Page 95 of Almost Love

If you met my girl, you’d understand that too.

My girl. This man was going to completely undo her and she had no power to stop it. She thought about how Daisy referred to him as ‘her guy’ and Clementine knew that using the term didn’t take away her control over the situation. Staring at her phone, she realized that maybe Oakley wouldn’t hurt her. That he wouldn’t use and spit her out like everyone else did. Her feelings for him weren’t like what it had been with Xander; this time heliked her too. While she wasn’t ready to say the words out loud yet, she was going to be better at letting him know how she felt.

Blowing out a breath, her eyes scanned the backyard. The couple was supposed to be changing, but if Frankie’s history of oversharing was any indication, they were probably doing a lot more. Guests milled around, a few of them stopping at the pie tower to take pictures. She saw Ginny and Daisy, and the rest of Frankie’s friends moving about. Then returned to her phone.

Clementine

What are your plans for today?

Oakley

Besides missing you?

*sad face emoji*

Hopefully going for a run later this evening

Clementine

Ugh, running. What a waste of time.

Oakley

You think I look this good naturally?

Clementine

Yes. You were clearly born with abs and thick biceps and delicious thighs.

Oakley

Look at you, objectifying me.

Clementine

Isn’t that why people work hard on their bodies? To be admired?

Oakley

I’m not complaining about being admired and objectified by you

But no, that’s not why we work on our bodies

I do it because it keeps the demons at bay

Her heart ached for him. He’d told her stories about his family, memories that he clung onto, and how much he missed them. Her life was better because of her family, so she couldn’t even begin to understand what it felt like to not have them there. While he didn’t often talk about his addiction or recovery, she knew that part of his life still haunted him in little ways. He would be exhausted after a therapy session or show up late because he went to a meeting. For as much as she wanted to know more, Clementine respected his boundaries.

Clementine

Are you holding up okay?

Oakley

I am. Got a session in a bit, then maybe hit up a meeting too.

Clementine

I’m proud of you.

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