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“I don’t know. But I would love to find out. And don’t worry about your door, I will get that cleaned up before you come back here.”
“You don’t have to do that,” I tell him.
“I know I don’t.” He reaches for my hand and kisses my knuckles. “Everything is going to be okay.”
I believe him. Hayden makes me feel safe no matter the situation. And all this time we have been spending together and then the kiss earlier today, I could see myself falling for him if I let myself. But I am still dealing with my shit, and now someone vandalized my door.
Pulling into the club, it feels like I haven’t been here in forever. It feels foreign to me. Hayden grabs my bag for me, puts an arm across my shoulders, and we walk inside. I wish I could savor the moment, but it’s clouded with darkness.
“Claire!” Astera runs to me with open arms, ready to smother me with a hug.
“I’ll put this in my room,” Hayden says before Astera reaches me.
Astera hugs me, then pulls away to get a look at me.
“How are you? I missed you.” Astera beams with a smile. “And I’m so glad to see you join the land of the living.” Astera tucks her arm with mine, and we walk to the kitchen, where we can sit at the table to talk. I already know she is going to want answers. Answers I’m not sure I can give her.
“What’s going on? I see Hayden had your bag.”
“He coaxed me out of the house to do something fun, and then we went and had a late lunch. When we got back to my apartment, the word slut was painted on my door with red paint. He felt I should come here just as a precaution.”
“I think you would be the last person to be called a slut.”
“I know. Right?! It’s so crazy to me.”
“It is odd. But other than that, how are you doing?”
“Well, I’ve already had about two meltdowns today, but I’ll get through it. I’m sorry I ignored your calls.”
She covers my hand with hers. “You do not have to apologize. I know Hayden is here for you, and I am thankful for that. He kept me in the loop because I was worried about you, but I also understood you needed that time and space.”
“You girls want some hot tea?” Becca calls over.
“Sure,” I respond.
“Yes, please,” Astera answers.
I look back to Astera. “I take it one day at a time. It’s all I can do. I can be laughing one minute and crying the next.”
“As I said, it’s understandable. And if you ever want to tell me what actually happened, I’m here to listen.”
Becca places our hot tea on the dining room table for us.
“Thanks,” we say.
The hot mug warms my hands.
“Well enough about me, how are you? How’s the wedding planning?”
“Going okay. Do you want to go dress shopping with me?”
“Yes! That is exciting. And I’m happy for you and Griffin. I acted way out of line when you told me about it.”
She waves my comment off. And she is too damn forgiving.
“Since the guys have their thing going on, do you want to go today?”
“Absolutely.”
