Page 55 of When We Fall: Part Two
“When was the last time you got high?”
“A week ago,” he replied.
“I’m proud of you,” I said, really meaning it. I’d noticed he hadn’t been blitzed out like he typically was. “Seriously.”
A tiny smile graced his lips before he left and went back to the basement.
“You noticed it too?” Enzo asked.
I nodded. “Yeah. Sober E is way different from strung-out E. He’s happier and jokes more.”
“It’s weird,” Cole murmured. “He’s a completely different person. What changed?”
“He made a promise,” I replied. “I think he’s working hard. I really am proud of him.”
“Rosalie said he wrote a song with her. Well, he wrote a song and she worked on it with him,” Enzo said.
“Nice,” I said, nodding.
We were all quiet for a minute.
“Fox, did Rosalie talk to you about her dad?” Enzo asked.
“No,” I answered. “Which is weird because she tells me everything. I didn’t push her on it. I’m honestly assuming he told her he isn’t coming to the engagement party and won’t be there for the wedding. She asked me to give her away, and I said I would.” It sucked, but it was what it was. The prospect of her marrying me someday kept me going. Enzo better uphold his promise; that was all I knew.
“I think that’s what it was, too.” Enzo sighed. “Fuck, he’s a dickhead. He knows what this means to her.”
“That’s John,” I said. “He’s stubborn. I’m glad Rosie didn’t inherit too much of that from him. I can call him and try to talk to him.”
Cole and Enzo exchanged looks.
“I hate him,” Cole muttered. “But maybe you should. She’s been smiling a lot lately. I like that. I like how happy we’ve been. Don’t tell her you’re doing it. If he ends up showing up with her mom, she’ll be ecstatic. It’s worth it.”
“OK. I’ll call.” I got to my feet.
“Do that. I have some men coming in for a final rundown of everything for tomorrow. I have to deal with my parents’ shit too.”
“I thought your parents were coming in tonight,” I said.
“They’re going to drive in for it with Emilio and some men. Seemed safer that way.”
I nodded. It made sense.
I bid the guys goodbye, listening as Cole asked Enzo if he’d ordered an at-home engagement cake because the guests would eat all the cake at the party, and he wouldn’t be able to have his fill. I chuckled at that. He sure enjoyed cake.
I got to my room and closed my door. I sank onto my bed and pulled up John’s number on my phone before sending it.
It rang four times before he came on the line.
“Fox,” he said. “Is Rosalie OK?”
“She’s fine, John,” I replied. “I didn’t mean to alarm you. I only thought we could talk for a few minutes if you have some time.”
“Sure. Of course,” he said. “What’s going on?”
“Uh, nothing. Rosalie was really upset when you left.”
He was quiet for a moment. “She didn’t tell you what I told her?”
