Page 61 of Reconciling With the Rival

And it will forever stay that way, no matter how good the sex was.

Ella and I will never get along. Not only can I not stand her, but all she has done since I met her was judge me before she knew me. She’ll never know who I really am because she refuses to see that side of me.

Fine by me.

20

We're All Friends Here

As I sit infront of my vanity and swipe mascara on my eyelashes, my phone buzzes.

Grant: I can’t wait to give my speech tonight and tell everyone I saw Oliver cry.

Ella: I didn't know he was capable.

Hads: I’m surprised his tear ducts haven't stopped working from improper use.

I start to laugh as another text comes through.

Oliver: You guys know I’m in this group chat, right?

Grant: Shit. I thought this was the book club one I’m in.

Oliver: Grant, you realize you’re not actually part of book club?

Hads: With Ames gone, he basically is.

Ella: I agree. He’s an honorary member.

Grant: Yeah, Ol. Honorary! Put some respect on my name, please.

Oliver: Fuck off. This is my engagement celebration. You guys are supposed to be nice to me.

Ella: “Supposed to.”

Hads: I’m your sister. I’m never nice to you.

I keep laughing as I swipe black liner on and finish off my makeup. It doesn’t take too long, and by then, I’m stepping into my dress. It’s a black, skin-tight dress with lace sleeves. Hads told me she’s wearing something green, and since it’s Paige’s engagement celebration, she’s wearing a white dress.

I’m so excited to celebrate my best friend finding love, and Alissa is even tagging along too. It’s going to be a great night.

But part of me wishes Amelia was around for this. Her and Paige were close, and I know us girls are upset our messages are still unanswered.

With every passing day of silence, I feel my patience with the situation wearing thinner.

If she was really our friend, she would be here for these moments, even if just over the phone. The radio silence is not only rude, but it’s getting old.

Whatever,I say to myself. Tonight is about Paige and the love she and Oliver will share for the rest of their lives. I’m happy for her. After all that girl has been through, she deserves this.

Her and I have some similarities with how we were raised. Paige basically raised herself since her dad left and her mom wasn't around, and I had to raise my sister and myself, and take care of my house while my dad worked two jobs to sustain us.

I haven't told any of them about what’s been going on with my mom, but if I was to say something, it would be to Paige. People who have happy parents don’t really understand what it’s like to have one or both parents be absent your entire life.

My dad did the best he could with the hand he was dealt—hell, his fucking wife and mother of his kids left—but he still wasn't there. I don't resent him for it, but it does fucking suck when I look back on that part of my life.

“Hey, Ells,” Alissa says as she pokes her head into my room. “Wow, you look hot.”

“Thanks. You look wonderful as well.” Liss opted for a red dress that falls to her knees. The long sleeves are tight, and she looks fabulous with her black red-bottom heels. Sometimes, I forget Alissa has a fuck ton of money.

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