“No,” I say. “I just made the appointment with Dr. Harlow this morning, and”—I exhale carefully—“Leo may say he’s going to stick around, but…”
“But what?”
He’s going to leave anyway.
They always do.
So, what’s the point in getting used to him being here?
“But I think I need to do this on my own. At first,” I add before she can convince me otherwise. “Just until I get my head wrapped around things, you know?”
She opens her mouth, but Kailey speaks before she can. “We know,” she says firmly.
Faye nods.
Luna’s quiet for a moment then exhales softly. “Are you sure? One of us could go with you.”
“I’m sure. Thank you for offering. I’m good. But,” I add again when it looks as though she’ll speak, protest heavy in her eyes, “I’ll let you know if I change my mind, okay?”
She presses her lips together.
Then nods. “Okay.”
It’s begrudging, but I press my advantage, offering her up more food and Bri joins in on saving me, talking about the book we read (or didn’t) for the first time tonight.
Faye squeezes my hand and joins in, and Kailey’s right there with her, turning the conversation away from the disaster that’s my life.
God, I appreciate them so much.
I hold tight to that affection as we polish off the food and mocktails (we meaning them, my stomach is still too touchy for anything except a bite or two of bread).
And I hold tight to it as I say goodbye and drive home.
As I crawl into bed and prop my computer on my lap, opening up my inbox, and…
As I click on the message from Leo.
With a signed contract for his girlfriend’s party.
And confirmation that he paid the deposit.
I can’t wait to see you again.
“I know,” I whisper to that hurt little girl inside me. “I know.”
Because I just didn’t think it would be like this.
But I’ll be okay.
Because I always am.
Eight
Leo
“Where’s your girlfriend?” Luna demands.
I blink, stop poking at my plate of uneaten pasta and glance across the table to Luna. “What’s that?”
