Page 87 of Between Regrets and Promises

My shoulders rise and fall, my mind going through a range of thoughts. “I haven’t decided yet.”

“Fair enough.”

Before I can get into my car, Dacia walks up. “Anyone else drink that coffee in there?”

Caleb and I look at each other and break out into laughter.

“I swear, it was like a million days old! There’s a cafe across the street. Would you guys want to go? Or if you have plans, don’t worry about it.” Dacia glances between us.

She’s in her late twenties or early thirties and has long legs and skinny hips. Honestly, she’s gorgeous with jet black hair and light-colored eyes, and the fact she’s sweet and kind only adds to her appeal.

Before I can respond, Caleb answers. “Sure, I have a few minutes to spare.”

“Yeah, me too,” I reply.

We ended up sitting at the cafe for almost two hours. I haven’t laughed that much in so long. Part of me felt guilty about it, considering we were at a grieving circle talking about death and the emotional roller coaster it brings. However, Dacia explained how she overcame the dark days. She talks to her brother and believes he’s listening and watching over her. It’s what brings the light back into her life.

I thought it was super sweet, but I have no urge to talk about Weston. It’s hard to explain how I’m not missinghim, but I nod along so I don’t look like a crazy person who’s glad her boyfriend is gone so he can’t hurt her ever again.

Before we leave, the three of us exchange numbers, and I agree to see them at the next meeting, though part of me still isn’t sure I want to return. If anything, it’s been nice to meetsome new people who I might eventually feel comfortable opening up to. Perhaps one day, when I’m not anxious about what their reactions might be, I can share my story about Weston’s and my relationship.

“How’d it go?” Mason asks as soon as I walk into the kitchen. “You were gone for a while.”

He digs through the fridge and pulls out random things, which makes me wonder what the hell he’s doing.

“I ended up meeting a couple of people, and we went to the cafe across the street to chat. It was okay, I guess. Weird. I didn’t go into too many details.” I shrug, reaching for the packet of shredded cheese he tossed on the counter. “What’re you doing?”

“Making a taco salad. Want some?” he asks, reaching for the can of diced tomatoes to open it.

“You’re cooking?” I chuckle. “Since when?”

Narrowing his eyes, he swipes the cheese from my fingers. “I cook. I just haven’t been in the mood, but I’m starving and can only eat so much takeout before I feel like shit.”

“Good point.” I smile, grabbing the lettuce. “I’ll chop this.”

We work side by side, making easy conversation while I mix the greens with tomatoes, cheese, and olives, per his request. Mason cooks the meat while I crush a bag of Doritos and add it in with sour cream. Once we’re done, we toss everything together with some taco sauce and scoop it into two bowls before we sit in the living room.

“It’s so good,” I moan around my first forkful.

“What is that?” Liam asks, walking down the stairs and putting on a shirt. As soon as he takes the last step, his nose scrunches as he sniffs our salads. “I smell something delicious.”

Mason and I both snort. “Did you only come out of your cave because you smelled food?”

“Actually, I was sleeping, and it woke me up. Now where is it? What is it? I want some.”

“You’re such a man-child.” I snicker. “Taco salad. Kitchen.”

Mason clicks to Netflix, and we eat while watchingLucifer. Things between us have become so comfortable, and any awkwardness that lingered before the incident is long gone. I love hanging out with them, even if the circumstances aren’t ideal.

“Dude, you guys are way behind on this show,” Liam says, plopping down on the couch, and it makes me bounce a little.

“No spoilers!” I point my fork at him.

“Don’t worry. I’m on a new show anyway,” Liam says, taking a gigantic bite. He acts like he hasn’t eaten in a week, which I find hilarious since he eats nonstop.

“Which one?”

“I’m not telling you.”

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