Chapter 12
Chapter Twelve
Present
Sloan
I turn at the sound of a door opening behind me in the café as I’m making a latte for a customer. Beck rounds the corner and looks utterly defeated.
“Hey. Sut having a rough morning?”
“Something like that,” Beck grumbles.
“I can keep an eye on her today if you want to go to the gym. Maybe get some fresh air. I can run her up some food in a bit.”
“Sut’s never going to choose me. Is she?” Beck’s eyes are filled with so much pain.
“Beck… I…” I start to say.
“Just give it to me straight, Sloan. You’re an outsider looking in. You have to see more than Quinn or even Ash,” Beck growls.
I start to take a few steps away from him without even realizing it.
“Fuck. I’m sorry, Sloan. My heart just fucking hurts. Sut cries out for August while she’s sleeping. She won’t let me hold her. All she does is stare off into space. Now she’s up there sobbing. She won’t let me help her. Why won’t she let me help her?” Beck’s voice cracks in agony.
“I don’t know Sutton as well as you all do, Beck. I’ve only seen how much August loves her and how much she loves him. It’s obvious Sutton loves you too, but it’s different. She looks at both of you so differently.”
“Why him though? I just don’t get it.” Beck mutters.
“I don’t know, Beck. I don’t have the answers.
No one has the right to judge anyone’s relationship from the outside.
They aren’t living it, that couple is. But I will say, Sutton is grieving.
She just lost her grandmother. I’m sure it’s also bringing up feelings from losing her parents.
Sutton selflessly asked her boyfriend to leave her and follow his dreams, while she was grieving—is grieving.
This isn’t about you. And I know you’re hurting because you love her, but you can’t expect anything from her right now.
Maybe you need to get some space, for your own mental health,” I offer genuinely.
“I don’t want space!” Beck all but shouts, causing me to instantly jump back and burn my arm on the milk steamer of the espresso machine. I grimace as the metal touches my skin and immediately pull my arm against my body.
“Fuck. Shit. Are you okay?” Beck asks, slowly walking toward me.
“Beck, I think you need to take a walk. Please leave. Quinn and I can keep an eye on Sutton today. I think we all need a bit of space,” I say firmly.
“Sloan, no. I am so fucking sorry! Let me see it,” Beck pleads, running his hand through his sandy blond hair.
“Beck. Please,” I beg, trying to keep myself together.
My ghosts must be shadows haunting my eyes because the second Beck’s pain-filled eyes meet mine, he nods his head in understanding, apologizing again. He heads toward the door, shoulders drooping, and leaves the café.
Twenty minutes later, I’m softly humming a Taylor Swift song when I think I hear footsteps.
“Hey… Need any help down here?” Sutton’s quiet voice follows.
“Sut! Hi! You’re… Yeah, actually. Would you mind helping me get some more macarons from the fridge please? We’re running a little low,” I ask. Hoping if I give her a small task, instead of questioning her she’ll be more comfortable.
“Yeah, I can do that. I’ll be right back.” Sut gives me a small smile.
A few minutes later Sutton’s stocking our pastry case.
“I think I’m going to go to Vegas…” Sutton says so quietly I almost miss what she says.
“For…?” I ask cautiously. Wanting Sutton to know I support whatever decision she makes as long as she’s happy.
Sutton turns, her jade eyes meeting my violet eyes. “For… To get away… For August… If he’ll have me…”
“August loves you so much, Sut. There’s no doubt. It’s written all over his face,” I reassure her.
“But I-Ibroke us… August might not want me back,” Sutton whispers, voice cracking.
“You didn’t break anything, Sutton. You are grieving and that looks different for everyone. They say if you love someone set them free and if they come back it’s meant to be. And I think you two are magic together.” I squeeze her shoulders gently in reassurance.
“Hey Sloan…”
“Yeah?” I smile softly at her.
“Can you just keep an eye on Beck when I’m gone, please? I don’t want him to feel alone. I love him, just not…” Sutton says, wiping one lone tear off of her cheek.
“I get it, Sut, you don’t have to explain it to me. I’ll keep an eye on him. I promise.” I pull her to me and give her a gentle hug.
“Thank you,” Sutton whispers, squeezing me like I’m a lifeline.
“Thank you. For being such an inspiration, sweet girl.” I hug her just the slightest bit tighter.