy with relief. I had some groveling to do, but it felt different knowing he wanted me still. We were more than okay. Better than we were before. Because I truly, without a doubt, knew how he felt about me. I just had to convince him I felt the same and always would.
“We’re all blinded by our own shit.” Vee shrugged. “I’m glad you’re both okay though. You’re perfect together.”
“How fast can you drive, Lo?”
It took less than five minutes for everyone to say goodbye and for Lo and I to get into her car. I was a nervous mess. My insides quivered with worry, and my palms were like Niagara Falls, sweating so much it dripped down my hands.
“Let’s call Luca to get some intel.” Lo hit dial before I could respond. It rang twice before Luca’s voice filled the car. “Hey, babe, are you alone?”
“Phone sex?”
“No. Fuck off with that.” She laughed. “I’m with Ivy right now, and we’re heading to the room. Give us some info. How is he doing?”
“He’s tripping about Ivy.”
“Tripping how?”
“I feel weird sharing this.”
“It’s okay, Luca, you don’t have to. I’m coming to him. Do you think he’ll let me see him?” I asked, suddenly nervous.
That was my insecurity. Right there. I couldn’t survive him pushing me away a third time. But I’d respect it.
“Yes, Ivy.” Luca’s voice softened. “He’ll be so fucking happy.”
Lo hung up and smiled at me. “Callum has been one of the girls the last few years. He’s also one of the guys, and it’s wild how he can transcend one friend group to the other. He’s amazing and so loveable, but Ivy, you own his heart. I think he’sbeen this chaotic ball of energy just waiting to find a home again, and you’re that person.”
I swallowed the emotion in my throat. He was my chaotic ball of energy, motivating me and pushing me outside my comfort zone. I was his safe place, and he was mine. “You’re such good friends to him.”
“To you too. I know it’s messy because we’re all dating and friends, and there’s potential to be problems, but the joys of relationships are worth the risk. I’ve never seen Callum this happy since you reentered his life.”
I squeezed my fists together, the urge to see him overwhelming me. “Thank you for having the girls come over. I needed that. I now have more courage to do this.”
“That’s what friends are for.”
“I’ll drop you off here. Luca is on his way out. Give Cal a hug for me, okay?”
I nodded, my feet leading me toward the elevator. Luca texted Lo directions to the room that I followed. I’d see him in two minutes.
Fuck, I was nervous and excited and overwhelmed. My heart had never beat this hard before. We’d come so far in our trust and relationship, but my fear this entire time would be going through another heartbreak. I knew he loved me, and he did back then too. Love wasn’t always enough, and being turned away had gutted me. Even despite the chat, I was worried he’d push me away, but what had Lo said? It was worth the risk. I’d let my own pride and hurt get in the way last time. I’d regret it forever if I didn’t try.
“Ivy, honey!” Callum’s mom ran up to me and squeezed me into a hug. “I am so happy to see you. I’m so sorry I had you leave. I was just worried about my boy.”
“I get it. It’s good to see you.” I smiled shyly.
She cupped my face before hugging me again. “Thank you. You’ve made Callum so happy, and that’s all I want. I’m so glad you’re back in his life, and I hope we can catch up soon. I’ll give you two space for a bit. Have him text me when I can come back up.”
“I will, yeah.” That had to be a good sign. The ball of emotion in my throat eased so I could swallow without pain.
She smiled at me once more before disappearing down the hall, which left me outside his door. I swore I could smell his cologne from here. My skin buzzed, like it knew he was near me.
The door was cracked, so I wasn’t sure if I should knock or walk in.
“She’ll forgive you, man. Stop worrying. You need to focus on healing.”
Oliver.
“I just need to talk to her. Explain. Do you know where Luca went?”
