Page 72 of Drive Me Crazy

Mack knocks a falling tear away. "Sometimes, we do all of that to ourselves. I'm fantastic at self-sabotage, and even better at believing all the bad before any of the good."

"My favorite thing is how women hold others to a higher standard. We'll rip another girl apart for doing something we've either done or afraid to admit we want to do it." Maisyn cocks her brow. "Am I right or am I right?"

Mack throws her fist out. "You know you're right! We are our own worst enemies and have so much in common. What does it matter if someone isn't a virgin when they get married or if they saved themselves? Live your best lives is all I have to say."

"Damn straight!" Scout chimes in. "Some men hold us to enough double standards, I've never understood why we do it to each other."

"No clue but I guarantee, the minute I let the world know how much I love Ridge, they'll talk about me for rushing it. You know what? I know myself well enough to know I love him, always have.

"But I'm not ready to jump into marriage with him. We need time to get to know each other again, I know that we've had to have changed over the years." My heart thrums to life as I think of him.

Mack nods. "I knew with Boone, deep down, I knew there would never be another man for me. In the end, I allowed what the world thought influence me. My choices made us lose years with each other. So, I say you do you and to hell with the rest!"

"Girl! I'm still jealous of you!" I blurt out with tears in my eyes, giggling. "I thought Rumor was Ridge's, and I loathed you."

Mack's eyes widen. "Eww! No. That's gross, I could never kiss him, let alone..."

"Well, it's been a while but if memory serves, you might've at least dipped once or twice." I wiggle my brows, making everyone burst with laughter.

Maisyn wrinkles her nose. "Noooo! I can't think of it!"

"All it would take is one look, and you won't stop thinking of it." I raise my brows.

"Y'all have to stop!" Scout covers her mouth.

Mack grins at me and leans forward. Well, as much as she can. "So, you're still in love with him."

"I've never not been, I've made a million mistakes, but he's all I've ever wanted. But he thinks he can't keep me safe, therefore, he can't be with me."

Maisyn glances at Mack. "You know what you need to do, right?"

"Kick him out!" Mack smirks.

"Huh? Kick him out of his house? How does that even work?" I bite the side of my mouth.

Mack motions for Maisyn to help her up. "Pack his bags, bring them to the shop and tell him you're not leaving."

"And then tell him to bring the forklift over." Maisyn's eyes bug out as she pulls on Mack's hands.

"I hate you." Mack murmurs as she gets to her feet.

Maisyn sticks her tongue out at her. "No, you don't."

"No, I don't but that's beside the point." Mack wobbles over to me. "Up! Pregnant and mean here."

I dry my face as I stand. "Wet and wild here!"

"Oh, my gracious! You did not just go there!" Scout squeals.

"Yeah, she did." Mack cocks her brow. "I like it a lot!"

I giggle, wrapping my arms around her. "Thank you for taking care of him all this time."

"He loves you, don't let him push you away because of his made-up sense of nobility. He sure as hell wouldn’t let you do it. He's a King, but not without his Queen." She holds me tight and for the first time in an awfully long time, I think I'm going to be Alright.

"What if he won't listen?" I tremble with the thought.

Maisyn opens her arms, waiting for me. "Make him."