Page 210 of The Friend Situation

Easton rushes toward us and pulls Weston into a tight hug. Easton says something, but I can’t make out his words.

“I’m not hurt,” Weston tells him, squeezing him. “Brody saved my life.Again.”

Easton breaks down while holding his brother. Seeing them both so vulnerable, knowing what was at stake, has my anger level rising to an unhealthy level. When my cousins and brothers approach me, I finally lose my cool.

“You could’ve gotten him killed,” I say, pushing Matteo. “I’d have never forgiven you, any of you.”

“Leelee,” Lucas says, reaching out for me.

I push his hand away.

“No. Grow up. I could’ve lost the love of my life. And for what? So you could have had a laugh? Think about that.”

I walk away, but Lucas doesn’t give up.

“I understand how pissed you are, but none of us knew his psycho bitch ex was hunting him. If we had known, we’d never have done that. As soon as we heard the first shot?—”

“The first shot? There was more than one? You’d better be glad he’s walking away unscathed,” I warn.

He hands me Weston’s phone before I storm away from him.

I find Weston and give him his device just as Mawmaw approaches.

“Can we get out of here?”

“Yes,” I say, overwhelmed by the surge of emotions that travel through my veins.

“It’s probably for the best,” Weston says, taking my pinkie. “I’ve already given my statement.”

Tears stream down my cheeks again. We climb into the back of Mawmaw’s car and drive home in silence as I hold on to him.

“Shh. I’m okay. Everyone is okay.”

As soon as we step into my grandmother’s house, Mawmaw gives Weston a hug. “Glad you’re safe, baby.”

“Me too,” he tells her as they break apart.

“Good night. Y’all get some rest. Big day tomorrow. The wedding of the century.”

“Yes,” I whisper. “Good night.”

I lead Weston to my room, both of us shaken, almost too stunned to speak.

As soon as the door closes, I face him, searching his eyes.

“Are you really okay?” I ask, reaching up to stroke his cheek. “I was so worried.” My voice cracks, and tears threaten to spill over again.

Weston pulls me into a tight embrace, burying his face in my hair. “I’m okay. Really. Brody took the bullet that was meant for me. Your brothers held her at gunpoint until the sheriff arrived.” His voice is filled with emotion.

Images of what could have been flash through my mind. I clutch at Weston’s shirt, needing to feel every part of him to reassure myself that he’s unharmed.

Pulling back, I tilt my chin up to look at him through watery eyes. “I don’t think I would’ve survived losing you like that. I’d have lived the rest of my life angry.”

“Let’s not think about it.” He takes a shuddering breath, holding me tight in his arms. “I was unprepared. It felt like a nightmare.”

My eyes scan over him, and I notice he’s dirty. “You should take a shower.”

“I don’t want to be alone,” he admits.

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