Epilogue
TWO WEEKS LATER
A s we pull up to my old driveway, the place I once shared with Jason, a mix of relief and dread twists in my stomach. It’s strange, being back here with my three men by my side–more than strange, really. It feels like stepping back into a life that’s finally behind me. And I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
Teddy parks the car with a satisfied smirk, his hand resting on my thigh like he’s claiming this whole adventure for himself. Before I can even reach for the door handle, Key’s out of the car, barely taking two steps before Christmas–our little fluffball of a Siberian Husky puppy–wriggles her way in his arms to reach his face, licking him like she’s giving him an enthusiastic pep talk.
“See, Grace?” he calls, turning back to me with Christmas grinning between his hands. “This little lady’s just as excited to hurry up and blow this joint.”
“Pretty sure it’s my turn with her,” I say, getting out of the car and trying to look stern, though my grin’s probably giving me away.
Christmas gives a little yip, clearly loving every second of this circus, and now Teddy’s reaching out for her. “Can’t let you hog the puppy, Key,” he teases, pulling her from his grasp and lifting her in the air like she’s royalty. “Look at that face,” he coos. “Pure princess.”
I fold my arms, trying to suppress a laugh. “If she’s a princess, then why’s she always stealing my socks and hiding them in the couch? She’s always up to no good, just like the rest of you.”
Atlas, leans against the car with a soft chuckle and raises an eyebrow at me. “Our little baby would never ! Right, Christmas baby?” he says, his deep voice turning all soft as he scratches behind her ears. The puppy’s tail wags in a blur, and she’s now fully soaking up the attention from all three of my guys.
“Alright, alright,” I say, reaching out to take her from Teddy. “Everyone gets their Christmas time later. We’re here for a reason, remember?”
“Roger that, boss” Teddy agrees, brushing his fingers against mine as he hands her over.
Rolling my eyes, I cradle her close, and she nuzzles my neck, making me melt right there on the spot. “Come on, baby girl. Let’s go grab the last of the past and pack it up, huh?”
“Pack it up and move on to the good stuff,” Key adds with a wink, tossing an arm over my shoulder as we make our way to the door.
We step into the entryway, and it’s like walking into a pressure cooker ready to blow. Tina’s voice carries down the hall, sharp and loud, laced with venom.
“You can’t fucking leave me! Who the fuck do you think you are?” There’s a crashing sound, like she’s just hurled something at the wall.
Teddy snorts softly behind me, and I glance up at him, amused. “Guess we’re just in time for the show,” he whispers, leaning closer.
Key grins, sliding his arm over my shoulders as he guides me down the hallway. “Christmas again already? I’m game.”
We move around the corner and finally catch sight of them.
“ You liar! ” Tina shrieks, high-pitched and frantic, hurling what looks like a stack of my old magazines at Jason’s head. “You told me we’d be together when she was gone!”
Jason’s ducking for cover, hands up defensively. “Tina, will you calm the fuck down?” he snaps, practically stumbling back against the wall as she reaches for the lamp next. “You’re overreacting! I told you, I just need time-”
“Time? Time?! ” Tina screeches, face flushed and eyes practically bugging out as she chucks the lamp across the room, narrowly missing him. “You’ve been saying that for months!”
My jaw drops, and I glance over my shoulder at the guys, who are watching this like a soap opera come to life. Teddy mutters, “Oh, for fuck’s sake,” while Key’s eyebrows raise, and Atlas just gives me a look as if asking me if I want him to step in. I shake my head–this show is too entertaining.
Petty? Yes. But I think I deserve to witness it after what he put me through.
Christmas whimpers in my arms, and I immediately set to soothing her. She’s used to chaos, but in no way is she used to pure vitriol and hate. She doesn’t even like it when the guys and I pretend to fight for the sake of some fun bedroom time. We have to put her to bed for that.
The sound must draw Tina’s attention, because in the next second, she spots us, her face twisting in disgust. “Oh, fantastic. You brought an audience,” she sneers, eyes narrowing on me. “What, Grace? You just couldn’t resist showing up to gloat?”
