Page 52 of With a Broken Wing
I rolled my eyes, pressing my fingers to my temple. “Sister-in-law. It doesn’t give you the right to demand things.”
She clicked her tongue twice. “See, that’s where you’re wrong.Youaskedmefor help, remember?”
“I’m starting to regret that decision,” I grumbled, crossing my arms.
“Oh, get the fuck over it, you grumpy son of a bitch.”
I lifted an eyebrow, growing more annoyed. On my desk was a list of vendors I had already hired or paid for the party, and I slid it to her. Jules just looked at me. It was her turn to roll her eyes.
“Are you going to call her?”
When she asked, I crumpled the paper in my hand. “Absolutely not.”
“Come on. You’re being ridiculous. You’re going to throw a whole party for her and not even going to call her? Don’t be such a coward.” She tossed her head to the side.
I narrowed my eyes, glaring. “You’re pushing it.”
“You want to throw a party? Let’s throw a party, but this pouting thing has to stop. You’re going to have to grow up andtalk to her.” She emphasized the words with a syncopated pause between them.
I couldn’t help but laugh at the woman in front of me who was bossing me around. It was no wonder my brother was so wrapped around her finger. I can’t imagine him ever telling her no when she got demanding like that, but I wasn’t going to take it.
“Are you here to help me or nag me? If it’s the latter, you can leave.”
“Fine, fine. But only because I’ll make you admit it by the day of the party.” She looked proud of herself, cocky even.
“Make me admitwhat?”
“That Andy’s the love of your life. You’ll see. Nowpleasetell me one of those vendors is bringing funnel cakes. They’re her favorite.”
I knew she was coming.Auston had warned me. That didn’t stop me from cowering behind a shame-filled vale of tears when my best friend walked into my apartment. She took a long scan of the room, likely taking note of the lingering empty wine bottles and the mess of blankets on the floor that would normally be folded nicely in the basket in the corner. The one that had been lying on its side for days.
When she looked back at me, there was pity in the form of tears in her eyes. It was the reason I tended to deal with things all on my own. Without a word, she hurried towards me and threw her arms around my waist, hugging me for a long minute before smacking my arm. “I’ve been so worried about you!”
“I’m sorry.” A whisper was all I could manage. I felt small against her chest, even though we’re about the same size. At least we were. She got married and started a new career, and she grew out of her shell while I wished to be buried in mine while it shrank.
“Don’t be sorry,” she said, running her hand up and down my back at a steady pace. I let her lead me to the couch and pull me to a seated position next to her. “I mean, maybe be sorry a little bit that you didn’t tell your best friendanyof this, but never be sorry for the things you can’t control—like other peopleoryour past.”
She held my hand and the tears I’d thought I had run out of rolled down my cheeks. I nodded. “But I ruinedeverything.”
“Stop it. You did not.” She paused for a moment, hesitating. “Besides, you’re coming home with me. We’re going to make it all better.”
“No, Jules. I can’t.”
“You can, though. That’s why I’m here, and I’m not leaving without you.” She crossed her arms in the way she always did that told me there was no point in arguing with her.
“Jules, there’s nothing to fix. Hehatesme. I lied to him…”
She shrugged. “Sure, you kinda lied to all of us, but he definitely doesn’thateyou. He’s been a miserable fuck the last couple of weeks, Andy. He’s hurting too.” Jules grabbed my hand. “You’re coming back with me. You two are going to have to talk.”
“I don’t know…”
“It’s not a question. You’re obviously in love with him.”
“I’m not in—” I sat up and looked at her. “Wait… you know? I thought we were pretty…”
When she laughed, a small smile tugged at the corner of my mouth for the first time since I’d left Demetri’s side. “You’re kidding, right? You weren’t nearly as inconspicuous as you thought. I mean, he finger-fucked you at dinner, for crying out loud.”
Again, her laugh filled the room, and a blush rose on my cheeks as I remembered that week. It was the best week of my life and seemed like it was longer than three weeks ago. An ache filled my chest.I wish I could go back.
