AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The moment they were hidden in the wooded area, he sighed. “Cazzo.”
“I know. She’s upset, for obvious reasons. Maddie went to her apartment and I’m getting Lucas and heading home, too.”
He patted my shoulder as we headed back for the dining room. “Yeah, he rode with us tonight. I’ll talk to Eliza when we get home and text you.”
After parting ways, I texted Lucas to meet me at the car and pulled underneath the carport entrance. He trudged out of the country club and yanked open the car door, sliding into the passenger seat. I remained silent, wanting him to speak first.
Staring out the passenger window, he finally let out an audible breath. “Dad, what the actual hell?”
Hand gripping the wheel, I kept my eyes on the road. “I know. I’m sorry.”
“Sorry?” He let out a loud laugh, turning to me. “You have nothing to even be sorry for!”
“What?!” I glimpsed at him before looking ahead again.
“You’re both adults and you haven’t been sad at all lately and now I know why. I know Eliza’s pissed right now, but she’s got no leg to stand on about that. We both know once she processes it, she’ll accept it.”
“I know… but you know I hate either of you hurting at all.”
“And that’s what makes you our favorite parent.” He scoffed. “Unlike the person who birthed us, you actually give a damn about us.”
“Normally I’d stop you, but I think it’s time everyone speaks their mind about her. I’m done protecting someone who won’t protect her own children.”
“I hope Vinny kills her,” he mumbled under his breath.
“Luc—”
“Dad,” he huffed, “come on. I’m allowed to have real-life feelings.”
“Okay, okay.” I nodded. “You’re right. When did you get so mature?”
He chuckled. “You raised me right, I guess.”
I grinned. “Noted.”
There was a long silence. He returned his thoughtful gaze out his window. Finally, he snorted. “You were the old man cock block.”
“Luc.”
He turned to me, laughing. “I’m not calling her mom.”
“And I’d be shocked if you did.”
MADDIE
My parents both called me four times each while I was on the way home, and two of my brothers texted to check on me. I was too busy concentrating on the road and trying to see through my tears to bother speaking to anyone. Right now, I just wanted to be alone. I knew it was going to be bad, but I just thought we would have had the chance to tell people ourselves.
I felt like a terrible friend, and I was. I'd always been one to think with my brain and not my heart, but he and I grew closer the more we hung out. He needed me and I didn't regret being available for him. My only regret was hurting anyone in the process. I wanted to call and check on my best friend, but I knew I was the last person she'd ever want to hear from now, if ever.
I moped through the front door, locked it, and dropped my stuff on the dining room table as I headed for my room. I didn't even take my phone with me. If anyone needed to talk to me, they could leave a message or text me and I'd return their call the next time I checked.
Ashamed? Yes. Disappointed? Yes. Regretful? No. What happened tonight wouldn't change the way that I felt about him. I still wanted to be with him, but I didn't want to be the person that came between him and his family like his ex-wife did. I wanted him to be happy, and I wanted Elizabeth and Lucas to be happy.
The pain in her eyes told me everything I needed to know. I’d done the one thing I promised her I’d never do when we were kids. We both liked the same boy and took an oath under the gigantic weeping willow tree in the corner of their backyard. No man will ever come between us. We’ll never betray each other. We chanted it three times. Though we no longer liked the same man, I still let one come between us… and I’d betrayed the one friend I cherished more than any other.
Space. It’s what I knew she needed. In my heart, I knew she still loved me, and she’d come to me and talk when she was ready, but her entire engagement party was ruined. She had every right to be mad right now.
Once I was out of the bath, I got my phone and crawled into bed. Messages were the last thing on my mind, but I wanted to text Antonio about work and there was no way I was returning to James’s office. His real assistant would be back soon, anyway.
