Chapter 28 Sierra
TWENTY-EIGHT
SIERRA
The rain is unforgiving later that day. When I pull into my drive, I gaze at the short distance from my car to the porch, knowing it's inevitable that I'm going to get soaked.
I wouldn’t mind, but it's almost five-thirty in the afternoon; I won’t have time to sort my hair out if it gets ruined by the rain, and I'm meant to be meeting Crane at seven.
My heart thuds in my chest at the way that sounds, like it's completely natural to meet up with Crane.
He’s really back.
A stupid grin takes over my face as I grab my keys, bracing myself for the torrential rain.
Hurrying to the door, I let out a squeal when I slip, my arms failing to grab anything to steady myself on the way down.
White-hot pain rips through my thigh as I land on the asphalt, and I groan, my fingers moving to the area instinctively.
Luckily, I have jeans on, but the jagged rocks I’d meant to sweep up from the last storm didn’t seem to find denim a problem.
“Fucking hell!” I curse, hissing as I drag myself up.
The palms of my hands sting from trying to break my fall, but I get up, still clutching my car keys.
Unlocking the door, I dive into the safety of my home, slamming the door shut behind me.
Dropping my bag to the side, I peel off my jeans to examine the damage to my leg, wincing as I do.
Why am I so clumsy?
The skin isn’t punctured, but the dark bruising tells me it’s going to hurt like hell for a few days.
Heading for the shower, I catch sight of myself in my hallway mirror, looking like a freaking scarecrow.
Nice one, Sierra.
I quickly shower and braid my hair, so it doesn’t look as bad as it is, then get dressed.
I want to eat something before I leave, but I don’t think I have time.
My stomach rumbles, telling me to make time.
Fuck it.
Tugging out a pot of instant noodles, I flip the kettle on as I hunt for my phone to check the time.
It’s ringing.
Kiki.
“Hey,” I greet her, balancing the phone under my ear as I pour hot water onto the noodles.
There’s a sound of sobbing, and I place the kettle down, my heart skipping a beat. “Kiki?”
“That bastard.”
My blood runs cold at her voice, scratchy and raw from crying, her emotions creating their own sound.
Heartbreak does that to a girl.
“What? Who?”
Kiki lets out a sob before snapping at me with frustration.
“Greg! Who else?!”
Ouch, Kiki is angry.
Fuming.
Immediately, so am I.
“I’m on my way over; please tell me you’re in,” Kiki whispers desperately, and my soul aches for her.
“I’m in.”
“I’ll be there in half an hour.”
The phone call ends, and I stare at my phone with dismay.
What the fuck has Greg done?
If he’s cheated on her, I’ll rip his balls off.
Deep down, I know it’s that because my best friend is stronger than anyone I know.
Her voice too…
I shudder.
Looks like I’m killing him.
I stir my noodles, realising I need to text Crane.
Shit.
My heart drops, but I know he’ll understand.
It’s Kiki.
SIERRA: Hey. I’m so sorry, but I can’t make it tonight. Kiki needs me, and it seems serious. Can we reschedule?
My heart hammers in my chest when the three dots show me Crane’s typing, and I bite my lip anxiously.
Declan can’t stand Kiki, nor her him, so I’m glad he’s working tonight. Otherwise, he’d be moaning about me cancelling plans with him.
CRANE: Of course. Is she okay? Do you need me?
Oh God.
What a perfect response.
I’m tempted to tell him that yes, I need him, but Kiki doesn’t even know Crane is back, plus she probably hates all men right now.
SIERRA: I’m good I’m sorry, though.
CRANE: Me too. I’ve missed your smile.
Oh no.
My fingers fly across the screen, and my heart responds before my brain can catch up.
SIERRA: Really? You missed me?
What the hell am I doing?
This is wrong; it’s cheating. Well, it’s not, but the thoughts I’m having certainly are. My fingers grip the phone as I wait for his response like a teenager, grinning when the three dots dance across my screen.
CRANE: Every day. I hope Kiki is okay; let me know when you want to meet up again.
Every day?
I can’t…
I force a forkful of noodles into my mouth to stop my fingers from typing without consent, but I can’t stop grinning.
Crane missed me every day.
For five years.
Part of me wants to spill all to him, to tell him he’s all I’ve ever wanted and more, but I can’t.
I have a boyfriend.
Who I love.
Shit.
I’m working tomorrow, and my calendar is riddled with stupid shit that will prevent me from seeing Crane for a few days.
I eye the scrawl that tells me I’ve got a date night with Declan coming up, and I bite my lip.
Declan won’t mind if I change it.
We do it every week.
He’ll mind if he knows it’s so you can see Crane, my conscience reminds me.
But it’s to sort out my brother's wedding, I argue.
SIERRA: Are you free Friday night? You can come to mine if you are, I’ll cook.
That’s not cheating, is it?
He’s the best man, and I’m the maid of honour.
We have to arrange things together.
CRANE: Sounds good. Can you send me your address? Hope Kiki is okay!
I send him my address, wondering what I’m going to wear and what the hell I’m going to cook.
He’s huge. His appetite probably is too.
Those muscles need protein…
Stop!
I devour the noodles, pacing my kitchen until car headlights fill the room.
Kiki.
I force the images of Crane out of my mind and head over to open the door for my drenched friend.
Despite the open door, she continues to stand in the rain, waving her hands helplessly.
Her makeup streams down her face, her lips contorting into a sob as she slowly walks toward me.
I hold my arms out, not caring how wet she is when she falls into them, breaking down.
“He’s…he’s called off the wedding.”
I freeze, knowing Greg’s ass is mine.
“Oh, Kiki, I’m so sorry,” I murmur, pulling her through the door.
“He said he doesn’t love me anymore.”
I’m going to castrate him.
“He said there’s no one else, but who calls off a wedding like this? Huh?” Kiki looks at me, choking on emotion. “Why don’t I ever get my fairytale ending, Si?”
Fresh sobs take over, and all I can do is hold her, kissing her forehead as I guide her to the sofa.
“I’ve got you, Kiki. I’m here.”
She lays in my arms, crying silently.
I don’t ask, and she doesn’t tell.
We sit there, hugging one another like it’s all that matters.
“I love you,” I remind her, and she smiles, her fists curled up in front of her face as she rests in my chest.
I do, I really do.
Kiki is like my sister, and when she hurts, I hurt.
“I love him.” Her words are barely audible as she screws her face up, shaking her head as though she’s in agony. “But he doesn’t love me back. What do I do, Sierra?”
There’s not much I can say, but I’d do anything to soothe her.
“Everything happens for a reason, love. Just give it time; maybe he’s…”
There’s not one thing I can think of that justifies Greg’s actions.
“A prick?” Kiki offers, and I bury my head in her hair.
“Yeah. Maybe he’s one of those.”