Chapter 24 That’s A Weighted Question
CHAPTER 24: THAT’S A WEIGHTED QUESTION
LACEY
“ W hat did you think about Jace being there tonight?” I ask as Poppy, Logan, and I make our way back to our apartment. Our hands are full with the aftermath of the night and I’m exhausted.
“I think it was good he came,” Poppy says. “I’m glad we can all put the past behind us and move forward. How are you feeling?”
That’s a weighted question. How am I feeling? At seventeen, I was sure Jace would be my forever and then D.C. happened. My world as I knew it came crashing down and I spent the last ten years heartbroken and hating him for what I thought he did. And then as quick as it ended a decade ago he proved me wrong. He never cheated. I was the one who fucked it all up.
My mind drifts to him tearing off his shirt. His toned abs and those tattooed arms.
“Lace?”
“Huh?” I look up to see Poppy and Logan staring at me. We’re standing in front of our apartment door and I have no memory of getting here. Like my body was on autopilot while my mind was somewhere else entirely.
“You gonna unlock the door?” she asks, gesturing to the door knob.
“Oh yeah, sorry.” I set down the container of leftover food I’m holding and fumble for my key. I slide it in and swing the door open. They move past me and I follow.
“Are you ever going to answer my question?” Poppy asks as she moves around the apartment putting everything away.
“Yeah, you kind of spaced out there,” Logan adds. “You good?”
I shake my head. “Oh yeah, I’m fine. Just tired and a little tipsy. What did you ask?”
“I asked how you were feeling about Jace being at my party?”
“Oh, I don’t know. I guess fine. Seemed normal. Glad he could make it.” She stops moving and looks at me with a smirk. Logan lets out a little laugh.
“What?”
“Nothing,” she chimes.
“Don’t nothing me. What?”
“Nothing. I’m glad y’all are trying to be friends again, that’s all. Come on Logan, I’m ready for bed.”
“You’re lucky it’s your birthday or I would make you tell me what you’re thinking.”
“Love you, Lace,” she says, giggling as they walk towards her bedroom, hand in hand. Logan leans over and places a kiss on the top of her head and then they disappear. There is a tug on my heart as I watch them walk away. Will I ever find someone who loves me that much?
“I love you more,” I chime, looking down at my phone to check for text messages from Chris, but there’s nothing. I make my way into the kitchen and grab a cup from the cabinet. My phone pings and I swipe up.
Jace: Tonight was fun! Thanks for the invite.
I quickly fill up the glass with water and head to my room, so I can text him back. I’m getting dressed in my pajamas when my phone pings again.
Jace: I think I will come next week to trivia, so shoot me the details when you can.
Lacey: It’s next Friday at Bruno’s. Starts at 6. I’m really glad you’re coming!
I crawl into my bed and snuggle deep into my pillows. Three dots appear on the screen and then disappear. Why am I watching his text messages like a teenager with a crush? I don’t have a crush on him. Even if I did, why would he ever give me another chance?
Jace: Can I ask you a question?
Lacey: Sure.
Jace: What was your favorite birthday (has to be one I missed)?
Lacey: Twenty was a good one.
Jace: What made it special?
Lacey: Poppy was back from Europe and she surprised me with ice skating. We snuck little bottles of peppermint vodka and spiked our hot chocolate. We spent the whole day together and had the best time. We even took pictures with Santa!
Lacey: Santa photo attached
Jace: You look happy.
Lacey: That day I was!
Jace: So Poppy went to Europe?
Lacey: Yeah for a year with fuck face. It ended awful and they broke up.
Jace: I bet you missed her.
I hesitate before I respond. My freshman year of college was the loneliest I have ever been. Jace was supposed to be back and we were supposed to be at Farrington together. Then, Poppy left to follow Lord Fuckwad around Europe and I was alone.
My parents were too busy with my brother and my dad’s job to notice how sad I was. When I did try to talk to them, I was met with lectures about how I needed to grow up and focus on getting my degree.
The only thing that made it bearable were my Friday calls with Annie, Jace’s mom, and I don’t know if I can handle that conversation tonight. I inhale deeply. We said we would try to be friends, but how much should I let him in?
Lacey: I did. Night, J.
Jace: Sweet dreams, pixie.