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Ithurts.
It’s also hard to believe.
We keep packing, and I ask her as many questions as I can about her life. Thankfully, Alice likes to talk all the time, and she recognizes what I’m asking her to do. So, she leads and fills the conversation.
I don’t quite feel good, but I do feel better. David continues to be in the back of my mind and continues to make my stomach twist into knots. But Alice talks, and I listen, and this at least isn’t changed.
When my phone rings, I see Lewis’ name on the screen. Alice stops abruptly, mid-sentence.
“It’s time?” she asks gravely.
I swallow. I pick up the phone. “Hello?”
“Hey, Laura, we’re pulling up. Ready?”
“Give me a minute,” I say and hang up.
It’s a little rude, but Lewis has to deal. This is… this is asking a lot.
A romantic vacation with my ex-boyfriend and his family—while we arepretendingto betogether—is asking a lot. Sure, Lewis doesn't know that’s what he’s asking, but I resent him all the same.
Besides, he doesn’t lose the love ofhislife after this trip. Ugh. Older siblings always get everything they want.
Not that—Not that David is my—Not that David is the love?—
I stop that line of thinking, hard and immediately. There isnogood in that.
“Okay,” Alice says, drawing my attention. She’s zipping up my suitcase. “You are all ready to go.”
“Alice,” I say, once again tearful. “You really are the best friend anyone could have.”
“Aw!” Alice hugs me. “Iam, aren’t I?”
I laugh, and she squeezes me. Pulling back, she places one hand on either of my cheeks. I wait, and she smiles at me.
“Laura James, you are a special girl.”
I snort, though because she’s holding my face, it comes out weird. “Thanks, Mom.”
“I mean it. If that man would leave you… then he doesn’t deserve you. Fuck him. Enjoy your paid-for vacation with your brother and his family. You arespecial,and you always will be.”
My eyes fill with tears once again. I feel like a faucet today.
“You’re a good friend.”
“Damn straight.” She kisses my forehead sloppily and I laugh loudly as she throws herself back in my chair. “Go. I’m enjoying your amenities so I don’t have to go home and deal with my boyfriend’s newfound love of online role-playing games.”
I wave at her, grab my bags and leave. Since Alice will probably be staying all day, I don’t bother locking up.
David is waiting for me outside. He looks breathtaking.
I don’t see him in casual wear very often. Somehow, it feels more intimate than seeing him naked. His henley is a deep blue, fitted across his broad chest, and his jeans are looser than I would have thought he’d wear them. He smiles at me, all dazzling and distracting, though his eyes are sharp and considering.
The last time we saw each other was the fight. I still feel it in the back of my throat like a cough. I swallow it and press my cold lips to his cheek briefly because right behind him, Jessi and Lewis are watching us.
“Hi,” I say.
“Hey.” David dips his head. He grabs my suitcase from my hand. Before I can protest, he’s whisking off to put it in the jeep.
