Page 100 of Stolen Moments

“Duh,” Scarlett deadpans.

“Of course. You’re a part of our family,” Rylann says, smacking Scarlett on the shoulder. “We would have helped any way we could. I just hate that it’s taken you so long to let us in.”

“Truth,” Scarlett interrupts. “Do you think you’re the only one with problems? Look at my friend here. She lost her husband to cancer and spent years separated from the love of her life until they saw each other again last summer. I lost my parents and my grandmother, and I’m not sure I would have met the love of my life if those things hadn’t happened to me. But through all that, you know what we did have?”

I shake my head. There is so much I don’t know about the ladies sitting with me, baring their souls to me. Not getting to know them sooner will be something I regret for the rest of my life. These women are smart, resilient, and incredibly strong.

“We had each other’s backs. We held the other up when we were too weak to do it ourselves,” Scarlett says seriously, all traces of humor gone.

“She’s right,” Rylann confirms. “We have your back now too, Em. Whatever you need, we are here for you. We’ve just been waiting for you to see us.”

My eyes mist over as I take a deep breath. “Thank you.” I mean it.

Thin ropes that held me back snap as I fully accept that I’m not alone anymore. I’ve alwayshad Chris, but in some ways, I’ve felt like his parent, not his sister. I’ve never had true friends that listen to you like a therapist would, or help and support you when things get too hard.

Scarlett’s right. I’m so stupid. I could have put the whole arranged marriage thing behind me a long time ago. With their help, I could have been strong enough to end the agreement I made with Lex and my parents years ago. I was stubborn to think I had to go at it, alone and now it may have cost me the love of my life.

Mason and I had so much potential. Our chemistry was off the charts, and the ease with which we fell into our relationship wasn’t an everyday occurrence. People search for that kind of connection all their lives. Until him, I had never experienced that level of intimacy with someone.

“It was stupid.” I can’t stop the sob that tumbles from me. Now that I’ve started, I willingly let the rest of my truths flow. “So stupid that I didn’t tell the man I am in love with about it, and when he found out, he couldn’t run away fast enough.”

With him gone, a piece of me is just missing. My heart, my body, my soul—every cell in my body aches for him. I miss him so deeply I’m falling apart at the seams without him.

“See, stupid.” Scarlett points at me while Rylann rushes to my side of the table and wraps her arms around me.

I breathe in her coconutty scent, letting it cocoon me in a warm blanket, and sink into her comforting embrace, returning her hug. She gives really good hugs. I’d have given up anything to have a mom like her. So understanding and compassionate, loving and affectionate.

“It will be okay,” she soothes, rubbing my back. Her tone is hopeful and almost has me believe things might work out. Rylann hisses at her best friend, “Scarlett.”

I know they are having one of those weird silent conversations over my head. I wish I had a friendship like theirs.

My chest twinges. Something tells me I could have had it with them sooner if I had let them in and talked to them about something other than work.

“Sorry, Emery. I didn’t mean to blurt that out,” Scarlett says.

I pull away from Rylann with a chuckle as I wipe my eyes. I know Rylann just forced her to apologize.

“No need. You’re right, I am an idiot. I should have told him. I just… I don’t know.” I shrug. I have been staying up at night, wondering why I didn’t just tell him. All I can come up with is, “I guess I wanted to keep him out of it. What we had was special, and I didn’t want to taint our relationship with my old life. I figured with us being long-distance, I could keep us in our bubble and handle everything on my own. Then, when I walked away from my parents, it would be a clean break and I could be with Mason without my past hanging over my head.” I leave out the five weeks of ghosting. They don’t need to know how pathetic I am for still pining after someone who clearly doesn’t want me anymore.

It takes me a minute to hear the silence hanging over the table.

I look up to find Scarlett gaping at me and Rylann’s mouth hanging open. She snaps it shut and shakes her head at Scarlett. I wish I knew how they communicated like that. Bestie telepathy?

Rylann clears her throat. “How did you meet Mason?”

Her question has my lips turning up at the memory of our meeting at the airport. I tell them about how Mason was listening to my call with Chris, how he walked me to my gate and then surprised me by boarding the same plane right after, our computer conversation, and every moment we’ve shared since then. Well, shy of a few details because some moments are just for me to cherish.

“Wow,” Scarlett whispers.

“Yeah.” I exhale and take another sip of my drink.

Everything with Mason really was wow. He had me falling for him faster than my panties could hit the floor.

“You know what?”

My eyes bounce to Scarlett’s.

“You should come to Rylann and Jace’s joint bachelor and bachelorette shower.”

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