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“I’m happy for you, Hal.”
I smile and pull her into a hug.
A few hours later, after far too many glasses of wine, I close the apartment door after saying goodbye to Jess. I’ve had the best day. Moving out of my parents’ house was both the easiest and hardest decision I’ve ever made. Part of me wanted to stay in their protective bubble forever, but a bigger part of me wants to be normal. I want my space and the satisfaction of knowing Icanbe on my own. I feel at home immediately here, and more importantly, I feel safe, something I’d struggled to feel for years. I knew from the brief meeting with Kitty earlier that we’ll be friends, which only cements the fact I’d made the right decision.
This is the beginning of the rest of my life.
ChapterFour
Hallie
The next few weeks pass quickly, and my apartment is finally box-free. My nights are no longer spent unpacking, and I’ve become something of a DIY superstar. Okay, so maybe not a superstar, but I’ve managed to get all my framed photographs on the walls throughout the apartment without the help of my dad. Although, I was a little nervous the first time I picked up the hammer, worried I might bring the wall down. The apartment is finally beginning to feel like home, and I love it.
Tonight is girls’ night. Jess and Kitty have been to my apartment a couple of times for takeout and a movie, but tonight we were going to a bar. I’m a little apprehensive, and as I stand in front of the long mirror in my bedroom, I frown at my choice of outfit. I don’t get out much and rarely feel comfortable on a night out. I don’t want people to notice me. I’m happy to fade into the background.
When I got back to Savannah ten years ago, the press hounded us. They spent weeks camped outside my parents’ house, desperate to get a glimpse of the girl who’d survived when so many others hadn’t been so lucky. I was terrified to go outside anyway, but the press made it even harder. I slowly changed how I looked, coloring my shoulder-length blonde hair a dark brown and growing it out. I introduced bangs a couple of years ago, and when I look in the mirror now, I struggle to see the Hallie from back then.
I frown again as I look at my reflection to see the black skinny jeans and electric-blue top I’ve chosen. I’m debating getting changed when I hear a knock on the door. Kicking off my heeled pumps, I make my way through the apartment, swinging the door open.
“Wow, you look great,” Kitty says as she stands in the hallway outside the apartment holding a bottle of wine.
“Really? I was thinking about getting changed.” I gesture for her to come in.
“Don’t, I like it.” She heads for the kitchen, getting down three wine glasses. “When is Jess coming?”
“She should be on her way.” I’ve barely gotten my reply out when the intercom sounds. “That’ll be her,” I declare with a chuckle as I reach for the intercom phone. After buzzing her up, I open the door in readiness. Kitty has poured three glasses of wine, and I take one from her and sip the bubbly drink.
“Looks like I’m just in time,” Jess says as she sweeps into the apartment, pulling me and then Kitty into a hug. She plucks a glass of wine off the breakfast bar, then flops down on the sofa. As usual, she looks stunning. She’s wearing a tight black dress and heels so high, I don’t know how she can walk without falling over. Her long blonde hair hangs over her shoulders in waves, her makeup flawless. She looks incredible.
“You look beautiful, Jess,” I tell her.
“So do you. I love that color.” She gestures to my top, and I smile at her before smoothing my hands down the soft material, feeling better that both Jess and Kitty approve of my outfit.
“I’ll grab my shoes and purse, and we can get going.” I take another mouthful of wine, then set what’s left down on the breakfast bar before heading back into my bedroom. I slip my heels on, then apply a coat of lip gloss in the mirror, checking my reflection once more. Snatching up my purse, I head back into the living room. Kitty and Jess are sitting on the sofa, chatting. It’s great we’ve all clicked so quickly.
“Ready, guys?”
They both stand, following me into the entryway.
“Don’t forget your wine,” Kitty says, scooping up my glass and holding it out in front of me. Laughing, I take it from her and drink what’s left, leaving the empty glass on the small table by the door.
It’s a short walk to the bar Kitty suggested. Despite working shifts as a nurse, she has a pretty busy social life. Walking through the door, it seems as if she knows everyone here. I swear it takes ten minutes to get to the bar with everyone stopping her to say hi.
“First drink’s on me,” she shouts when we finally reach the front of the line. “What does everyone want?” Jess and Kitty stick to wine, but after the hangover from hell a few weeks ago, I know not to drink more than one glass. I choose vodka and lemonade instead, and we head to a free table once we have our drinks.
“So, I have news,” Jess says excitedly as we slide into the booth. Turning to face her, she has a huge smile on her face.
“Well, tell us, then,” I beg when she doesn’t elaborate.
She laughs before taking a sip of her wine. “Grayson finally asked me out,” she cries, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Oh my God! When?” I ask, scooting closer toward her.
“Today, at recess.”
“Who’s Grayson?” Kitty asks from across the table.
“Grayson is the hot PE teacher who works at the school where Jess teaches,” I interject before Jess can answer. “She’s been crushing on him since he started back in the fall.”
