Page 69 of Drop Three

I have to be okay. It’s fucked up of me even to be bothered by this. It was inevitable; I just didn’t realize how badly it would sting.

“Anyone heard from Cal?” I ask them, trying to shift the conversation to my best friend and remind me why I can never have Navy to begin with.

As the words leave my mouth, Navy makes her way back over to the hot tub. Once again, I’m a coward and can’t look at her. I’m ashamed to feel so enraged over something I practically set up.

If I had taken her like I genuinely wanted and dealt with Callaway later, Briggs would be nothing but a blip in the rearview.

But Callaway has been my boy for most of my adult life and did me a solid favor when I was locked up—I couldn’t betray him like that. Other than my minor slip in Fiji that he never needs to know about, and one I’ll never forgive myself for.

I’m still firm on the fact that I never should have touched Navy.

But fuck if it wasn’t the best moment of my life.

And that’s all it will ever be…a brief moment.

It’s one thing to want to fuck someone and an entirely different thing to long to be intertwined with their soul. Navy was my friend first, making the foundational roots there.

“Sorry about that,” Navy says, directing our attention to her.

“How’s Briggsby? He got big plans for our roomie tonight?” Kingston asks Navy.

Please say no.Maybe it’ll be a quick one. They’ll get a bite to eat, see how incompatible they are together, and call it a night.

Navy stands near the perimeter of the hot tub, a short distance from me, yet she’s never felt farther away. “We’re starting with dinner and a movie to see how it goes. It’s been so long since I’ve been on a proper date, don’t be surprised if I text you guys for help,” she jokes.

Navy is perfect, and if Briggs can’t see that, then he’s not worthy of her.

“Fuck him if he can’t see how special you are.”

I didn’t mean to say that out loud but she needs to hear it. Navy needs no coaching or help. All she needs to do is be herself and I’m confident he will fall at her feet.

The same way I did.

A subtle gasp leaves Navy’s lips, and I can tell my impulsive response shocked her. “Right,” she says, exhaling deeply and cutting me a look.

“It’s true.” Gus and King both chime in together before Mack joins in. “Yep. You don’t need us, Navs.”

A look similar to appreciation crosses her face in response to them. “Thank you.” Navy focuses solely on Gus, Mack, and Kingston—avoiding me altogether.

I fucked up somehow. Add it to my list.

There’s an edge of agitation to her tone. I’m trying to be kind.

I send King a silent thank you for contributing to my outburst at the perfect time, but I can see the notion was not lost on Navy.

She saw it and felt the meaning behind it.

We nod in response, and I absentmindedly try to move on from my obvious word vomit.

Navy moves to grab a towel from the rack beside her. “Well, I should probably head inside and start getting ready. Thanks for all your help today, guys.” She sends Gus, King, and Mack a small smile before turning her attention to me. “See you.”

I nod. “Thank you again.” Showing my appreciation for the flowers even if she doesn’t want to hear it. “Marigolds were my mom’s favorite.”

She halts her departure and nods without facing me, showing her acknowledgment.

I finally turn at the sound of her soft footsteps retreating as she walks through the back doors and into the house to get ready for her date—with a man who will never be me.

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