Page 18 of Pretty Savages
"I'm just happy to see you. Even if you do smell like stale strawberries."
I laugh, showing her my vape as I pull it out of my back pocket. "It's blackberry and mango, actually."
Phoebe holds out the wine glass which I happily accept. We walk over to her tiny couch, both letting out a groan as we sit down.
"Tell me everything," I say, taking a sip as I watch her carefully.
Immediately, her eyes well up but she fights back the tears.
"He's in good spirits. Mom is doing her best to keep it together for us, but Mandy and me… we're losing our shit."
I reach out and touch Phoebe's knee. "How is your sister?"
She grabs my hand, linking our fingers. "She's distraught. But she's taking some time off work, which is good. I've put in an application to defer my studies this semester, so hopefully I should hear back soon."
I nod. "And how's Con?"
Phoebe smiles sadly. "He's been amazing, of course. I'd be lost without him. He's completely taken over the wedding stuff. It's looking like we will be able to pull it together. We're aiming to have it in a month's time."
"Wow, that's really soon," I murmur, giving her a gentle squeeze.
She nods. "The doctors said as the cancer progresses, he will get weaker. So, we want him to be able to enjoy the wedding fully without palliative assistance. It's a rush for everyone, but I don't care when or where I marry Con… just as long as my dad is there to walk me down the aisle. Heck, I'd even get married at that bloody biker bar of yours if it meant making it happen."
We both laugh and I give her a suggestive look. "Hey, just say the word, and I'll make it happen for you. Imagine the wedding photography."
A tear falls down her cheek, even while she laughs. I reach over and wipe it away with my finger.
"You're going to be the most beautiful bride, Phoebs. And your dad is going to see his little girl marry the love of her life. Right now, that's all that matters. We will worry about everything else later."
Phoebe gives me an appreciative smile. "Thank you for being here. I really missed you."
"I missed you too," I reply honestly.
She opens her mouth to speak but closes it again, looking away.
I raise an eyebrow at her. "What?"
"Nothing," she says, taking a gulp of wine.
"Bullshit. Out with it," I push.
Phoebe purses her lips, and I can see her fighting back what's on her mind.
"I think I'm not the only one who has missed you," she finally mumbles.
I hate the feeling of dread that fills me. Because along side it, is this horribly, disgusting feeling of hope.
"What are you talking about?" I ask in a low voice.
She plays with the rim of her glass, her bottom lip quivering slightly. "I've had a few people at Brightmore approach me and ask about you. I don't know them, and honestly, I don't think you do either."
I tense up. "What are you trying to say?"
Phoebe lets out a sigh. "I think Asher has people sniffing around for information. I don't know what's going on, but shit's been weird since you left. You don't have to tell me anything, but I just get the impression something happened between you two."
I swallow hard before standing up and heading to the kitchen. I grab the entire wine bottle, not bothering to just pour a glass any more. When I sit back on the tiny couch, I take a swig from the bottle before filling up our glasses.
"What are people saying?" I finally ask after a lengthy pause.
