Page 18 of Something Borrowed
Mac doesn’t do what I expect him to. He marches up to me and holds his hand out like he’s going to shake mine. Only, when I slide my hand into his, he pulls me close so he can whisper in my ear. “Hurt her again and I’ll fucking kill you.” His voice is low and menacing like I’ve never heard from my best friend before , and it causes a shiver to run down my spine.
“You have my word.”
“I should fucking hope so.”
Tugging on my hand, he pulls me into a hug and slaps my back. Bryony and Tina’s eyes are both wide when I look up. But they soon relax when I nod at them.
Once Mac releases me, Tina steps up. “Look after my baby.”
“Of course.”
“Is there going to be another wedding soon?” Tessa calls from her place at the table, and when I turn to Bryony, her face has lost all its color.
“Don’t listen to her,” I whisper in her ear. “We’ll do this our way.” I might not say the words, but I fully intend on her becoming my wife one way or another. I just need to figure out the best way to do it.
Bryony
“Do you have to go?” I ask, holding both of Freddie’s hands in mine.
“I’m sorry, baby. I’ll be back as soon as I can on Friday.”
We spent most of yesterday helping Tessa and Mac sort all their wedding stuff out at the hotel and then the four of us went out for dinner before they left for their honeymoon.
Thankfully, Mac seemed relatively cool with the idea of Freddie and I being together. I’m sure that wouldn’t have been the case if he found out when I was only seventeen, mind you. But I’m a somewhat sensible adult now and he should know better than to question my decisions.
With one last kiss, I watch as Freddie throws his bag in the trunk of his car and gets in the driver’s seat. Tears burn my eyes, but I refuse to cry. I’ve managed without him for ten years. Three days should be nothing.
He gives me a sad little wave before he puts his foot down and disappears from my sight.
Shutting the door behind me, I let out a slow breath, willing the tears to disappear. I’m stronger than this.
Walking over to the coffee table, I type out a message on our girls group chat.
Bryony:Anyone fancy a drink?
Rose:It’s a Monday night.
Vaughan:I’m there. Usual place?
Just over an hour later,I’m walking into our usual cocktail bar. There is no way I could sit at home alone after everything that’s happened this weekend.
“So,” Rose starts the second I join her, Vaughan, Lacey, and Cherry at our usual booth at the back. “Vaughan says you’ve been keeping secrets.”
My cheeks heat and I break my gaze from Rose. She’s been my best friend for years and I feel guilty that I’ve never confided in her about Freddie.
“I’m sorry,” I say, taking the seat next to her and grabbing the glass that’s waiting for me.
“What for?”
“For not telling you about him.”
“Don’t be silly. But I do want to know everything now.”
* * *
The girls helpedto take my mind off the fact that not only was I in a proper relationship for the first time in my adult life, but it was a long distance one at that. By the time Thursday rolls around, talking to Freddie on the phone and sending messages practically every hour of the day is already starting to get old. I know he said everything would work out, but this really fucking sucks.
I’m curled up on the sofa in my pajamas with a tub of my favorite ice cream watching the latest season ofThe Bacheloron TV when my doorbell rings.
