Page 8 of Taken With You

“I didn’t see,” Harmony said quickly. “I was a little preoccupied. And I’m sorry about that. But what happened? Are you okay?”

We settled on the couches, and I set my hands in my lap.

I thought I’d hid things well. But from the way they looked at me now, I knew I hadn’t been entirely successful.

I’d never been very good at hiding.

The bruises on my soul were evidence of that.

“It’s fine.”

“What’s fine?” Violet asked, her voice stern.

“Beckham kissed me.” I hadn’t actually meant to say that. And as their eyes widened, and they leaned forward, I knew I was in for it.

Well…crap.

That secret was supposed to go with me to the grave. The kiss hadn’t meant anything. It couldn’t.

“He did? Did you not want it?” Sienna asked, frowning. “Because I’ll kick his ass for you, or I’ll have Aiden do it if that’s the case. He may be big and bearded and a little broody—although he’s not really bearded right now since he shaved for the wedding—but anyway, I will totally kick his ass if I need to. Or have it kicked.”

I shook my head quickly as Sienna continued to ramble.

“I’m fine. Really. He didn’t hurt me. Didn’t do anything wrong. But it can never happen again. It can’t. Totally not going there again.”

I slammed my mouth shut as the girls looked at me expectantly.

What was wrong with me? I was never like this. I was good at letting people know parts of myself, but they didn’t need to know this part. And, honestly, I didn’t want to relive it.

But as my friends waited, I knew I had to tell them something. But not everything.

“I was in a bad relationship once. I’m not ready to date yet.”

I didn’t know if I would ever be ready.

They nodded, and Violet reached out and gripped my hand. She gave it a squeeze, and I squeezed back, though not as long as I might have wanted to.

“Well, if you need anything, we’re here for you. You don’t have to keep it all bottled up.”

“Bottling things up isn’t good.”

I looked at Sienna and then the other two, and I knew they were talking about their own experiences and thinking about Alison. I didn’t want to worry them. Though I didn’t know what to say.

So I simply smiled and took a cupcake.

“I’m really okay. I was a bit surprised that I kissed Beckham back. That’s all. But we’re going to be friends like always. Nothing more, nothing less. Don’t worry about me. Now, tell me all about the rest of the reception that I missed. And I’m going to devour this cupcake. I’m just saying.”

The way they looked at me told me that they didn’t quite believe me, but that was fine.

I didn’t really believe myself. As long as they didn’t push, everything would be okay.

I didn’t know what I would say if they did try to get more out of me.

We finished the plate of cupcakes, and all of the cheese and crackers and other goodness from the charcuterie board, and then I leaned back, my stomach full. I felt content.

It was still odd to have girlfriends. It wasn’t something I’d had before this. It wasn’t allowed.

But this was nice. I didn’t feel quite so alone.