Page 21 of Never Really Mine
Eight fucking weeks.
Marley has been avoiding me for eight fucking weeks.
Déjà vu settles itself on my shoulders as I walk up the front steps to Marley’s parent’s house. I’ve wrestled with myself over the last eight weeks. Do I let this go? Say it was just a one-night thing, something to burn off the heat that’s been brewing for years? Or do I fight for her? Fight for her like I should have done in the first place.
I’ve gone back and forth. Regretting ever kissing her, to having sex, to… everything. Then, deciding it was the best thing I’ve ever done, drunk, or sober. Sure, do I wish our first time was when we were both of clear and sound mind? Obviously, but I don’t regret that both of us had lowered our inhibitions enough to give into what we wanted.
I’ve sent her countless messages, called her just as much, and I’ve gotten nothing but silence. I sent her two bouquets of flowers, which was a difficult task, seeing as I had to go to my new sister-in-law to order them, and she had an abundance of questions. I need to prove to Marley how much I want this, want her in my life as more than just my best friend. I have to do onething first. Sure, we’ve seen each other in person, but only at Sunday Brunches, and it’s not like I’m going to bring it up as we sit across the table from both our families.
I can’t help but think about the way my last attempt at a chance with her went. When I asked Gabriel for the go ahead and was shut down. I still don’t think I will ever be good enough for her, but now, I don’t care. I need to prove to him that now, I’m not an eighteen-year-old kid. I’ve thought this through, and even if he tells me no, this time, I’m not going to take no for an answer.
My decision is clear to me as I knock on the door.
It’s time to fight.
It opens with a click, Marley’s mom, Jane, on the other side. “Well hi, honey, what are you doing here?”
“Is Gabriel home?” I ask.
“Sure, come on in,” she says, opening the door wider. “How are you? We haven’t seen much of you lately.”
“Busy,” I answer. I’ve seen her at the weekly Sunday Brunches that Marley and my family have, but haven’t seen her otherwise. “Lots of houses on the market, so lots of showings.”
She leads me into the family room where Gabriel is sitting in his recliner, watchingLaw and Order.“Gabe, Beau is here,” Jane calls, getting his attention.
At the mention of my name, Gabriel chuckles. He turns the TV off, standing from his chair with a low groan. “Took you long enough,” he mutters.
I step forward, offering him my hand. “Sorry?” I ask, a little confused.
“You know, when we told you it wasn’t your and Marley’s time, we didn’t mean forever.” He squeezes my hand tightly. “You guys weren’t ready back then, but we thought that if after college you were both still single, you’d ask again. But you never did.”
My heart pounds furiously in my chest. Is this a joke? “I… so what are you saying?”
“Well, I thought you would’ve turned around and asked her out that day when you walked out of the house, but you never did. We had your best interests at heart, but when I think about it now, I realize we probably were in the wrong. We could’ve voiced our concerns and then moved on. I just hope it’s not too late.”
My jaw drops slightly. “So… you don’t think I’m not good enough for her?”
Gabriel chuckles. “Son, you are the best person for her. We can all see that.”
I clear my throat. I’m angry that I wasted all this time without her, but now… now I can go get her. “Thank you, Gabriel,” I say, my voice breaking slightly. I’ve forgotten that Jane is in the room still, until she speaks.
“What the hell are you two talking about? What happened back then? Oh my god, are you going to marry Marley?” Her voice increases an octave with each sentence. I turn, pulling her into a tight hug.
“That’s the goal,” I say, my heart light, tension relieved in my body for the first time in a long time.
We chat for a while longer, until I decide it’s time to find Marley.
13
MARLEY
Missing Beau has me feeling physically ill. I haven’t slept, can barely eat, and I’m nauseous all the time. I’ve been avoiding him. Even at our worst, things were never this… awkward. Nevermind the fact that he’s in my dreams every night, doing unspeakable things to me and my body.
I’ve woken up more than once with my panties wet and my heart pounding. Only now, my dreams aren’t a fantasy. They’re based on real life. I know what it feels like to have Beau hovering over me, his lips on mine, feel him thrusting in and out of me.
I shake myself out of yet another daydream as the door to my studio opens. The bell on the door rings, and my client walks in. Since I’ve started focusing more on boudoir, I’ve met some incredible women.
I greet her, and get to work right away. She had her makeup and hair done at the salon down the street, a part of the package I offer. She picks out the lingerie she wants to wear, and we discuss poses and the vibe she wants for the shoot.
