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The four of us hang out until the early hours of the morning when it’s just me and Lucy left.
Lucy’s on the couch while I lie on the floor next to her, both of us with our arms locked under our heads as we stare at the ceiling talking about anything and everything. Lucy and I knew each other as teens but only really became friends during the last year. Although you wouldn’t know it considering how easy it is between us. It often feels like we’ve known each other forever.
“So, no douchebag Greg this year? I’ve gotta say, I’m proud of you for kicking him to the curb.” Greg’s her asshole ex who Dylan and I had words with at the last Friendsgiving.
Lucy huffs out a laugh, her head rolling to the side to glare at me. “He wasn’t my best decision, but it’s done now.”
“For good this time?”
She swallows a lump in her throat but nods. “Definitely. It may have taken me far too long to walk away, but he’s out of my life for good now.”
I have a smart ass comment ready but hold it back, I know from experience that sometimes it’s hard to see what’s right in front of you. The rest of us may have seen red flags instantly, but when you’re living it, it’s not as easy. I’m glad she got there in the end.
“Good,” I say instead, reaching up to squeeze her arm “You deserve the world, Lucy. Don’t ever settle for less.”
She looks back at the ceiling and scoffs. “You sound like my brother.”
“Well, I kind of feel like you’re my annoying little sister, so it works.”
“I’m older than you.”
“Po-tay-to, Po-tah-to.” I shrug, bracing myself for her response.
“Nope, it’s not like that at all.” She laughs, running a hand down her face in frustration.
“Either way, I have no doubt you’re going to findthe one. Just like I knew Summer would.” I may not want it myself, but I want to see my friends happy and in love. Especially Lucy. The next guy better be worthy.
“And what about you?” Lucy asks, and I flinch but laugh to hide it.
“I findoneall the time. It’s two I haven’t had much luck with.”
She gently kicks my leg as she gets up off the couch, shaking her head as she does. “What do women see in you?”
I raise an eyebrow and smirk without getting up. “Do you really not know?”
Ignoring me, Lucy walks away without a word, but flips me the bird as she goes, only turning around to smile when she hears me chuckle.
It’s still quiet when I wake only a few hours later. My mouth’s dry, and my neck is locked tight in a weird position.Fuck, I slept badly.
Trying to move silently around the house proves difficult in my tired state, and I manage to knock into the table twice, almost getting my nuts the second time. Basically, I’m a walking hazard.
I’m halfway through gulping a bottle of water when Summer stumbles down the hall, her hand in her hair and a grumpy expression on her face.
“God, I’m tired. Who invited the sun to come out?”
“Some fucker that needs to be punished.”
“I agree.” She laughs, but then her expression turns serious. “I’m still in shock that you’re moving back.”
“I always said I would.”
“Yeah, but I never believed you. You love the beach. Our nearest one is over an hour away, and you’ve built a life there.” Her nose crinkles as though she’s jealous of that life, and I smile.
“I have a life here too,” I say honestly, easing her mind.
“Oh, I know,” she says, with the hint of a smile. “Like I said, I’m just shocked. Can I ask why now?”
My pulse quickens, and I inwardly flinch. It’s not like I didn’t think anyone would ask me this question; it’s just that I don’t want to answer it.
