Page 83 of Between Regrets and Promises

I didn’t cryfor him.I won’t.

I’ve already done enough of that while he was alive.

Weston’s mother is beyond distraught, hysterical even, and while I feel bad that she lost her son, the relief that he’ll never be able to hurt me, or anyone else again, overrides those feelings of guilt.

Throughout the service I’m numb, almost in shock, as people share stories about Weston. The entire room believes he was a good, loving man, and it makes me sick to know so many people are celebrating an abusive manipulator. As the pastor continues, I’m torn between the guilt of his death and the happiness knowing I’m free from him.

He tried to kill Mason.

He would’ve killed me.

And if I would’ve escaped him, whoever he trapped next would’ve been the new target. Weston was an emotionless monster who didn’t understand compassion on the most basic level. I’m still not sure how I ever fell for a man like him.

As soon as the funeral service is over, Lennon and Maddie escort me out of the building, and we leave. Part of me wantsvisual confirmation that he’s actually gone, never capable of ruining my life again, but I don’t stay for the burial. Sadness weighs heavy on my chest, but I refuse to feel sorry for him or give him any power. I don’t want to feel bitter or angry because that’s still allowing him to affect me from the grave.

It’s over now. It’s really over.

The healing can finally begin, hopefully.

Once we’re back in the car, we’re all silent, and it takes a few minutes to realize Lennon isn’t driving us back to the house.

“You need a drink and some food,” Lennon says as if she read my mind. “Then I’ll take you home.” She finally looks at me. “Plus, we need sister time.”

“Yes!” Maddie adds from the back seat, though she wedges herself between us as much as she can. “Did you guys see the package on Liam? How did thatthingnot impale you and get you pregnant?” she asks Lennon.

“Oh my God…” I laugh, pushing Maddie’s hand off my seat. “She’s already pregnant, for one.”

“Why do you think I pushed him away?” Lennon snickers. “He’s a…beast. To say the least.” I watch her expression and am almost certain I see her blush.

“So since I’m not well experienced in the area of penis size?—”

“Maddie!” I shout.

“Would you rather I google it?” she retorts. “You’re my big sisters. You’re supposed to tell me these things!”

“Fine,” Lennon says, giving me a look and shrugging. “Liam is definitely…well-endowed. Let’s just say that.”

“And can we talk about that man’s ass? I could bounce a quarter off that thing,” Maddie adds.

“Does Hunter know you check out other men’s penises?” I taunt, batting my eyelashes at her.

Lennon glares and her nostrils flare. “Don’t make me turn this car around and tell Mason you want to jump his bonesand lock you two into a bedroom until you finally fuck it out. Because I will.”

“Her hormones are crazy, Soph. She’ll do it,” Maddie says matter-of-factly.

I roll my eyes at her threats. “Wouldn’t matter anyway. He’s made it perfectly clear we’re only friends. Roommates. Thinks of me like a sister. And now probably a damsel in distress he has to save. In fact, he probably pities me. It doesn’t mean Masonwantsme. He’s had the chance to say something for years.”

“So give him a second one,” Maddie says confidently. “You live in the same house now.”

“It’s too soon, Mads,” I tell her genuinely. “As much as I wanted Mason before, the timing is all wrong. In fact, that seems to be the story of our lives.”

Lennon parks the car, and I didn’t realize we were at a Mexican restaurant. “What do you mean?” She gives me a puzzled look as if she’s studying my face, then her eyes widen. “Did something already happen between you two? Like before? Before Weston? When? Recently?”

She’s rambling off so many questions that my head spins. Knowing I can’t push this conversation off any longer, I suck in a deep breath before releasing it.

“I’m gonna need a couple of drinks in my system before we talk about this.”

An hour later, I’m three drinks in, and Maddie and Lennon are looking as if they’re about to wring my neck for keeping this secret from them.

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