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“And now?”
And now, I have absolutely no idea what we are. Friends? Frenemies? Building to something more? “I don’t know. I know that I never meant to hurt or lie to you. I definitely hope you don’t think I got in your way. It’s just. . .”
“Now you’re back in the picture, staying with him.”
I cup her hand between my claws. “I know this looks bad. But it wasn’t intentional. Ben just wanted to help me—”
“And I didn’t?”
“No! I promise you, I’m happy to have you in my life. You’ve been such a great addition since I returned home. I would never intentionally do anything to hurt you or our friendship.”
Her eyes are guarded as she peers back at me. “I get it. I just wish you were honest with me.”
“Me too. You’re my friend. I should have never lied. Think we can hug it out and move past this?”
It takes her a beat, but she loses the frown, and a hint of a smile comes through. “Only if it’s over a bottle or two of wine and cheesy romance flicks. You do owe me a redo.”
“Deal.” I lean in and hug her.
She perks up. “You know, I don’t have much going on. Why don’t I kidnap you and take you back to my place for the day? We can paint our nails—or maybe I can. Duh. Bandages and all. We can watch movies. I just picked up this super yummy wine a woman at the grocery store recommended.”
“You know what? That sounds—”
Another knock on the door catches our attention. “Hmmm. . . hold that thought.” I check the door, this time seeing Hannah.
“Who is it?” Jenny asks as I open the door.
“Gah! Oh my god. Come here!” Hannah pulls me into a bear hug. “I was so worried. After Ben called and told me what happened, I wanted to rush to your rescue, but boy, is that man bossy when he wants to be—and persuasive. You should have heard the things he was suggesting just to have you—” She stops talking when she spots movement from the couch. “Oh. . . Jenny. I didn’t see you there.” She masks her nerves with a bright smile. “How are you?”
“I’m good. Just making sure Makayla is doing okay. Settled in.” She walks over and stands next to me. “We were just about to head out and drink wine and watch movies. Girl stuff—”
“Honey, you can’t drink,” Hannah cuts her off. “Aren’t you on medication? That’s a no-no.”
“I’m sure it’s fine. Makayla—”
“I’m not sure the warning label on her pills says it is. Does Ben know you’re leaving? I spoke to him a bit ago. He’s under the impression you’re here taking it easy. Didn’t even want me to stop by in case I woke you up. Seriously, that one is starting to lose his marbles.”
I bite my lower lip to suppress the smile attempting to form. “I mean, I didn’t really get a chance to tell him much. He was gone when I woke up.”
“So, then it’s fine. We can call on the way.” Jenny grabs my wrist. “It’s gonna be fun.”
“Yeah. . . ” I hesitate. Hannah has a point. The meds are making the pain in my hands tolerable. I can’t fathom not taking them or risking getting sick. “But Hannah has a point. I probably shouldn’t drink while I’m taking the meds.” Jenny’s smile falls, and for a second, I see anger. “I’m sorry. Raincheck?”
“Yeah, but I hope you’re not staying because it’s what Ben would want. If you want my opinion, as your friend, he doesn’t seem genuine. Some of the things he said at the bar. . . he was feeding me some pretty heavy pick-up lines.”
This catches me off guard. Even Hannah’s brows crease. “I don’t—what do you mean?”
“I mean, just watch out for him. I don’t get good vibes from him. And from what you told me, you don’t either. I’m just going to go. Call me soon, okay?” She leans in for a hug and walks out, not even acknowledging Hannah as she leaves.
I’m a bit stunned at what just happened.
“What’sherproblem?” Hannah asks, just as confused.
“She knows everyone lied. She was upset about it.”
“Okay, I get that. But the whole single white female thing, grabbing your arm. . . she looked like she was about to hiss at me if I came any closer.”
I wave her off. “No, she’s fine. She’s going through a lot. And I kind of lied to her about the whole Ben thing. She liked him, and I played dumb. That’s on me.”
