Page 76 of Sugar Coated Lies
Daire folds me in his arms, and I bury my face in his hard chest. The tears fall unexpectedly. Will this ever end?
He kisses my head and holds me tight, making me feel warm and loved and protected. I almost say the words—I love you—because I do. So much.
“I hate seeing you in so much pain. What can I do to make it better?” he asks.
“You’re doing it.”
Two taps sound on the front door.
Sadie. I jerk away from Daire like we’re two kids making out in a school janitor’s closet about to get caught. So stupid.
I open the door and am greeted by a pair of soft hazel eyes and a sincere smile on my best friend's comforting face. She looks the same other than the longer length of her light brown wavy hair, and she’s not as tan as she used to be. City life, I guess.
She steps inside and embraces me. “Everleigh. I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay.” I sniffle, fighting the urge to ball again.
“It’s not okay. Losing everyone you love is never okay. But you have me. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll stay as long as you want.”
I nod into the crook of her neck. “Thank you.”
“I brought vodka and chocolate, too.”
I giggle and we separate, both of us wiping our glistening eyes, even though neither of us is crying.
Her gaze drifts past me to Daire, who is standing in the kitchen near the counter.
“Sorry.” I turn to the side so they can see each other without me in the way. “Sadie, this is Daire. Daire, this is my best friend.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Daire offers his hand.
Sadie returns the gesture, studying every inch of him in her calculating way.
“I’ve never killed anyone, nor do I plan to or have the urge.” Daire smirks.
Sadie laughs and eyes me. “Someone’s been telling you all about me.”
I grin, more at ease now that Sadie is here.
“You’re just as handsome as your pictures. Maybe more.” She gives me a thumbs up. “Well done.”
I choke on a laugh and swat her shoulder, my cheeks ablaze. “Stop.”
If this is how things will go with Sadie around, I’ll be too embarrassed by her blunt comments to be sad.
“Tell me, Daire.” Sadie crosses her arms. “What are your intentions toward our sweet Everleigh?”
Daire grins with amusement, not at all offended.
I, on the other hand, am mortified. “Daire has to get back to work.” I clutch his bicep. “I’m going to walk him out while you make yourself comfortable.”
She raises her hands in defense. “These are standard best friend-meets-boyfriend questions.”
“I’ll be right back.” I force Daire to the door.
Still looking amused, he says, “My intentions are to please and care for her for as long as she’ll let me.”
“Great answer. But remember, Everleigh is inclined to push people away. Sometimes you might have to push back.”
