Page 19 of Say I'm Yours, Firecracker

Him showing up while I was talking to Eli and seeing the barely concealed panic on his face though, that was cosmic bliss. Because even though I didn’t believe in an eye for an eye, at least he was feeling a fraction of what I felt when he ghosted.

Finn knew I didn’t date, so the feeling was short lived. I could have turned up on the flirting, really punched Finn in the gut. I learned a long time ago that I could only rely on myself for things I cared about, my heart included.

But something in me just couldn’t. Seeing his eyes round and flatten in a matter of seconds made me feel like I had done something wrong.

Should I have felt that way? No.

I couldn’t help it though. Something about the way his features pinched when we spoke briefly in the hall made my stomach tie itself into knots.

“Ronnie can take point on that.” I heard Bellamy say, turning the conversation my way. Shit. I hadn’t been paying attention, too busy agonizing over a big tattooed jerk.

“Of course!” I said, brightening my smile just enough so they hopefully wouldn’t ask questions.

“Ronnie is the best when it comes to wedding dress selections.” Bellamy beamed, full of pride, and subtly sending me a hint.

I smiled back at her and hid my rosy face from our clients. I didn’t usually get embarrassed, but knowing Bell had caught on to my mental absence made me feel like a shitty friend and co-owner.

“It’s settled then.” The groom stated, standing up and dragging his fiancé with him.

“We look forward to the itinerary being sent over!” The bride called over her shoulder as her fiancé guided her out.

Bell and I looked at each other, mirrored concern splashed across our faces.

Eli, the groom’s brother, chuckled under his breath. “He gets a little…hangry sometimes.” He flipped his phone around for us to see a text thread on his phone between him and his brother. Sure enough, the last text was from ten minutes ago asking when ‘the hens’ would stop blabbing so he could eat.

Bell and I both started laughing, our concern washed away.

“Seriously, thank you for choosing to take them on,” he started, eyeing both Bell and I. “They haven’t had an easy relationship, but they deserve this.”

“That’s sweet.” I said at the same time Bell makes a ‘yuck’ face. I kicked her under the table to rearrange her facial muscles before he saw and said something to his brother.

Eli stood, prompting Bell and I to follow and see him out the door. I searched the empty waiting room for any signs of Finn. Not sure if I was hoping he had stayed or gone.

Bellamy leaned against the wall across from the door, arms folded, eyes casually assessing me. “He left.”

I sighed. Because ain’t that the damn truth. They always leave.

“Here’s a thought.” She said, tapping her chin with her finger. “Why don’t you talk to the behemoth?”

“We both know why that’s a really bad idea.”

“No. I know whyyouthink it’s a bad idea. But would Finn agree?”

The understanding look in her hazel eyes reminded me that Bellamy loved me. Tears lined my lashes, pregnancy hormones could suck it. I was already an emotional person, and now anytime anything happened…boom, flood gates activate.

I licked my lips and started toward my office, hoping the tears would absorb back into my body by the time Bell caught up. She was not a fan of walking fast.

“Look, I know I’m the last person who should be giving dating advice–”

“We’re giving dating advice?” Aaron strolled out of Bellamy’s office, his hand brushed hers in a small but efficient gesture of their affection.

She tilted her head up so she could look at him, “Maybe adulting advice would be more accurate.”

He laughed, “Well, in that case, you are most definitely not accredited.”

She swatted his arm but continued, “Have a conversation with him. Finn fucked up, I agree. But people can surprise you.”

I couldn’t find my tongue to continue the conversation. Too many emotions and thoughts took up all the space I had left in my brain.

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