Page 18 of Catch You

“She … she might only have weeks, B.”

“It’s going to be okay,” she soothes.

“How?”

“Because it will. You’re stronger than this.”

“What if I don’t want to be?”

“I’m sorry, but that’s not a choice right now. She needs you, and I know you’ll do everything you can for her. But I’m here for anything else you need. I know you’re freaking out that she’s about to leave you alone, but that’s not true. You’ve got me. You’ve got my parents. We’re all here for you.”

“I know you are. She’s just?—”

“I know, but she needs to know you’re okay. That you’re going to be okay. She’ll never tell you, but she’s terrified too.”

I pull out of my best friend’s arms and narrow my watery eyes at her. “She called you, didn’t she?”

“Of course. Come on.”

I follow her through to the kitchen where I find a big glass of rum and Coke already waiting for me. I should have known that Brooke would have seen the empty bottle and been on top of it.

“Thank you,” I mutter, happily accepting the glass as she passes it over.

“Drink that and then go and sort yourself out. We’re going out.”

I groan. “No arguments. I’m not allowing you to sit around here and stew on things you can’t change. We’re not doing anything crazy, just food and a few drinks. Anyway, you can’t say no, because I promised your aunt I would cheer you up, so …” She gives me a faux innocent smile.

Although fake, and the fact that “nothing crazy” is probably a lie, I feel the first bit of excitement I have all day. I could argue and continue with my plan to drink my misery away alone on the couch, or I could go out with my best friend who’s going to do everything she can to put a smile on my face.

“Okay,” I say, having a large sip of my drink. “Whoa. How much rum did you put in this?”

“Enough.” She shrugs. “I’ve got to be honest,” she says as she follows me from the kitchen. “I thought you would take a little more convincing.”

“A night with you sounds like exactly what I need. And do you know what?” She lifts a brow as I spin around to face her. “I’m even going to let you pick what I wear.”

“Who are you and what have you done with my best friend?”

“Funny. I don’t want to think, so just point me in the right direction and make sure I have a drink at all times.”

“Done. Go get in the shower, and I’ll work on the wardrobe.”

With my drink still in hand, I walk into my bathroom and turn the shower on. My aunt was right about something: I need adistraction, and although I might not be willing to find a man to do so, my best friend fits the bill.

I shower, take off what’s left of today’s makeup, and wrap a towel around both my body and my hair before walking out of my bathroom.

I find Brooke standing in the middle of my room in just her underwear with two dress options hanging from her fingers. The first one is a definite no—I think I’ve got skirts that are bigger—but the second one is perfect.

“Okay, this is gorgeous,” I say, taking the soft floral fabric between my fingers. “Why have you never tried making me wear this one before?” I notice the tag still hanging on the back.

“Because I bought it for your birthday. I just thought you might need it tonight instead.”

“How many times do I need to tell you not to buy me anything for my birthday?”

“Every year. But equally, every year I’ll ignore you. So, happy birthday,” she says despite the fact it’s still over a month away, holding the hanger out for me to take. I do so eagerly.

It’s a stunning navy wrap dress with bright pink flowers covering it. Granted, it’s a good few inches shorter than I’d usually choose for myself, but it’s got full sleeves to make up for it.

“You’ve got thirty minutes. I’ve booked us a table.”

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