I continue petting Christmas softly, leveling her with a calm look. “Not really here for you, Tina. Just here to pick up my things and move on. Maybe you should try it sometime.”
Key snorts behind me, muttering, “Ooh, burn,” just loud enough for Jason and Tina to hear.
I’m definitely getting better at my comebacks with the guys’ help. Gotta keep up with Key afterall.
Tina scoffs, finally giving up the act. “So, what? You’ve moved on already, huh? Guess we’re not the only ones who can’t keep it in our pants.”
Teddy steps up beside me, his hand hovering protectively near my back. His face is a mask of calm, but his intent is clear. I step in front of him slightly, making it obvious I don’t want him stepping in yet.
Jason sighs, looking exhausted and embarrassed. “Grace, I...wasn’t expecting to see you so soon,” he mutters, clearly uncomfortable.
I force a smile, though it’s more for myself than anyone else. “Oh, don’t worry. I’m just here for my things.” I give Tina a pointed look. “Though I didn’t realize you’d be hosting a full-on meltdown. Should I come back later?”
Tina’s face flushes with anger. “You always act like you’re so innocent, Grace, but we both know you’re nothing but a self-righteous little–”
“Careful.” Atlas’ voice comes low and calm, but there’s an edge to it that could slice steel. Tina’s gaze flicks to him, and for a moment, she falters.
Jason throws up his hands, finally fed up. “Tina, just stop. This isn’t about them–it’s about you and me. And I’m telling you, it’s over.”
Tina’s face twists, a flicker of shock in her eyes, but it quickly gives way to fury. “So you’re just gonna throw me away? After all the times I put up with you complaining about her? Running to me every time she annoyed you with her goody two shoes act?”
My patience is starting to wear thin, but I take a breath, refusing to let her get under my skin. “Tina, if Jason wants to move on, let him. Maybe it’s time you start figuring out what you want, instead of chasing after other people’s leftovers.”
I’m on point today. Go, me!
Tina’s face contorts in rage, and she takes a step closer to me, practically shaking with anger. “You think you’re better than me, don’t you, Grace? Little miss perfect, can’t do anything wrong. The girl who bakes cookies for the neighborhood kids and cries at those sappy rom-coms?” She gives a mocking pout, imitating my voice. “ Oh, what’s wrong, Jason? What can I do for you, Jason? I love you so much. Why are you hurting me, Jason? ” She rolls her eyes, flicking her hair over her shoulder. “Pathetic.”
The words sting, but Teddy’s hand on my back steadies me. “I think you’re confusing kindness with weakness,” I reply, a slight smile tugging at my lips. “I know it’s hard for you to see the difference.”
“Kindness,” she spits. “Yeah right, it’s just your desperate need for approval. Well, guess what? You’ve never gotten it from me, and you never will!”
Okay, and…?
It’s a strange moment, where the anger and bitterness in her voice mix with something deeper, something that makes me realize just how deeply her hatred runs. I think maybe, just maybe, it’s jealousy that fuels it. I was her friend once, the person she confided in, laughed with. But somewhere along the way, I became the person she resented, and for what? For being me ?
It makes me wonder when the shift happened, but then again…I’m not sure I care anymore.
I tilt my head, giving her a faint smile. “That’s good, Tina. Because I definitely don’t need, or even want it.”
“You don’t need it?” Her laugh is sharp, almost hysterical. “You’ve always needed everyone’s approval, Grace. It’s pathetic, the way you cling to people, desperate for someone to love you, to validate you. And now look at you–clinging to three men like a good little whore, hoping one of them will stick around longer than Jason did.”
Teddy’s hand on my back stiffens and I can practically feel the anger radiating off Atlas behind us. Out of the corner of my eye, Key’s face hardens, his usual humor vanishing beneath a flash of pure fury. “Careful there, bitch,” Key says, his tone cold and dangerous.
Oh dang it, she angered my carefree one.
