“Just that I know what it’s like to go through something traumatic and have someone who loves you enough to get youthrough it.”
Then Ellie tells me a story of her own. How Kayne tracked her down in Hawaii. How he whisked her away to Bora Bora to show her exactly how he felt. Then she told me about Michael. A man she thought was her friend but turned out to be someone else entirely. She told me what he did to her and how she really ended up in that hospital bed. I’m speechless by the time she’s done speaking, tears flooding my eyes once again. This conversation turned out to be way deeper and more emotional than I could have ever imagined.
“I get every single thing you have felt, are feeling, and will feel.”
“Why didn’t you say anything? Why didn’t you tell us?” My voice strains.
Ellie shrugs. “I just deal with it better keeping it between Kayne and me. I know you can empathize.” She presses the music note hanging around my neck.
I smile, to both myself and at her. “Yes, I can.” No one makes me feel safer or more secure than CJ does. I can’t imagine ever wanting anyone else.
“Are you hungry?” Ellie perks up and wipes her eyes.
“Starving,” I laugh the rest of my tears out.
“Good. Let’s go.” She slaps her knees and stands up.
“Good idea.” I follow suit. “I don't want to leave CJ alone with Kayne and our father too long. The odds aren't in his favor.”
“You won’t have to worry about that much longer. I’ll take care of both of them,” she says haughtily.
Oh, I know that tone and that look. Ellie means business, so everyone better look out.
Look out?On second thought, maybe they should take cover.
WE DECIDE ON THIS LITTLEbreakfast spot in Waikiki. Kayne, Jett, and I used to come here all the time and pig out on Blueberry Acai French toast and eggs Benedict. We grab a table with six seats outside under an umbrella. The place is right off the main drag so there is a lot of pedestrian traffic, making it a perfect place to people watch. Somehow, Alec ended up directly across from me with Monica and Kayne on each side. Wonderful, now he can bore his hatred directly into my forehead without hurting his neck.
I pick my menu up and try to disappear behind it.
“What’s good here?” Monica asks, and Kayne rattles of his suggestions, raving mostly about the French toast.
“Good morning.” The waitress greets us. I lower my menu and stare up into a glowing smile and long, sleek black hair. “Well, look what the cat dragged in.” She places a cocktail napkin in front of me. I turn pale. I completely forgot about Jessica,andthat she worked here. “Been a while, cowboy.”
I feel all eyes at the table on me. I clear my throat.
“Yeah, moved away. Back visiting,” I say as plainly as possible. This is just not happening. Jess and I had a fling. She was my fun Saturday night. She had a thing for cowboys and would ask me to wear a Stetson to bed. Hey, I’m in no position to judge. She was fun, but she’s no Tara.
“So what can I get you?” Jess asks sweetly, almostdisgustingly sweet.
“Coffee for me. Black.” I give her my order and go back to hiding behind my menu.
The rest of the table orders coffee as well.
“Where’s the third amigo?” she asks waving her pencil at Kayne and me, referring to Jett.
“Home, playing Mr. Mom,” Kayne relays.
“Aw, how sweet.” She touches the eraser to her lip, looking directly at me. Did Mother Nature just turn up the temperature out here? “Are you ready to order, or do you need more time?”
“A few more minutes,” Monica requests.
“No problem.” Jess divides her attention between the four of us before she strolls away.
“Cowboy?” Alec raises an eyebrow at me.
I peer at him over my menu.
“She’s from Texas.” I scramble.
