Chapter 28 #2
“Yes, please tell us everything. Leave nothing out,” Meg says. “Remember, I’m living vicariously through you.”
Hannah narrows her eyes at me, questioning Meg’s statement.
I subtly shake my head. Every time we ask questions about her relationship with Jeff, she shuts down.
I know what it’s like to be in love with someone who doesn’t love you like you deserve.
To hold on to the hope that things would change. Meg will talk to us when she’s ready.
“I’m not sure what to tell you,” I confess as I play with the ends of my scarf. “It’s all very new.”
“It seems like everything is moving quickly. Don’t you think?” Hannah asks with a hint of concern in her voice.
“I don’t think it has been fast enough, to be honest.” Claire leans over and grabs a strawberry from the tray and pops it in her mouth.
“What do you mean?” I ask, wrapping my hands around my hot mug.
“I thought it was inevitable. You were going to kill each other or fuck it out.”
“Jesus. It was never that bad.” I roll my eyes as I take a sip of my hot drink. “He’s just so easy to rile up.”
“So, what’s going on?” Meg asks as she tightens the ponytail on top of her head.
“I don’t know what to say.” Placing my mug on the table, I lean back in my seat. “Over the last month we have gotten to know each other better, and we connected, I guess. We are having fun.”
“Logan said you were very natural together. Like maybe things have been going on longer than we know.”
“Spill. Leave nothing out,” Meg says, adjusting her body so she can look at me directly.
I spend the next thirty minutes recapping everything that has happened between us since Thanksgiving.
Drinking and dancing at The Riff, then locking myself out of my room and having to spend the night in his.
How we have had more than one sleepover, and I always wake up in a bear hug.
Our first kiss and our decision to officially date.
“Wow!” Megan sighs as she absentmindedly spins her wedding ring around her finger.
“Girl, you have been holding out on us.” Claire fans her face, mouth parted. “Have you slept with him?”
“I have, and that’s all I’m going to say about that.”
Ryan is a private man. I don’t think he would appreciate me telling our friends how big his dick is and how he has amazing oral skills. Some things need to stay between the two of us.
“She’s blushing,” Claire laughs. “I’m so incredibly jealous right now. I can’t even remember the last time I had sex.”
To the best of my knowledge, she hasn’t been with another man since Ben’s dad. Casual or otherwise. She is one hundred percent focused on providing him the best life possible.
“Have you heard from Braden lately?” Hannah grimaces. “Sorry to ruin the mood, but is he going to cause problems if he finds out you’re dating?”
“I hope not. He still calls or texts at least once a day.” Huffing out a large breath, I continue. “He’s been talking to my parents. Love that for me.”
“Good Lord, why?” Claire threads both hands through her blonde hair along her scalp, then drops them to her lap.
“Probably complaining to them about how unreasonable and selfish I am. Any time we fought until we broke up, he would commiserate with them about how horribly I was treating him. Apparently, that’s continued, and since I won’t talk to them, my dad has texted me. Good times.”
“Have you answered them?” Hannah asks as she wraps her arms around her body. She knows how difficult it was for me to finally decide to limit their access to me.
“Nope,” I say, popping the p. “I have to deal with Braden; I’m not dealing with them as well.
Maybe later when he backs off. The good news is I feel like there’s an end in sight.
I’ve told him I’m taking the truck, and I’m done paying for the house.
He needs to figure out his shit. I just need to stay strong and follow through. ”
“We have your back.” Hannah gestures with her hand to all the girls. “Anything you need, just ask.”
“The guys too,” Claire adds. “Riot said all of them would have no problem kicking Braden’s ass on your behalf.”
Hannah laughs. “Yeah, Logan told me Dillon said he wants the first shot.”
“Maybe I want the first shot.” Chuckling, I shake my head.
“I wasn’t sure if I should say anything because it’s just gossip, but I heard at the rec centre that Braden is seeing someone from Bracken Creek,” Claire shares.
“If he’s got a new girlfriend, why does he want Beck back so badly?” Meg throws her hands in the air in exasperation.
“He doesn’t, really. He likes the control he has over her,” Claire says, resting her head on the back of the couch.
“If the relationship is over, he wants it on his terms. Classic narcissist behaviour, if you ask me.” Hannah rolls her bottom lip over her teeth and sighs. “I’m so sorry this is happening, Beck.”
“No need.” Turning to Claire, I ask, “Did you hear who the woman is? If he has been seeing someone and still taking my money, I may actually lose my shit.”
“No. I caught bits and pieces of a conversation between a couple of his friends in the weight room. I didn’t want to make it obvious that I was trying to listen.”
“That’s too bad. How can we find out for sure?” Meg asks.
Before anyone can answer, Ben comes into the living room, dragging the backpack behind him. “Mommy? My movie is over. Is it time for book club yet? I want to show everyone my new library book.”
Claire smiles widely at her son. “Of course. Come sit on my lap and show us what you brought.”