AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I can’t imagine that.” I smile.
I’ve known Edwin almost my whole life. He’s always been rigid and stone-faced, even in his twenties. I’m still getting to know the new one, the one that Nate calls Dad without disdain.
“But, you know, when we have big moments in our lives, our partners are the ones we run to.”
I shake my head. “I’m not Nate’s partner.” Common misunderstanding when people are introduced to the concept.
Nate and I aren’t romantic with each other, sowearen’t in a relationship. We’re both in a relationship with Laney which ties us together, sure, but–
“You’re his best friend,” Sonia says.
I freeze, my beer bottle halfway to my mouth. The clanking of glasses and giddy, drunken laughter.
Yes, I’m Nate’s best friend. A truth I’ve known in my heart and soul for many years. It came into question as we tried to resolve what was happening with Laney, sure, but now we’re back at it stronger than ever.
“You get to stand by him just like she does,” Sonia goes on. “Don’t you think?”
I smile to myself and look over at them again.
Nate’s trying to get Laney to dance, but she’s playing coy, turning away, fluttering her lashes.
In a relationship like ours, where we share, it’s important to respect distance and space. But Sonia is right.
We’ve all been working to today.
Laney hasn’t been the only one to support Nate through his recovery. I’ve been here too. Even if some of the time, I think I may have made it worse.
However, the number of nights we’ve spent over the past couple of months, the three of us in deep conversations, picking each other up when we fall, mornings spent over cups of coffee, trying to inspire each other to get through the day to come home to our own Eden, none of that should be overlooked.
Yes, Nate and I have Laney in our own separate ways. But we also have her together too.
I take that swig of beer that’s been waiting for me. Give Sonia a small smile. “Guess you’re right.”
She leans on her elbow, her chin cupped in her hand like she’s some sort of wise woman that could see this all coming from a mile away. “I often am.”
Edwin appears behind her, touching her waist. “You mind if I pull her away for a dance, Mason?”
I shake my head. “Not at all.” I have my own dance to join in on.
People are flocking to the middle of the bar, still running on the thrill of the day’s competition and drinking since midafternoon, the upbeat yacht rock exchanged for some beachy ballad.
I float through the crowd to Laney and Nate, who are starting to tangle together, swaying to the music.
His hands are resting on her waist, pulling her closer while she rests her head on his chest.
I could leave them be, let the magic happen.
Or I could make it just a bit more magical.
I approach Laney from behind and push her hair off the back of her neck to get her attention. “Mind if I join?”
When she looks at me, I feel like an explorer discovering the ocean for the first time. Breathtaking, overwhelming, terrifying.
Everything I ever wanted.
“We were wondering when you’d show up,” Nate says.
I’m glad to be welcomed into their fold. A duo becoming a trio.
