Page 77 of Anathema
“Get over yourselves,” Chyler mumbled with a laugh as we cheered our glasses together.
It was good to be back to where we once were, without all the fucked up strings.
DEREK…
It’ssurrealtoknowI have everything I want, and I couldn’t be any happier. So much had happened between Alexis and me, and I never thought we would get to this point together, aside from the fact that she was refusing to let me get down on one knee for a reason other than to shove my face between her thighs.
AJ and I had been catching up at the office. I wanted to spend most of my time with Alexis if I could, but I wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity to reconnect with my best friend after all these months of just communicating over emails and text messages.
AJ and Chyler have been house hunting for the past two weeks, finally finding their—Chyler’s—dream home in the countryside. I don’t know how he managed to pull off the sale as quickly as he did. But they started moving in two days ago, and from the sound of things, their lives couldn’t be more perfect.Next up… the wedding…
“The boys have arrived!” Marcus threw his hands up in the air as AJ and I entered the crowded bar. The two of us shook our heads in unison. Leave it to Marcus to already be drunk and causing a scene.
Dean and Marcus had already ordered us beers, and they were sitting on the table waiting for us.
“Madison said to stay out of trouble.” AJ laughed, taking a seat, and I did the same.
“Pssh. She loves it. Isn’t that right, Dean?” He elbowed him, and Dean just gave Marcus the side eye as he sipped his drink, avoiding answering his question.
“So, which one of you is actually fucking her?” I raised a brow, gesturing between them, and they both glanced at each other with a smug smirk. “Oh fuck.” I sighed out a laugh. “No fucking way.”
AJ rubbed his forehead and bit his bottom lip at the thought of the three of them together.
“I’m not even going to ask.” He chuckled lightly, picking up his beer.
“You two couldn’t handle it,” Marcus added, patting Dean on the back. “She’s… energetic and—”
I held my hand up to stop him from continuing further as I took a long pull from my beer. Ireallydidn’t need to hear any of this. Knowing they both were sleeping with her was more than enough information for me.
“Alright, Marcus. I think you’ve had enough.” I grabbed the last of his drink and finished it for him.
“You know I can just go order another one, right?” Marcus teased.
“And I’m sure you will, but at least then, you will be far enough away from this table for us to have a real conversation in your absence.” I goaded, gesturing to the crowded bar.
Marcus scoffed and moved to join the crowd that wrapped around the entire bar counter. He would be at least a good twenty minutes before he got his new drink.
“How’s she holding up?” I nudged Dean as I took Marcus’s spot beside him.
“She’s good. Still having nightmares, but all things considered, she’s almost back to herself.” Dean sighed, looking down at his glass. “She won’t tell either of us about her history with Adrian. Hopefully, with time, she will, but he really did a number on her, Derek.” He frowned, biting his cheek.
“Our women are strong; she’ll open up when she’s ready.” AJ chimed in. “Don’t force her; you’ll just scare her away.”
I nodded, knowing that all too well with Alexis. If it weren’t for their looks, you’d think the three of them genuinely were sisters, more than just at heart. The resemblance in personality and fuck you attitude was uncanny.
“I know.” Dean blew out a sigh. “I just wish it were easier.”
“Which part? The relationship or her?” I chuckled, trying to make light of the conversation.
“Her. The relationship is easy. Perfect even.” He smiled. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“You and Marcus give a new meaning to the term Eskimo brothers.” AJ laughed, clinking his glass against Dean’s.
“You don’t even know the half of it.” He mumbled, shaking his head and finishing his drink. “Whatever happened to Eli? I don’t recall seeing him leave with the SWAT team that night in the hideout.” Dean asked, placing his empty glass on the table, and I couldn’t help the shit-eating grin that beamed on my face.
“You don’t need to worry about him.” I tipped back the last of my beer and set down the glass with a dark chuckle as I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand.
EPILOGUE 2
