“They never stop.” Jackson moans to Sienna, who’s come over to me.
“They’re in love. One day you’ll understand,” she tells him.
“Nah, I like my freedom too much,” Jackson states.
“Freedom of choice. This guy has never wanted to settle down. The number of women on base he went through was truly a feat,” Charlie explains.
“Man, why do you play me like that?” Jackson scolds him.
“He’s not saying anything we don’t already know,” I add.
Jackson rolls his eyes. “I like women. And women like me. Not my fault.”
“Anyway, I’ll leave you boys to fight about that but, D, can I grab you for a moment?” Sienna asks.
“Are you okay if I go?” I ask Charlie.
“Yes. I’m hanging out with this dickhead, so I’ll be fine,” he says, kissing me, which earns us scoffing from Jackson.
I get up and join Sienna. “You two are so cute.”
“Are we too much?”
“Never. It’s nice seeing you so happy, and Jackson’s just teasing his friend because you can see he is truly happy for you both.”
“I got to meet Charlie’s mum today on the phone, she is lovely. We’re going shopping together when we get back.”
“That’s awesome. Things are getting serious.”
“They are, he’s literally the best. I’ve had to stop telling myself to prepare for the other shoe to drop because he’s fucking perfect,” I confess to her.
“I was the same with Evan after we got back together. But every day he showed me that he was never leaving me again. Look, Chance messed you up with his mixed feelings, and I’m thankful he isn’t here for the wedding so that you and Charlie can have this experience together.” I was relieved as well when I found out he wouldn’t be coming. “I’m so happy that you’re not listening to those thoughts.”
“Me too. Probably helps that Charlie has had so much therapy that he’s a walking green flag, and is so emotionally intelligent that he talks about every insecurity that I have and calmly listens and explains how he will make sure not to make me feel insecure and vice versa.”
“Aw, that’s beautiful. He’s so nice, D. I’ve never seen you this happy or this relaxed. I think it’s because you’re finally safe.”
“I am. Every day he talks about the future, probably because, as he’s said, he never thought he would have one. How can I not love a man like that?”
Sienna squeezes me. “I’m just so happy for you I could burst. It’s going to be so great when he moves to LA. We can have family meals together, double dates, etcetera.”
“I’m looking forward to all those things, too,” I tell her excitedly.
“Hey,” Vanessa says, walking over with Olivia. Sienna and I greet them.
“This place is so beautiful,” Olivia adds.
“A helluva lot different to your place.” I smirk.
“Complete opposite. And it’s so dry, I feel for everyone here,” Olivia states.
“Is Stacey okay?” Sienna asks as we walk closer to where Isla and Stacey are talking, huddled together. “Hope we’re not interrupting a moment,” Sienna asks.
Stacey shakes off whatever was bothering her and gives us a wide smile.
“Come sit,” Stacey offers, and we do.
“It’s so great being back home. The girls screamed when they saw the kangaroos bounding through the paddocks. They also may have scared the crap out of your chickens chasing them,” Vanessa says, lightening the mood.
