Page 58 of Make Me Whole
Chapter Twenty-Seven
HAILEY
My heart racedto a nervous rhythm when I walked into the kitchen the following morning. Bradley and I had only arrived back at the main house late in the afternoon, and if the looks we received during dinner were anything to go by, every single person knew exactly what we had been up to.
I couldn't bring myself to care, though.
For the first time, in I didn't even know how long, I was happy. My heart felt full and my shoulders light. Some would argue the amount of orgasms I'd had during the past twenty-four hours might've had something to do with it, but deep down I knew it was so much more.
Sharing not only my body but also my most shameful moment with Bradley had begun suturing a laceration I thought would forever remain a gaping wound. His touch was like a salve to the aches and bruises on my tattered heart.
My movements were careful as I approached Mavis where she was working the dough in her usual spot. For everything amazing that'd happened yesterday, my fight with her was the one thing I regretted.
"Morning."
I held my breath while I waited for what felt like ages for her to turn around and face me. The instant she did, though, her features softened, and she spread her arms wide. I didn't even care that her hands were still covered in dough, launching myself at her.
"I'm sorry, Mavis. You're the last person I want to fight with."
Her arms enveloped me in a comforting hug. "Hush, sweetie. There's nothing you need to be sorry for." She kissed the top of my head and then pulled back. "Let me wash my hands and then we'll talk, hmm?"
I nodded in answer before making my way to the coffee pot to pour two mugs. I'd just sweetened up our drinks when Mavis joined me at the breakfast nook. "I know that I have no right to meddle in your life," she said, after swallowing down a good amount of caffeine.
"I loved your mom like a sister; it's only natural that I'd think of you as my family." She paused and cast a long glance at the entryway; clearly choosing her words carefully. "I just don't want to see you hurt. You've been through so much, Hailey." The unshed tears in her eyes turned her irises a bright golden color.
My heart hiccupped.
Reaching across the counter, I placed my hand on top of hers. "I appreciate you more than you will ever know, Mavis. You're right, I've been through a lot." I pulled in a deep breath. "You've been there during it all; good and bad times. Supporting me, encouraging me."
The tears she was holding back finally slipped down her cheeks. My own eyes stung in response. "I need you to support me in this too." I heard the desperation in my voice, felt it burn through my veins. Her approval was paramount. "I have no clue what this thing between Bradley and me is; don't know where it's going. But I do know how he makes me feel."
I felt the smile tug at my lips. "Mavis, it's like nothing I've felt before…" As lame as it sounded, that was the only way I could describe it.
For a plump woman, she sure moved fast. Before I had time to catch my next breath, she'd jumped up and pulled me into her chest. We were locked in an awkward hug–I was still sitting down–for a long, good moment.
When she finally drew back, her hands came up to cup my shoulders. She smiled, but it didn't quite make it to her eyes. "If that's what you need, sweetie, then you have it. Always."
I could tell she still wasn't happy about whatever was happening between me and Bradley, but I believed her wholeheartedly when she gave me her support.
Because that's what family did. They supported each other unconditionally.
"You had sex with my brother!" If Talia said it any louder, the people four shops over would've heard her.
My hands shot to my heated cheeks as I tried to slide down my seat. When Talia invited me to dinner with her and Jessie, I had an inkling that Bradley and I disappearing would be up for discussion. I just wasn't expecting the first words out of his sister's mouth to bethat.
"Geez, Tal, a few decibels lower wouldn't hurt ya." Jessie smacked her friend in the arm. Before relief could settle in my bones, she turned her gaze to me. "Sneaky girl, you. You rode the horse and now the cowboy too."
"Oh, my goodness," I squeaked. "You two are the worst."
My new friends threw their heads back and laughed heartily; the sound was so infectious; I couldn't help but join in. Jessie composed herself first; wiping her eyes while leaning closer to me. "We are, but you still love us."
"I do." The words came easy.
Talia's laugh died down, her expression turning serious. She reached across the table and curled her fingers around my hand. "I am deliriously happy for you and my brother, but more for me because he finally has a girlfriend I like."
Girlfriend. I had to bite the inside of my cheek to stop my grin from stretching ear to ear.
"Oh crap," Jessie groaned. "I'm going to need something stronger than soda." She eyed her half-empty glass. "She's getting all googly eyed."
Talia slipped onto the chair closest to me and gripped my chin between her fingers. Studying me, she turned my face side to side. "Mmm, yes," she remarked. "I see it." She let go of me and returned to the seat she'd vacated a minute ago.
Leaning forward, she rested her elbows on the table. "Rule number one," she said, with a serious face. "I don't ever need to know how big it is or what he does with it."
Jessie made an incredulous sound before shoulder-bumping Talia. "Speak for yourself." Then she leaned forward too; mirth shining in her brown eyes. "I want aaall the juicy details."
I was fairly certain my cheeks were redder than red at this point. But as I sat there and listened to Talia tick off rules while Jessie vetoed each one of them, I couldn't help but feel incredibly happy. For the first time in a really long time, I was part of something and the loneliness that so often held me company was nowhere to be found.
