AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“So you gonna catch me up? What’s going on with you and Sophie?” Hunter asks after his second beer. “You two getting pretty close?”
“We’re just friends,” I say as if I’ve rehearsed it. Sucking down my beer, I want to change the subject, but I know Liam’s going to be no damn help.
“Who bought her an entire bedroom set,” Liam adds.
Yep. Asshole.
Hunter raises his brows at me with a smirk. “Have you learned nothing from my experience?”
I roll my eyes. “Not even the same thing.”
“Not too far off really,” Hunter states. “You two already hooked up, so—”
“What the hell? How do you know that?” I ask, glaring at Liam.
“I didn’t, but I do now.” Hunter throws his head back, cackling hard at my expense when he sees my expression.
“Nice one.” Liam fist-bumps him.
“I hate you both.” I finish my drink, then slam it down on the table. “Neither of you are supposed to know that.”
“Well, then you shouldn’t be so damn obvious,” Hunter says with amusement. “Isn’t that what you told me not too long ago? Oh, the irony.”
I roll my eyes. “Fuck off.”
“Okay, seriously,” Hunter says with a little slur. I know it’s been a while since he’s really drank, but now he’s just being a damn lightweight. “Don’t just sit around and wait for her, man. You almost lost her once to that asshat. Want to watch her fall in love with another guy? You were almost too late last time, but this is your second chance. Don’t waste it.”
My jaw clenches at the mention of Sophie moving on. That’s the last thing I want, but I know the baggage I carry is too much.
“It’s not that easy,” I say. “I haven’t been able to settle down with anyone since…Emma. She deserves better than a guy who’s weighted down with the guilt of his past.”
“Have you considered telling Sophie? Opening up and exposing those demons you feel are too much for her and letting her decide?” Hunter says so damn confidently as I glare at him.
“When did you become the love doctor?” I snicker, grabbing another bottle.
“You two want to be alone? Jesus.” Liam groans. “Gonna trade recipes next?”
“Oh, sorry. Forgot Mr. Jaded and Anti-Love was here.” Hunter nudges his shoulder. “And if you must know, I found a badass beer cheese dip recipe that’s actually fucking delicious.”
“What the hell is that?” Liam asks.
I snort, shaking my head at them.
Hunter meets my gaze again and arches a brow. “I think you’d be surprised by Sophie’s reaction if you told her.”
Swallowing, I look down and shrug before leaning back against the couch. “You guys know how fucked up I was after that. I drank myself stupid for days, didn’t work, was failing my classes, and not really living or coping. Then my dad being mixed up in it didn’t help matters. Still doesn’t. He loves throwing that shit in my face, especially now. There’s a damn black cloud following me, and I don’t want that for her.”
“You gotta stop blaming yourself,” Hunter says and not for the first time either. “At the end of the day, it was her choice. If it didn’t happen that night, it would’ve eventually. She was determined and having the last word to blast you was her way of placing blame on anyone and anything besides herself. I know you loved her, but she made that choice, Mason. Not you.”
If only I could believe him, I might be able to put that part of my life behind me for good. Until then, it haunts me, and I’m afraid it will for the rest of my life.
Chapter Nineteen
Sophie
I didn’t cry for him. I won’t. I’ve already done enough of that while he was alive.
Weston’s mother is beyond distraught, hysterical even, and while I feel bad that she lost her son, the relief that he’ll never be able to hurt me, or anyone else again, nearly brings a smile to my face. Throughout the service I feel numb, almost in shock, as people share stories about Weston. The entire room believes he was a good, loving man, and it makes me sick to know so many people are celebrating an abusive manipulator. As the pastor continues, I’m torn between the guilt of his death and the happiness I feel knowing I’m free from him.
He tried to kill Mason.
He would’ve killed me.
And if I would’ve escaped him, whoever he trapped next would’ve been the new target. Weston was an emotionless monster who didn’t understand compassion on the most basic level. I’m still not sure how I ever fell for a man like him.
As soon as the funeral service is over, Lennon and Maddie escort me out of the building, and we leave. Part of me wants visual confirmation that he’s really gone, never capable of ruining my life again, but I don’t stay for the burial. Sadness weighs heavy on my chest, but I refuse to feel sorry for him or give him any power. I don’t even want to feel bitter or angry because that’s still allowing him to affect me from the grave.
