Freya: I took this the night you got mega drunk at The Dive. It was sweet and, I dunno, an invasion of your privacy? *blushes* But, I thought it’d be nice for you to have
Denver: Oh, wow, I don’t remember that at all.
Freya: Picture tax never lies. I swear he held you in that swoop for a good couple minutes. Book boyfriend-tier reached, for sure. The boy’s crazy about you.
Freya: Give me some credit for figuring out that he was intoyou before you knew, huh?
Denver: I’m not saying this to be a bitch, Freya, but you deserve better than Alec.
Freya: Yeah. I figured that out recently. See you when you’re back?
Denver: Sure. Thanks for messaging and thank you for the pic. Means a lot. Happy new year!
FORTY-NINE
ALWAYS BE PREPARED.
I refuseto be happy that there are tears in her eyes when my cab pulls away from the curb.
She wants me to go as little as I want to leave, but I need her to have a great time. I need her to escape Oakwood until shit’s blown over. I need for things to settle down and to get my ducks in a row so that when she’s back, she’s ready to wear my ring.
Because fuck if being in Madrid with her didn’t make me want her to wear it.No betting required.
I turn back to wave at her, watching her watch me go.
She’s all alone.
And I hate that.
I want to be here to keep her safe but… I understand why Mel suggested this.
Denny needs this.
When she’s too far away to see, I turn to face the road.
A couple minutes later, I receive a text.
Denny: You’re officially insane.
Me: It could happen
Denny: No way your dad’s going to get fired before I’m back
Me: I know we watched the same game last night, babe
Denny: When did you even get it?
Me: The other day
Me: From that little jewelers near where you bought that shirt you like. The one that makes your tits look bangable
Denny: Little jewelers, my ass. This is Cartier!
Me: I know we agreed to no bagging and tagging while you were away but technically, you couldn’t fulfill the terms of your bet if I didn’t have a ring for you…
Denny: I repeat. You’re. Crazy. But…
Me: But?
