Page 37 of Searching for Sunshine

“Okay, that’s it,” Avery interjects, and I don’t miss the concern on her face. My best friend may have a way of saying some really unhinged things, but she’s also one of the mostprotective people I know, and I can tell she’s not going to let this go without making sure the girl in front of us is okay. “I understand if you don’t want to, but I’m actually asking you to try to explain what’s going on.”

Hailey hesitates across from us and finally, it’s like a dam breaks and words start spilling too fast from her mouth.

“I got engaged two weeks ago, and I know if I marry him it’s going to be a huge mistake. We met one night in a dive bar when I was in a really bad place, and for a while he was great. I’d just lost my job, and I didn’t have any family or anything to call so I wasn’t really sure how I was going to make ends meet. But then Ben and I hit it off, and he offered me a job at his business as a receptionist. After a few weeks of dating, he moved me into his apartment, and I really thought I was finally getting the life I’ve always dreamed of. But then things kinda took a turn.”

My stomach tightens at that, and I try to brace myself for whatever she’s about to tell us.

“Honestly, I’m probably being a little dramatic, but he’s just become kinda controlling. And I know if I marry him, it’ll just get worse. But it’s not like I have many options. All of my friends are his friends. The girls on this trip are all wonderful, but Mia, the bride for this weekend, is Ben’s cousin. So I feel like if I tried to talk through this to any of them, it just wouldn’t go well.”

Avery and I both sit quietly for a moment before Avery asks, “Okay, so when you say controlling, can you explain a little bit more about what you mean?”

I can tell my best friend is trying to stay calm, and I pat her leg under the table in silent encouragement and she knocks her knee against mine.

Hailey takes a deep breath before she answers. “Honestly, it sounds kinda silly, but here it is. It started with him telling me what to wear every day, which was fine because I was so grateful to have a job. And then he quit asking me what I wanted to eat orwatch on television, which was such a small thing I didn’t really notice for a few weeks. But then things kinda escalated from there.”

I look at her long-sleeved shirt and the sweat pouring from her forehead before asking, “Does that have anything to do with why you’re sweating your ass off right now?”

Hailey gives me a sad smile. “Yeah, Mia posted a picture of us at the pool yesterday on her Instagram and Ben saw it. He called me last night accusing me of whoring around on him and told me that if he saw another picture of me looking like a little slut we’d have problems when I got home. So I told the girls I was super sunburned and needed to wear something that covered me up, and did what he said. Don’t get me wrong he doesn’t hit me or anything, so I’m not really worried about that. But it just feels easier to go with what he wants at this point.”

“Oh, hell no. Fuck that,” Avery starts, and I kick her hard under the table to shut her up.

“Shit, Stels. That fucking hurt.”

I give her a look, and she sighs, leaning back against the seat despite the fact that I know she’s dying to keep going.

“What Avery means to say is, I completely understand why you would feel that way. But is that really what you want?” I ask, and Hailey sighs.

“Honestly, I don’t know what I want. I love the friends I’ve made through him. I love having a job that I feel like I’m good at. I love knowing that, as long as I don’t fuck it up, I could really have some stability after spending so long fending for myself. But I hate the way he makes me feel.”

“I think that’s all valid,” I say with a small smile. “And it’s honestly none of my business, but I think you deserve all of that and a man that doesn’t make you feel like shit. You shouldn’t have to choose between stability and happiness, Hailey.”

“Damn right,” Avery mutters under her breath, and Hailey lets out a small laugh.

“Yeah, I know you’re right. But it’s just so scary to put myself in a position to lose everything with him. Without even meaning to I kinda let him control my living situation, my job, my friends…everything. So even if I leave, I don’t have anywhere to go.”

“You can come here,” Avery blurts before Hailey can continue. “We’re looking to build a staff over the next few months and you could stay in the Hideaway until you’re back on your feet. You don’t have to marry some controlling asshole just to have your basic needs met.”

I shoot Avery a look telling her to tone it down a little, and she just shrugs unapologetically. I don’t mind that she made the offer, I’m just worried we’re starting to overwhelm the girl sitting in front of us.

Hailey blinks at us both for a second before saying, “You can’t be serious. You’ve literally known me for less than twenty-four hours. Why in the hell would you offer all that?”

Avery opens her mouth to speak, but I hold up my hand and she leans back in her seat, obviously surrendering and letting me take over for a few minutes.

“I’m sorry, Avery can be a little blunt when she’s upset. We’re not trying to pressure you to make any major life changes. I know you barely know us, and we can’t possibly understand how you’re feeling. But if you decide you don’t want to stay in your current situation, then our doors are always open to you, okay?”

Hailey smiles. “I really appreciate it. I don’t think I’m ready to make a decision like that right now. But, honestly, I feel a little better after talking through it. I’m sorry I’ve kept you both so long, though. I know you have better things to do than sit around and listen to my bull shit.”

“I totally get that, and stop. I’m glad you told us. So, now what do you say we try to have a little more fun on this trip, huh?”

CHAPTER 18

WYATT

“Cheers to a successful first weekend,” I say the following night, holding up my beer and bumping it against Stella’s lemonade.

“Hell yeah, we did,” Avery interrupts before Stella can say anything, sliding into the booth beside her best friend, clinking her martini glass with ours.

“There they are. Scoot over, man. We’re joining you,” Bennett calls from by the bar and makes his way over with Trent following behind him.

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