Page 102 of Forever Cursed

Her eyes dart over my shoulder, and her smile widens. “You have a rather antsy-looking barista looking at you.”

“That’s Gwen,” I say with a light laugh. “I’m fine, Gwen.”

“I’m sorry, but I really want to give you a hug. I hate seeing you cry.”

“You can hug him.” Raina chuckles and beckons her over.

Not a second later, Gwen wraps her arms around me and hugs me with all her might.

“Therapy is so hard. You’re doing such a good job.” Gwen sounds like she’s on the verge of crying herself, pride soaking through her tone.

“Thank you.” I sniffle and hug her back.

Gwen pats my back and pulls away, wiping a tear away from her cheeks.

“How’s Korra?”

“A downright princess,” I chuckle, and she laughs.

“Sounds about right.”

She turns to look at Raina, and her smile grows. “Nice to meet you, I’m Gwen.” She extends her hand toward Raina, who happily takes it.

“Nice to meet you too, I’m Raina. Chrissy has told me so much about you.”

“Really?” Gwen asks, sounding shocked.

“Your ginger ale trick for nerves? It’s a miracle.”

“Ginger ale is magic.”

“It really is!” Raina exclaims, matching Gwen’s excitement.

As they go back and forth, their grins grow with the unfolding conversation.

Taking the moment to gather myself, I rest my hand over my heart, and little Rome from years ago materializes in my mind. He’s been through so much, always trying to keep a smile on his face, even when all he wants to do is cry. I’ve kept that facade for years, but the act has started to break. It’s time I focus on what I need, and it starts with taking what I deserve.

Chapter Forty-Six

Chrissy

I’m not looking forward to this. I think I’d rather trim Zack’s toenails. But, alas, I am sitting in a crowded coffee shop, waiting for his royal pain in the ass, Malik Chen. I would have preferred the cat café, but I was afraid Gwen would act like an overbearing mother hen. I needed somewhere public to be on the safe side. I don’t think he’ll try anything, but the fact that he “wants me” is more than unnerving.

My leg jostles anxiously as I stare at the door. Malik strolls through the door, and a scoff I meant to keep inside rumbles in my throat. He’s about to reach for his phone instead of scanning the room for me, so I speak up.

“Over here.”

He sees me, and I wave him over.

“There you are.” He smiles, flashing his perfect white teeth at me.

“Here I am,” I say as I try not to roll my eyes.

With my notebook already out, I click my pen repeatedly as he gets settled.

I went over Raina’s notes the past couple of days, and I’ve concluded that Malik has been playing her. Which she was aware of. He feigns remorse and guilt but quickly returns to his usualways. He’s a pro at manipulation and gaslighting, and he knows it.

“How has your day been?” I decide to start just so we can get this over with.

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