I can’t get any words out as I struggle to take in any form of breath.
“We…we…”
“Deep breaths,” Sienna coos, stroking my hair. “Take a deep breath.”
I try, but it hurts. My body aches with the pain of losing the man I love.
“It’s okay, Liv. It’s okay.” Imogen rubs my back as the two of them try to calm me down.
I don’t know how long the two of them comfort me, but it helps. The tears don’t stop, but my breathing evens out.
“We weren’t a match,” I confess.
“I don’t believe that for a second,” Imogen says. “We saw the two of you together. You were perfect together.”
“It’s true,” Sienna agrees. “That man loves you.”
I shake my head. “No. He loved the idea of me. He made things messy. I need my plan.”
“Liv, I think you need a little tough love,” Imogen says. “I love you, darling. You’re one of my closest friends?—”
“But?” I interrupt.
“But your plan is crap. It was designed to make your parents love you, when they were the worst humans. You are one of the best people we know. You will do anything for your friends and you love us fiercely.”
“I agree,” Sienna says. “Tag was the perfect man for you because he brought you out of your shell. He made you see that you deserve love. That you are worthy of it.”
The tears start flowing again. Our waiter spots us and, seeing the state I’m in, turns to leave.
“My parents really did a number on me, didn’t they?” I try to laugh it off, but I can’t.
“You know,” Imogen says, “you could benefit from talking to someone about this.”
“I’m talking to you two, aren’t I?”
Sienna passes a tissue from her purse. “I think she means a therapist. A professional.”
“Really?”
They both nod. Sienna brushes a stray lock of hair out of my face. “We love you, but this situation? I think you really should talk to someone. Because neither of us want to see you lose Tag.”
“It feels like I’m admitting defeat.”
“No, love. It means you realise you need help and are being an adult by seeking it out.”
“Yes,” Sienna agrees. “I think it’ll help you more than you know.”
“But Tag…”
“Focus on you, love. That’s the most important thing to start with. Tag will come later because I believe he was always your plan.”
Maybe Tag was the plan. But until then, I think they’re right.
Working on myself and then figuring out what to do next.
I only hope I didn’t ruin the best thing I ever had in my life.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
