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They all chuckle and order rounds, the atmosphere changes instantly. But inside, everything is raging, every bit of me on edge. And for the next hour I watch everything Nicholas does…and Jeffery too.
BRAELYNN
The truth that nobody can deny is that wine makes things better.
I intended on keeping a distance in Aria’s studio, but once the wine hit, I couldn’t help myself. I’m no longer watching what I say. No longer holding it together. With a little wine, it’s easier to just let go.
They’re kind and open. Compassionate and understanding in ways I didn’t expect.
They want me here and told me so multiple times, though I’m not sure why. Even with the wine, I don’t feel brave enough to question them about it.
Time passes quickly enough and Addison brings enough snacks that they turn into dinner. The three of us share a charcuterie board and another bottle. I’m grateful for the swirls of meat and cheese but more so for the conversation that’s so seemingly normal, and the two of them joking about life in general. Everything is so easy that by the time we’re digging into the charcuterie board, I’m almost drunk.
I keep a handle on it, though. At least I think I do.
Aria was right. It is better on this side of the house, where there’s somebody to talk to. I didn’t realize just how anxious I felt with Declan being gone until I let the time pass around me and stopped thinking so hard about it. I wonder how often Aria has had to deal with this kind of thing. I guess it must be often enough that she knows to head to her studio with some wine and a friend and wait it out.
The night is dark, but there’s plenty of laughter to be shared in Aria’s studio. It’s the safest I’ve felt since all of this began.
Finally, Addison drops her head into her hands, laughing. “I’m going to fall asleep at the table.”
“That's it, then.” Aria stands up, a warm smile on her face. She rubs at Addison’s back. “On your feet, babe. It’s time to head to bed.”
She leads us out of the studio and locks the door behind her. Then Aria hugs me and Addison. “Braelynn, if you need anything, you text us. We’re only a minute away.”
“I don’t have your numbers,” I say into the crush of the hug.
Aria pulls away, laughing, and we exchange phone numbers. My phone doesn’t feel pointless anymore. These two women are people I actually could call if I needed anything. I don’t have to worry about hiding from them. There’s probably nothing I could say that they would find shocking. The relief is undeniable. So is my gratitude as Aria walks me back to Declan’s wing.
“Get some sleep,” she says. “They’ll be back sooner or later, and it won’t help you to stay up worrying.”
“I will,” I promise her. I’m sure the wine will help me sleep tonight. “Thanks for tonight,” I add quietly.
“It’ll all be okay,” she promises with a gentle smile.
Her compassion was unexpected and I didn’t realize how much I needed it.
I didn’t believe her earlier in the evening, but now…I think I do. If she and Addison have made it through harder things, like they said, then eventually I’ll be on the other side, too.
On my own again, I brush my teeth and wash my face. Clothes discarded, I pull one of Declan’s T-shirts over my head. My mind hums with a gentle peace and I even catch myself smiling. I’ve almost always been kind of a loner and the last friend I really had was Scarlet. What’s that say about my friend choices?
This is different though. I can feel that in my bones.
I’m only a step away from climbing into the bed and following Aria’s instructions when the bedroom door opens.
I whirl around, feeling in that moment exactly how tipsy I am. The heat of the alcohol in my blood softens the shock of seeing Declan shirtless. All his muscles are on display, and I have to force myself not to dwell on how hot Declan Cross is. That’s not my fault, though. It’s just an instinct to notice. Still, worry manages to push through the wine haze.
“What happened to your shirt?”
He scrubs his hands over his face, hesitating for a moment. “It had blood on it.” Before, I would have stayed in the bed and let him come to me. This time, I go to him. His eyes flicker and his brow cocks as I put my hands over his chest to feel his heart. It beats strongly under his carved chest. His skin is hot on mine as I balance myself.
He questions, “Are you okay?”
“I’m much better now.” I’m reminded of everything that worried me before he left. “You okay?”
He murmurs an answer, “I’m a bit better, I think.”
With one hand over mine, he pushes my palm tighter to his chest, then leans forward and kisses my forehead. He smirks a deadly sinful smirk that the devil himself must’ve taught him and whispers at the shell of my ear, “Give me a second to wash up and I’ll make you much better. How about that?”
