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“That’s Azzaria,” he exclaimed, jumping to his feet. “Hello. I’m Ronan, Dillon’s bestfriend,” he said with a smile.
“Hello,” she replied awkwardly, clutching my hand tightly.
“I don’t bite, you know?”
I rolled my eyes at his comment, and she walked off to my room. The sooner they left, the better.
“Look at you, scaring her off, asshat.” There were times I couldn’t stand my friends, and this was one of them.
“Why are you underdressed? You left here in a full suit, as far as I remember.”
“Because it was raining, and she got wet.” I was waiting for one of them to make a snarky remark, but they just stared at me in silence. Fantastic.
“I never thought I’d see the day,” Alexander and Ronan said in unison.
“You guys do remember I’ve been married before, right?”
“Yes, but you didn’t care that much.” Ronan’s words stung because they were true, but it reminded me of what an asshole I could be.
Annalise and I had a different kind of relationship; I would have done much for her, but she didn’t appreciate anything.
Looking back, I didn’t fall in love with her; I fell in love with the person she pretended to be. And a thing about people is that they can only pretend for so long.
“Is that true?”
“Precious,” I turned to face her. I couldn’t tell what her expression meant, but I hoped she didn’t see me as lifeless and soulless.
“I asked you a question. Is what Ronan said true?”
“Yes, it’s true, but it’s—”
She ran over to me and our lips met. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it definitely wasn’t a kiss.
“Don’t you ever break my heart. I need to talk to you in private once your friends leave. You’re an awesome boyfriend; she didn’t deserve to know you the way I do, and I’m glad she didn’t.”
“Gentlemen,” I turned around, hinting at them.
“Oh yes, Mara just texted me. She wants bottles for the baby. Nice to see you, Azzaria, and goodbye, Timothy.” Alexander caught the cue, and we exchanged goodbye. Everyone left except Ronan, who was predictably stubborn.
“I’m leaving, so don’t get all pissy, Xander. Azzaria, do me a favor?” I was dangerously close to snapping his legs with my bare hands.
“What’s up?”
“Take care of him. I might hate him sometimes, but he’s still my best friend.”
And then he left. I didn’t expect him to say that but I was appreciative.
Now, it was just us. Her and I. Pebbles was here too, but she was asleep.
I could see a shower of burdens and fears in her eyes. She looked uniquely terrified and sad.
“Who hurt you, baby? Just tell me. You can trust me as much as I trust you with my life.” Those words were the most honest I’d ever been with myself and the most honest I’d ever be.
“I need you to listen carefully, Dillon, without interruptions. Can you do that?” I nodded in agreement, and she took a deep breath, fidgeting with her fingers and feet.
She sat there telling me everything about her father and her ex-boyfriend. She told me about all the abuse and the maltreatment and the miscarriages she suffered due to his violence and I was speechless. Her tears flowed and I felt like I was helpless.
I needed to ruin them, in the same damn way they ruined her.
