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“We got our ears pierced, watched scary movies, hung out at the public pool and learned about sex when we found her parents’ Joy of Sex book buried deep in their hall closet.”
Kane’s mouth edges up and I stroke a hand along his corded calf, reveling in its dormant strength.
“We even snuck our first drinks together from their bar in the basement. And got our first jobs together making pizzas at a nearby carryout restaurant.” A small smile curves my lips at the memories of slinging sauce at each other, talking about boys and our futures. At the time, they seemed bright and limitless. I feel the sting of tears behind my eyes and try to force them back, but it’s useless. “Oh, God,” I say, wiping at my eyes and sniffing. “I’m sorry.”
“Babe,” Kane murmurs and sits up, wrapping his arms around me. “There’s nothing to be sorry about. Just let it out. I’ve got you.”
“I just m-miss her so much.” My voice cracks and I lean into him, taking comfort in his warm embrace. After a couple of minutes, I pull back and continue my story. “Three years later, we were still the best of friends and went to the same high school. That fall, she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and…” I squeeze my eyes shut and feel Kane wipe his thumb across my damp cheek. “She died right before graduation. It was like losing my sister.”
“I’m so sorry, Sai,” he tells me. “And I understand. When Jason died, I lost a brother.”
I nod, knowing that he understands better than anyone what I’m talking about. “We bought these matching ankle bracelets the summer we worked together. We saved every penny and then went to the mall and picked them out. There used to be a little charm that hung from it,” I tell him and turn my ankle, “but it fell off years ago.”
“What was the charm?” he asks, tracing a finger along my ankle bone.
“It was a heart. Her half said ‘best’ and mine said ‘friends.’ I still think about her. Sometimes not for weeks or months. Other times, several times a day. It’s weird. I can’t help but wonder if we’d still be such good friends today.”
“You would be,” Kane assures me. He presses a kiss against my forehead, tightening his arms around me, forcing a shaky sigh from my lips.
And I know he’s right.
I’m beyond grateful that I have Fallon and Eden in my life now. They don’t replace Meg in my heart but having your own special girl gang is everything. They’re my family and I love them so much.
There’s that extra special something that happens when you make a friend when you’re twelve. I can’t explain it exactly. Maybe it’s because there’s still an innocence that surrounds you. Whatever it is, that moment in a young girl’s life makes it unforgettable and exceptional. I mourn losing her, but never ever regret the memories I have from our time together.
I lean into Kane’s chest and let my tears fall for the best friend I lost and will miss for the rest of my life. This is the first time I’ve allowed myself to grieve like this over Meg’s death with another person present, and it’s cathartic.
“Thank you,” I whisper and press a kiss to his lips. Our mouths meld, the kiss deepening, and then I’m utterly lost in the amazing man who’s holding me like he’ll never let me go.
Chapter Fourteen: Maddox
Comforting Sailor after she confides in me, seeing the trust in her blue eyes, means everything. Having her spend the night in my arms and waking up with her naked body draped over mine, blonde head tucked against my chest? That’s the stuff of legends.
Our phones beep at the same time and I reach over to grab mine off the nightstand. “It’s Dash,” I whisper, not ready to break whatever this spell is and open his text. But I reluctantly do. “He wants us to come into the office.”
“Now?” she mumbles, still half asleep.
“Yes, Sleeping Beauty. Now.”
Sailor sits up and yawns. She looks deliciously tousled and well-satisfied. My pride swells– among other things, but he’s gonna have to wait– and I’m happy to be the reason she’s sore and satiated. She also seems at peace, and I know how important it is to find that after you lose someone you love.
“It’s only 6 in the morning,” she argues. “Dash needs to understand that we don’t all work 24-7 like he does.”
“It sounds urgent. He wrote 911.”
“He’s such a grandpa,” Sailor grumbles and I laugh. She’s so fucking adorable.
“He does need to live a little more,” I agree.
“The girls and I are planning to find him a girlfriend.” She gives me a mischievous smile and walks her fingers up my naked thigh.
“Good luck,” I say, eyes glued to her fingers.
“I love your legs,” she murmurs, voice husky. “They’re sommm…”
When she leans down and starts kissing the tops of my thighs, dragging her mouth higher, I fall back against my pillow.Guess he’s not gonna have to wait all that long after all.Dash, on the other hand…Well, I hope grandpa won’t mind if we’re running a little late this morning.
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