I'm too exhausted to argue, too grateful for her presence to pretend I want to be alone.As we get into our separate cars, Amanda waves through her window, and despite everything, a small smile tugs at my lips.Damn, I'm lucky to have such good friends.
The drive home feels endless, my mind replaying that moment in the diner over and over.The look in Cole's eyes.The flowers hitting the pavement.The silence that followed.Each replay brings fresh waves of anxiety, but underneath it all, a determination grows.
I won't lose him.Not like this.Not over a misunderstanding.
I just need him to give me a chance to explain.
The aroma of melted cheese and garlic fills my apartment as Samantha leans back in her chair, letting out an exaggerated groan.Her hand pats her stomach as she declares, "Oh god, I might burst.I'm never eating this much pizza again."
I watch her, grateful for these moments of normalcy despite the anxiety churning in my gut.Amanda's laugh breaks through my thoughts as she rises from her chair, dramatically slapping her behind.
"Guess skipping the gym is not an option this week," she sighs, pushing out her bottom in an exaggerated pose that makes both Samantha and me crack genuine smiles.
Amanda flops back into her chair, grinning."Last night I ordered sushi for two, and afterward, I ate a bucket of Ben & Jerry's ice cream while watchingMagic Mike."She fans herself with her hand."I love that movie."
"Why don't you ask Brian to help you stretch those ice cream muscles?"The teasing words slip out before I can stop them, a brief moment of lightness in the heavy evening.
Samantha's laughter mingles with mine as Amanda rolls her eyes, but the moment shatters as my phone suddenly chimes.My heart leaps into my throat as I practically launch myself across the room to grab it.
"Oh, thank God!It's him."My fingers tremble as I unlock the screen.
Amanda appears at my shoulder, her presence steady and supportive as she peers at the message."What is he saying?"
The words on the screen make my breath catch:Meet me at the diner across from the store.
"He wants to meet," I whisper, hope and fear warring in my chest.
"So...Go!"Amanda's hands land on my shoulders, giving me a gentle shake."I'll stay with Samantha."
"Are you sure?"
"Duh," she says, spinning me toward my room."Go!Samantha and I are going to have girls' time."
I pull her into a quick, fierce hug before grabbing my purse.When I turn, Samantha is there, wrapping her arms around me.Her embrace reminds me so much of Cole it makes my heart ache.
"Did you and Cole have a fight?"she whispers, worry clear in her voice.
I pull back enough to meet her eyes, seeing so much of her father in her expression."Don't worry, Sam.We had a misunderstanding, but I'm going to make it right.We just need to sit down and talk."
She studies my face for a moment before nodding, pressing a quick kiss to my cheek."Okay.See you two later."
"Oh, and don't forget to put on your red lipstick!"Amanda calls out as I head for the door."It's his kryptonite!"
A small laugh escapes me, but it fades quickly as I step into the hallway.My teeth worry my bottom lip as I walk to the elevator, my mind racing with all the things I need to say, all the ways I need him to understand.
The parking garage is eerily quiet this time of night, my heels echoing against the concrete as I walk to my car.As I slide behind the wheel, one question circles in my mind like a prayer:Will he forgive me?
I check my reflection in the rearview mirror, Amanda's words echoing in my head as I carefully apply the red lipstick.My hands are steady now, purpose replacing panic.I'm going to fix this.I have to.
Because a life without Cole's warmth, without his love, without his trust – that's not a future I'm willing to accept.
38
COLE
I make my way through Boston's streets, each stride carrying the weight of betrayal.The city's constant noise should drown out the chaos in my head, but after hours of walking, the questions only grow louder, more insistent.
Why did she do it?How could she side with my mother after everything?Don't my feelings mean shit to her?
