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The front door opens and before I know it, Tatum and Ivy are standing in between me and the TV, blocking my view. They both have determined looks on their faces that make me dread whatever is about to come from their mouths.
“Get up.” Ivy demands.
I cringe. “I’d really rather not.”
“I don’t care what you’d rather do. We’re going out to lunch, so get up.”
I can’t necessarily blame them ambushing me. I have been dodging all calls and texts for the past week and a half. It’s clear they decided on good cop and bad cop before coming in, because as Ivy yells at me to get dressed, Tatum rubs my back and whispers that it’ll be good for me.
“I’m not hungry.” I grumble as I pull the shirt Ivy picked out over my head.
She shrugs. “That’s fine. You can watch us eat.”
“Sounds like a blast.”
It takes longer than I’d like to admit to brush all the knots out of my hair. Self-care hasn’t exactly been my top priority as of late. Still, once I’m done, the three of us climb into Tatum’s car and head for the restaurant. They opt for a little place on the water, 7th Wave. Years ago, it used to be my favorite. However, now the only thing I can think of is how you can just barely see the gap in the trees and the stone ledge of mine and Colton’s secret spot. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to handle going up there again. My heart will never mend enough for that.
As the waitress comes around, we all order drinks. Tatum and Ivy opt for water, but I ask for a glass of wine. Ivy narrows her eyes at me but waits until the three of us are alone again before saying anything.
“If you’re going to drink, you need to eat something.”
I scoff and focus on Tatum. “When did she become such a hard-ass?”
Tatum laughs but Ivy doesn’t lighten up. “McKenna.”
“Alright, alright.” I cave. “I promise I’ll eat something, Mom.”
Despite the level of sass and sarcasm that drips from my tone, Ivy seems satisfied by my vow. I open the menu and look for the smallest thing I can find. I said I’d eat something. I didn’t say it would be filling.
“So, I came up with this new recipe at work the other day. It’s so good. I took-”
“Is that what we’re gonna do?” I cut her off. “Act like everything is completely normal and hasn’t gone to shit?” My attention goes to Tatum. “Have you heard anything from Colton? Is he okay?”
“I don’t think this is a safe topic to talk about.” Ivy intrudes, but I give her a dirty look.
“Then go somewhere else. I want to know.”
She looks at Tate and then sighs, nodding. Tatum seems to understand and smiles sadly at me. “I haven’t spoken to him much. Last I heard, he’s staying at a motel for now.”
I hum. “But he’s safe? He’s alive?”
“Yeah.”
“That’s good. And Maverick? Is he still furious?”
Something in her face twitches, telling me it’s been more than difficult to handle my brother lately. “He is, but I’ve been working on him. I think I’ll get him to come around soon, at least enough to have a civil conversation with Colton. They need to clear the air.”
“They do. I never meant for all this to happen. I didn’t think it would go so wrong.”
Ivy puts down her phone and looks at me. “Okay, fine. You want to talk about this, we’ll talk about it. You seriously chose Parker?! After everything, you chose Parker?!”
I take a deep breath. I knew this question was bound to be asked at one point. Both of them were convinced I was going to end up with Colton. Hell, I thought the same thing. I know I could lie, tell them that I realized Parker is the one for me, but if I can’t be honest with my best friends, my life will become a lonely place.
“I didn’t.” I confess. “Roman came to my house before the party and made me realize that Colton was the one I wanted. I came to the party to tell him, but when I got there, he was with Olivia.”
“Olivia?!” Ivy gasps then turns to Tatum. “What the fuck was Olivia doing there?!”
“Maverick invited her. He thought Colton needed to get laid so he would stop being such a prick.”
