Then, I message the only person I’ve ever been able to talk to openly.
ME:
Am I being delusional? Thinking we can actually have a normal life here? We have to stay for Aurora’s scholarship, but she’s getting so comfortable here, she’s making friends, she’s happy. And it’s all I’ve ever wanted for her, but what if we have to pack up again without notice? It’s gonna break her heart.
Instead of a text, my phone lights up with Presley’s name. I run over to the door and step outside so I can speak without Westley hearing.
“Hey.”
“What’s going on, babe? Where’s this coming from?” Presley says sternly, in the way only a best friend can when they’re getting ready to drop some hard truths.
“I’m away for this wedding with West. Aurora’s with his sister, walking his dog. She asked me for a photo of the two of us.”
I can hear Presley take a deep breath through the line. “Babe, you did the right thing. There was no way you could have stayed there after what happened. And Aurora? She was only a baby! But it’s been so long. You don’t have to keep running forever. You can stay put for once.”
I start to pace back and forth. “I could have done it the legal way, though. Royal gave me the option. I could have let someone else take her and give her a completely new life with people who were ready to be parents.”
“Almost no one is ready to be a parent. And you still would have worried about her every day, hoping she didn’t somehow end up back with them.”
I close my eyes, leaning against the door as I start to feel light-headed.
“They’re not coming for you, babe,” Presley says gently. “Royal always has ears on the ground, and he’d let you know if there was a reason to worry. I fully believe you were never able to get out sooner because you were meant to wait for Aurora. To take her with you.”
Tears begin to gather, but I’ve just done my makeup flawlessly, and I won’t threaten the aesthetic with my stupid emotions. “Do I tell her the truth?” I whisper. “What if she wants to find them? What if she hates me?”
“She’s a smart girl. I bet she’ll only love you more for everything you’ve done for her. Now, tell me what else has you so panicked, because I know it’s not just Aurora.” I look behind me through the window to our room, where the bathroom door is still shut.
“The fake dating thing is…hard.”
“Yeah, I bet it is.” I can hear the self-satisfied look on her face.
“I was talking about emotionally, not physically.” I drop onto one hip, and even though she can’t see my glare, I do it anyway. “Besides, it’s been a while, but it’s not like I’ve been celibate over the years.”
Presley snorts. “I wasn’t talking about dick. I was actually talking about the fact that you’re inexperienced in showing people your real feelings. You need to loosen up a bit. It’s good for the soul.”
“I think I like him.” The confession falls from my lips as a whisper, but it echoes loudly through my heart.
“Mmm, I’m gathering you mean more than just tolerating him as a neighbour and the guy doing you a favour?”
Presley’s never been one to beat around the bush. She’ll say and do the hard things, and always with the best intentions. “Yes.”
“Then go havefun, babe. You know, that thing people are allowed to do every once in a while.”
“Thanks, Pres. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“You’ll never have to know, babe. Also, when you send that photo to Aurora with you and your nylf, I’d like a copy.”
“What’s a nylf?”
“Neighbour you’d love to fuck. I was a little bit talking about dick before.”
“Oh my god. Byyeeee.” I hang up, laughing, and head back into our room.
I push open the door when my phone vibrates in my other hand.
ROYAL:
Slight hiccup. Your dad was released early. Good behaviour. Task force is keeping an eye on him, but I’ll dig deeper. Will let you know if there’s anything to worry about, or if he visits your mum.
