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“I… I don’t know.” I shrugged, not knowing what else to say. I thought I was coming to terms with what had happened, then I’d close my eyes and see her face again. I’d think about Ash and what he went through, and I was back at square one. I knew from experience that the pain of losing them would eventually fade to something that was bearable, but I still couldn’t fathom the horrors inflicted on my big brother. “I’ll get there, but it’s going to take a while, I think.”
“I’m here for you anytime you need me. Don’t ever hesitate to call me. I’ll be on your case too—this is the first of our sleepovers and girls’ nights, okay?”
I nodded and managed a small smile, grateful beyond measure for Cara’s friendship. “Thank you.”
“Anytime.” She squeezed my hand. “Is Ryder okay?”
“He will be, but he’s wearing a sling and has months of physio to do to get back movement and strength. He might never fully recover. I’m worried about the damage the bullet did.”
“Poor thing.” She rubbed my arm, and I wasn’t sure who she meant. It didn’t really matter. “All of you deserved so much better than her.”
“Yeah, we did.”
Ry and the others walked out, and he sat on the armrest of the couch next to me. Running his hand through my hair, he smiled down at me. “You okay, baby girl?”
“I will be.”
“We’ve set up the coffee table with some snacks. Everything is covered, so there’s no rush for you to go inside. Drinks are on the buffet, and Cara’s movie is already set up to go when you’re ready. I’ve also popped some popcorn for you. It’s on the counter in the lounge.”
“Thank you.”
Ez stepped up beside him and explained, “We’re gonna go out for a while. Message us if you want us to come back. If we don’t hear from you, we’ll crash at Flynn’s place.”
“Okay. But you can stay here if you want. You don’t have to leave.”
“Spend time with Cara,” Tris encouraged, wrapping his arms around Ezra’s waist from behind and leaning his chin on Ez’s shoulder. “We’ll come straight back if you want us to.”
“We’re only a phone call away,” Flynn added, bending to press a kiss to my lips. “We can be here in ten minutes tops if you need us.” That was why they were staying at Flynn’s apartment. He’d barely been back there for weeks, but it was the closest to the marina.
I watched them leave, and Cara watched me. “They’re so nice. I thought Ezra was a bit of a dick—” She clapped her hand over her mouth, and her eyes widened. I snorted out a laugh. He had been a dick that night. “Oh my goodness, I’m doing it again. He’s your boss and your friend, and I keep insulting him. I didn’t mean…. I hope you’re not offended. He seems really nice now,” she backtracked, her voice still panicked.
I held my hand up and shook my head, still laughing. “It’s okay. He was being a dick that night. He had some stuff going on, but he’s sorted it out. He’s… kinda wonderful now.” My cheeks grew hot, and Cara tilted her head, considering me more closely.
“They’re all protective of you.”
I looked down as my smile turned embarrassed. If I looked at her, she’d know exactly what we had, if she hadn’t already guessed. “I’m protective of them too.”
“Hmmm,” she agreed. “You know, my offer to be there for you also includes you talking to me about anything. I’m a good listener.” She paused for a moment and added, “And I’m insanely jealous. I was jealous when I thought your only boyfriend was Flynn, but having Ry too? He’s… lovely.”
I snapped my head up and opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out.
She laughed. “Were you trying to hide it?”
“No, not that,” I waved her off. “You said he’s lovely. I agree; he’s one of the best men I know, but he’s not everyone’s cup of tea.”
“He followed the boy I thought was cute to the bar, ready to be my wingman. But when he overheard him being mean to the bartender, he was honest and told me what he’d said. Then he kept me company all night. He didn’t try to hit on me—not that a man as gorgeous as him would—”
“What?” I asked. “You’re beautiful. You’re smart and sweet, and you’re so much fun—”
“I’m a big girl, Zali. I’m the one who’s not everyone’s cup of tea,” she said matter-of-factly.
“Then they’re fucking idiots. Any guy would be lucky to have you on his arm,” I countered. “I hate people sometimes.”
“And I love you for it.” She waggled her finger at me and grinned. “You didn’t deny it either.”
“No, I didn’t.” I bit my lip and grinned shamelessly. “We’re together too.”
“Urgh, you’re so lucky,” she huffed. “I just want one nice guy.” She gestured inside and said, “I want to know everything while I’m giving you a mani-pedi and a facial. Do you have champagne?”