Tina doesn’t even flinch, her gaze fixed on me with a hatred that’s almost unsettling. “Oh, please,” she snaps, rolling her eyes. “Let me guess, they’re all so in love with you, right? Just like Jason was. Look how that one turned out.”
Atlas steps forward, his voice low and calm but laced with menace. “You’d do well to shut up.”
Tina scoffs, tossing her hair back as she looks at each of them with open contempt. “Or what? What are you gonna do? Intimidate me? You all think you’re so tough, so noble, coming here with her like some over-the-top knight-in-shining-armor routine.” Her gaze shifts back to me, eyes narrowed. “But here’s the truth, Grace. You’re still the same lonely, desperate girl you always were. They’ll get bored of you, just like Jason did. And when they do, you’ll be right back where you started–alone.”
The words hit hard, but I feel a strange sense of calm settle over me. I smile, and it’s genuine this time, soft but unbreakable. “You know what, Tina? The difference between you and me is that I don’t need to tear others down to feel secure. I know my worth with or without them. But you? You’ll still be clinging to your bitterness long after everyone else has moved on.”
She moves to step towards me, all three of my guys tensing, but Jason–looking completely fed up–lets out an exasperated sigh. “Enough, Tina. You need to leave. Now .”
Her eyes snap to him, widening in disbelief. “Are you serious?” she hisses. “After everything I’ve done for you, you’re just going to...throw me out?”
Jason’s face is set, resolute. “Yeah, I am. I should’ve done it a long time ago.”
“Fine. You have a small dick anyway.” She turns on her heel, stalking toward the door but not before shooting one last glare at me over her shoulder. “Enjoy your little fairytale, Grace, you pathetic whore. It won’t last.”
She whips back around to make her dramatic exit–only for her heel to catch on the edge of a rug, sending her flailing forward. Her arms pinwheel wildly as she tries to regain her balance, but Key moves fast, sliding his foot out in her path just enough to seal her fate. She trips over his foot, her arms flying as she stumbles headlong into the umbrella stand by the door with a loud crash.
Everyone freezes for a split second as Tina scrambles to pick herself up, her face bright red, hair disheveled, and her pride in absolute shambles.
“Oh, my bad,” Key says, voice dripping with faux sincerity as he puts a hand to his chest. “Didn’t see you there, Tina. It’s just–you moved so fast.”
Tina’s eyes flash with fury as she scrambles up, and she glares daggers at him. “You think you’re funny, don’t you?”
Key grins, shrugging as he leans against the wall. “Honey, I don’t think–I know.”
Tina, now visibly trembling with a mix of rage and embarrassment, lets out an indignant huff. Straightening herself with as much dignity as she can muster, she brushes herself off. Only, she must have picked up a streak of dust from the umbrella stand as she proceeds to smear dark lines down the front of her once-pristine white coat. She gasps, trying to brush it off, which only makes it worse.
“Oh, Tina,” I say, barely containing my laughter. “You’ve got a little something...right here.” I motion to my own spotless coat, mirroring the spot on hers.
She clenches her jaw, practically vibrating with anger. “Whatever,” she snaps, but her voice cracks. Turning back to the door, she grips the handle with white knuckles and flings it open so hard, it bounces off the wall and nearly hits her on the way out.
The silence she leaves behind feels strange, almost surreal. I let out a long sigh, looking around the room at the mess she left behind.
Key gives a low whistle. “Well, that was...entertaining.”
Teddy squeezes my shoulder gently, his eyes full of quiet reassurance. “You alright?”
I nod, feeling the weight of it all lift from my shoulders. “Yeah. I am.”
Jason, looking defeated, doesn’t even meet my eyes. “Grace, I…I know there’s nothing I can say to fix any of this, but…I am truly sorry.”
I nod, feeling surprisingly free as I glance around the house one last time. “Don’t worry about it, Jason. I’m good.”
With Christmas snuggling into my arms and the guys by my side, I head upstairs with a pep in my step. I have new memories to make, new places to go, and with Teddy, Key, and Atlas by my side, I feel ready to finally leave the past behind and embrace whatever comes next.
Best Christmas ever.