Page 71 of Never Started
I stare back. "One fucking date, you damn grump. It’ll cheer me up."
"Fuck it. Whatever, but don't expect me to talk."
I can't help the laugh that belts out of me. "Not you, Mister Talkative himself! How dare I ever expect that!?"
Chapter thirty-one
Izzy
October 2023
"Earth to Via!" I whisper in Via’s ear, snapping in front of her face.
She’s been zoned out and quiet the whole ride to Crave’s. It’s her favorite restaurant, and I specifically picked it to help ease her nerves about going on this blind date. She isn’t thrilled with me; that much is obvious with the way she drilled me with questions while I did her hair. But she’s here and she’s trying. My heart swells with pride at the simple fact that she’s attempting to rebuild herself after all of the wreckage she’s endured.
She’s come so far, yet she still closes parts of herself off from the world, locking them away. I know what that feels like all too well. I don’t want that for her. She deserves better—she deserves genuine happiness.It’s all I want for her.
"Yes, ma'am?" she asks, sarcasm oozing from her tone as we continue walking through the parking lot toward the restaurant.
I roll my eyes, nudging her with my shoulder. "Don't be an asshat, I asked if you're sure you're ready for this?"
"Well, you've picked a hell of a time to ask me that question, sincerely. Ready or not…. Here we are!" she sighs, and I choose to ignore her with a smug smirk, and we continue walking.
As we enter through the double doors, making our way through the crowded restaurant, I spare her a glance. I can sense her anxiety spiking in the way she’s focusing on the floor, refusing to look around. But she’s holding herself well in an attempt to mask the nerves that I’m sure are clawing at her.
I spot Maverick quickly, and we make our way toward him. Who I assume is ‘Bear’ sits across from him, but neither of them sees us yet. It isn’t until we get closer, only feet away, when I wave over to Maverick, that both men look our way. When my gaze connects with Bear’s, I’m met with all too familiar eyes.
“HOLY HELL!” I shout, honestly attempting to keep my voice small. But I fail, gaining the attention of the people around us who quickly spin in our direction.
I instantly look to Via, her eyes abandoning their stare off with the ground and snapping up to see none other thanAnderson Cole, the only love she’s ever known. She’s stunned still, unmoving.
All eyes are on us, and my heart sinks for her. The aching in my chest hits instantly, just as bile rises in my throat.
This is my fault. I forced her to come. I told her this would be good for her. She trusted me. And now, it’shim.She’s never gotten over Ander, and I doubt she ever will.Another feeling I know all too well—never getting over one of the Cole men.And now, because of me, he’s here in front of her.
She’s made so much progress recently, and the fear gnawing at me—that seeing him will set her back—comes to fruition when she quickly announces, “I have to pee,” and takes off running to the bathroom.
This isn’t good.
I glance at Maverick, who looks genuinely confused, but when I try to say something, words won’t form. My eyes find Ander’s, sorrow and shock filling his gaze. I want to comfort him, say something that will make this better. I know this has to be just as hard for him as it is for her. But I have to get to her. So instead of speaking, I give his shoulder a quick squeeze and take off behind Via.
Walking into the restroom, I push open the only occupied stall, the one with Via’s sobs pouring out of.
My resolve crumbles as I look over her, totally broken, as if no time has passed since she made the choice to let him go. I don’t know what to do, so I do what feels right. I rush forward and wrap my arms around her, pulling her to me.
It takes a while to help calm her down, but finally, she does. She’s so fucking tough. It’s one of the things I admire most about her.
After a few minutes, her crying quiets, and she pushes to stand, frantically wiping at the tears flowing down her cheeks. "Izzy, how—" A gentle knock on the main restroom door cuts her off, followed by a slow creak of the hinges. We both freeze in place.
"Is she okay?" Maverick’s voice calls out, and I see relief flood Via as her body slightly relaxes.
"She's getting there," I respond, my eyes searching Via’s in the stall. She gives me a soft nod, with a quiver of her lip and tear-filled eyes. It’s a nod that signals she’s going to do this. She’s going to go out there and face the man she never stopped loving. “We’ll just be a few more minutes."
"It's okay. Bear explained everything to me. He's gone now. He said he was sorry—"
Before I can fully register what’s happening, the stall door swings open, and Via storms out. "Where is he, Maverick?Where is Ander?" Her voice sounds small, yet she leaves no room for debate.
Maverick hesitates, shifting on his feet. “He went out the back door on the right toward the back parking lot. He looked so sad. He said he doesn't want to hurt you—"
