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“You’re defending them? You, of all people, should be pissed at her—”
Darin jumps to his feet, grabbing hold of Vanessa and spinning her around. His teeth are gritted. “Vanessa. I know you are upset, but you need to calm down.”
She pushes against him. “Don’t tell me what to do.” Her hands are on her hips as she moves away from him, pacing across the living room. “William is a fucking creep who kidnapped you, taking you away from all of us, and yet you sit there and defend him!”
Irelynn lets out a gasp, her hands covering her mouth, as tears spill down her cheeks.
In a flash, I’m in front of her again. “And you seem to care more aboutyourselfthan her.”
Vanessa reels back as though I’ve slapped her. She narrows her eyes at me, but I don’t stop. I’m way too furious to rein in my temper.
“Irelynn is demonstrating a maturity that you seem incapable of understanding, let alone feeling. Do I like what he did? Hell no! Was it wrong? Yes, and he even admitted that in his letter. Irelynn interacted with him more than any of us, and she certainly knows him better than us. I’m not saying we should drop our guard around him, but I fully support whatever she decides to do. And that includes if she chooses to be his friend.” I lower my voice and my tone is threatening. “I suggest you support your best friend or walk out the damn door right now if you are incapable.”
I feel Irelynn getting to her feet, sensing her movements behind me, even before her apple cinnamon scent wafts over me. Reaching my hand back without turning my head away from Vanessa, Irelynn grabs my offered hand, moving to stand beside me. Only then do I move my gaze to Irelynn, assessing her features.
“Vanessa, I know you are upset and hurt. I hated being away from all of you. I missed you guys so damn much.” Tears fill her eyes, spilling onto her cheeks, and she lowers her head, breathing deeply.
Squeezing her hand, Irelynn squeezes my hand back. She offers me a smile before it fades as she turns to Vanessa. “I know this seems hard to understand. But William is complicated. Although he’s not the hero in my story…” Her face turns to mine, and her smile shows me that I’m her hero. She releases a breath as her gaze moves to Vanessa. “He’s not the villain, either. At least, not anymore. And hopefully, that doesn’t change.”
Vanessa stares at Irelynn, disappointment and betrayal on her face. “I thought better of you, Irelynn.”
Darin moves behind Vanessa, putting a hand on her shoulder. “Maybe it would be best if you leave. Take some time to cool down a bit. Gain some perspective.”
Vanessa whirls around, dark hair flying behind her. “Are you kidding me, Darin? You are taking their side as well?”
His shoulders droop as he shoves the hand that was on her shoulder in his pocket. His tone is flat as he said, “You should be on her side, Vanessa. She’s your best friend and would do anything for you. She’s always seen things from your perspective, stepping into your shoes, even when she disagrees with you. Irelynn has had your back, just like Max has always had mine. Even when I make foolish decisions, I can count on him to still be there for me, supporting me. You should grant Irelynn the same courtesy. And I don’t condone you attacking Jack. Not onefuckingbit.” His nostrils flare at her before he casts a sympathetic glance at Jack and Rosalyn. They sit on the couch, holding hands, shocked expressions on their faces.
My gaze takes in Rosalyn rubbing Jack’s hand in support, before moving back to Darin, feeling the anger roll off him. Vanessa is treading on very thin ice right now.
Vanessa shakes her head. “I’m disappointed in all of you for accepting this craziness.”
Darin’s head lowers toward hers, the vein protruding in his forehead. His voice shakes as he says, “Don’t ever insult my best friends or Irelynn’s parents, ever again. Not in my home, nor in my presence. Or we are done. Do you understand?”
Vanessa squares her shoulders defiantly. “Too late. We’re already done.” She steps away from him, turning back to me and Irelynn. I pull Irelynn tighter against my body as Vanessa grimaces at us. “I’ll try not to gloat about being right when William hurts you.” With that, she spins on her heel, her feet stomping across the room. Snatching her purse and keys, she rips the door open, slamming it shut behind her.
Irelynn sags against me, her shoulders shaking from her sobs. I wrap her in my arms. “I’m so sorry, baby.” Resting my head on hers, my heart cracks again, fissures forming from her pain. I take all of it, welcoming it like an old friend. If I could take away any of her pain and suffering, I’d do it in a second.
Anything to ease her discomfort.
She pulls back, her red, puffy eyes making my heart squeeze. “I just… I never expected Vanessa to react like that.” She fists my shirt, her lips trembling. “It’s just so unexpected.”
Darin moves beside me. “I’m really sorry, Irelynn. I didn’t expect her to react like that, either.” He puts his hand on her shoulder, squeezing gently.
“Thanks for defending us.” Shaking her head, a few more tears course down her cheek. “I’m sorry that you had to.”
Darin squeezes her hand. “I love you like a sister, Irelynn. Ever since my boy here came into the garage with stars in his eyes, I knew you were someone really special. And then, I got to know you, and your genuine sweetness just tugged at my heart.” His gaze moves to mine, communicating silently before going to hers. “You remind me of my sister. She passed away a couple of years ago.” His voice is flat as he struggles to keep the crushing pain at bay. “She was someone really special. Just like you.”
Irelynn gives a tiny gasp, squeezing his hand tighter. “I’m sorry, Darin. I had no idea you had a sister, or that she passed away.”
He lowers his head, and I put my hand on his shoulder, squeezing. He breathes in and out for a few beats before meeting my gaze, then hers. “I don’t talk about her much. It hurts too much.” He gives her a slight smile. “Someday, I’ll tell you. Today is not that day, though.” His disappointed gaze stares at his front door, dejection on his face as his shoulders lower. “I never thought she’d react that way and just… end things between us.”
My hand squeezes his shoulder. “Give her time, bud. She’s hurting and emotional. She probably didn’t mean what she said.”
Darin lets out a long, mournful sigh. “What if she did?”
Immediately, I shake my head, looking at Irelynn. “I refuse to believe that. Just take a step back and give it a few days. See what happens, okay?”
The corners of one side of his mouth lift in a smirk. “When did you become so reasonable?”
