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“Maybe it’s time foryouto spill some gossip now,” Ally says, her tone and face hopeful.
“Yeah, we waited patiently until Dottie left, but it’s time. Come on,” Ash begs.
“Things are good. Fine,” I tell them, trying to evade answering their unasked questions.
“Nope. Not good enough. Because if shit is justfine, then you need to move on, Mel.”
Sighing, I tug on the ends of my hair and twirl some around my finger. “Fine,” I sigh. “But you guys know me.”
“Yes, which is why we want to make sure you’re okay.”
“Okay?” I ask in confusion. “Why wouldn’t I be okay? Alex isn’t dangerous.” Well, physically.
“Bitch, that’s not what we meant,” Ashley says, rolling her eyes. “Come on, details!”
“Ashley!” Ally scolds, hitting her in the arm.
“What? You’re dying to know too, don’t pretend.”
“Yes, but she needs towantto tell us.”
“Trust me, I want to,” I assure them. “I just don’t know how. He’s…we’re…it’s…” I’m struggling to find the right words.
“You’re falling for him,” Ally says matter-of-factly.
“Oh, shit. What? No, Mel,” Ash groans.
“Why no?” I ask defensively. Is that such an abhorrent thought?
“Because he’s him. And you’re you.”
“What the fuck does that mean?” I ask harshly. I’m not one to drop f-bombs all the time like her, but this warrants it. “I’m not the innocent girl you think I am, Ash.”
“Oh, I know,” she says with a humorless laugh. “But Mel–”
“No buts. I like him. Ireallylike him. He’s more than I thought he’d be, and that scares me, but I came here to live my life. I came here to beme. And I am with him.” I have no idea where my outburst came from, but Dottie talking about love and feelings and following my heart has me realizing a lot of things I’ve been denying.
“I get it,” Ally says soothingly. “I came here for the same reason, remember? And Jake is the reason for the woman sitting here now. He saved me in more ways than you know, and I did the same for him. And if Alex is that for you, then I trust your judgment. You’re the most level-headed person I know.”
“Thank you,” I whisper.
“But if he fucks you over,” she says with fire in her eyes, “he’s fucking dead. I’ll be sure to tell him that when I see him next, too. Jake has tools in his workshop that can cut shit clean off. Or slow and painful if necessary.”
“For fucks sake, Al, cut back on the scary murder plans.” Ashley laughs.
“Just saying.” She shrugs. “We’ve got your back, Mely-pops.”
“Thanks.” I smile. “I love that you’d threaten murder for me.”
“Look, Mel, I’m sorry. I trust your instincts, too. But Alex is a charmer with the good looks to match. I know he’s not a total man-whore, but I’m nervous,” Ashley admits.
“Me too. Believe me. That’s what’s holding me back from trusting my feelings, and him, completely. Look, can we not talk about this anymore tonight? I just want to have a girl’s night with you. Pizza, wine, movies?”
“Yes!” they both say together.
“Oh, wait! Let’s call Ellie first! I’ve only talked to her a couple times since being here, and I want you guys to be with me when we question her about her new man.”
“What new man?” Ashley demands. “What the hell? She didn’t mention this to us!”
