“So?” Kate insists. “Because you’re apparently smiling and giggling and blushing, and since you’re not texting me, I’m pretty fucking sure you’re texting someone you definitely shouldn’t be texting.”
Well, there goes my shameful little secret.
As I stand up to head to my room, I suggest, “What if I met someone new?”
“How? You stay in all day, except for work, so unless a home invader took pity and decided to put you out of your misery by taking you out on a date, I don’t see how—”
“Okay, okay,” I interrupt her, frustratedly closing my door behind me. “Lex and I are talking again. And I was going to tell you, but—”
“Oh my God, I can’t believe you,” Kate mutters, clearly exasperated. “You got back with him and didn’t tell me?”
“We’re not back together—we’re just talking. And I know you’ll try to change my mind, but I really don’t want to, Kate.”
“Of course I’ll try, you moron! That man fucking broke you,” she protests. “I’m your best friend. I’ll do everything I can to protect you.”
“Yeah, you hadmanythings to say about him when we broke up.”
“Because I’m on your side. Always.”
“And I love you for it. I really do. But it’s much more complicated than I thought, and I know he hurt me, but it wasn’t like that.” I’m so scared she won’t get it that my voice cracks.
“Deedee, calm down. I’m not a total bitch. I don’t want that jerk to hurt you again, but you’re a smart, strong, and fierce woman, so you probably have some goddamn excellent reasons. And I remember how happy you were and how perfect he was for you. I mean, for fuck’s sake, I pushed you into his arms.”
There’s a moment of silence, but I can tell she isn’t done yet, so I wait.
“I’m definitely not the best judge when it comes to attractive men. I can’t even count how many times you’ve picked up the pieces of me after one of my asshole exes broke my heart. You’ve been here for me so much, babe. And I know how frustrating it must have been to do it so often. I can’t possibly blame you for relapsing this one time when I have done it at least a dozen times. If you really want to be with him, I’ll take back all the nasty shit I said about him and bear it for you. Butyou better be sure that if he ever steps out of line again, I will fucking wreck him.”
I can’t help but giggle at the image. She’s as fierce and strong as I am. She just doesn’t know it.
“Do you mean all this?” I sheepishly ask.
“I do, I really do. I’ll whoop his ass Maria Carmen style if I have to.”
The thought of Kate furiously wielding achanclamakes me laugh again. “No one whoops ass like my abuela.”
“No, no one does because she’s the fucking bomb. Now, spill the tea, Dee. What happened, and why are you talking to that jerk again?”
“Kate,” I reproachfully say.
“Sorry, there’s an adjustment period. Why are you talking toLexagain?”
I let myself fall back on my bed and stare at the screen, gathering my thoughts. I tell her about the brunch with Michelle and Lucy. Then I tell her about my confrontation with Lex, about his insecurities and mine. I empty it all because Kate has always been my best advisor.
By the time I’m done, she hates Lex a little less, but she’s still adamant he’s on parole. One mistake, and he’s out. Her protectiveness is incredibly touching, and knowing she has my back will forever reassure me.
We talk for hours—like we haven’t in so long. At some point, we even video call so she can help me pick my outfit for my lunch with him on Thursday. We talk through our evening routine then until we can’t stay awake. Before we hang up, she makes me promise to tell her if Lex does some bullshit again, and I reassure her by telling her I’ll be on top of the ass whooping myself.
As I fall asleep, I notice how much lighter I feel. My big secret isn’t as heavy anymore. And her approval, however conditional it is, also alleviates my worries.
I’m still smiling when Morpheus drags me into a peaceful and heavy slumber.
Chapter 09
“Since you know where we’re going, do you want to drive?” I offer.
Andrea hesitates, scanning my car. “You’d let me drive it?”
I nod. Anything for her to realize just how terrible her car is and invest in a better one. On second thought, though… “First, tell me where those nine dents on your car came from.”
