Page 12 of Until the End

I love that they’ve adopted my name for the douchebag.

“He wants to reconcile.”

Ginny’s statement is like a record scratch. We stare at her in disbelief.

“I haven’t responded. I’m not sure what to say yet. Cecelia always made the decisions when it came to stuff like this.”

“Don’t you have a whole team of people who would be on your side versus his?” I ask.

Ginny’s eyebrows furrow. “Well, I hired my assistant, and she suggested my social media manager, so maybe them?”

“Hang on, why can’t you trust your team?” Lottie asks.

Ginny looks at me with surprise. “I thought you told them.”

“It’s your story, Goose. You need to be the one to tell it. Not me.”

Ginny tilts her head to the side in understanding. She takes a deep breath before sharing everything that’s happened over the last year. Our friends are all properly outraged with every detail she shares.

By the end, Gia, Lottie, and Ginny have tears in their eyes. The three of them are cuddling on the couch together while Michael looks like he wants to commit murder, and Ryan’s hand on his shoulder is the only thing holding him back. I’ve never seen Ryan truly angry, but there’s no doubt he’d like to have a few words with Weasel.

“I’m so sorry, Gin. I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you. I knew in my heart that something was wrong, but I thought it was me being over-the-top like I normally am.” Gia sniffs. She’s never emotional. Gia’s personality is the exact opposite of Ginny’s. She’s loud, brash, and always keeps her emotions locked down tight, but this is too much, even for her.

“None of this is your fault,” Ginny implores.

“It’s not yours either.” I give her a look, needing her to believe it.

She softens just a bit and nods her head. “I think it’s officially time to get drunk.”

“Yes.” Gia slaps her palms on her thighs. “Bartender, let’s pour some shots.”

“Is everyone off tomorrow?” I ask.

A chorus of yeses and hell yeahs answers my question. This is exactly what Ginny needs—to remind herself that she’s surrounded by people who love her in every phase of her life. None of us cares if she’s a superstar or a nobody. We don’t want her to be anyone other than herself. She’s our best friend, and no matter what happens, we’re going to be there for her.

I know the battle has only begun, but I’ll stand by her side until the end.

Chapter 7

Goose,

Are you sure you’re okay? I still can’t believe that jerk did that to you. I’m not sorry I shoved him, even though I got in trouble. He deserved it. Pushing you off the monkey bars wasn’t safe. Maybe you should go see the nurse. You could’ve broken your arm or something.

Tell me if he bothers you again, okay?

—Duck

Chapter 8

Ginny

Ibite my lip. “These are your people, you coward. Just call them.”

I wish the voice in my head didn’t sound like the Weasel, but I think the kick in the pants is necessary. It’s hard to believe I loved someone who treated me as horribly as Wesley did. I guess that’s how manipulators win, though. They know exactly what to say to break you down, and they’re patient about it, too.

Picking my phone up from the kitchen counter, I press my assistant’s name, the rings echoing loudly through the speaker.

“Thank god you finally called,” Chelsea says dramatically. I can picture her brown hair, braided into pigtails like usual, and her brown eyes sparkling with excitement. “I’ve been trying to give you space like you asked, but I’m dying over here.”

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