“I’m really sorry. Really.”
“We can’t dwell in the past. It will only ruin us,” I whisper, my dad’s words rattling my soul. If he were here, he never would have let Ryan or Shea speak to me that way. He would be pissed that I went with Drew, but he would have supported me. I was his princess. I thought I was Drew’s princess, but boy, was I wrong.
“Right,” Ryan agrees with a deep sigh. “Will you come to the wedding?”
I don’t even hesitate. “Of course I will.”
“Sofia wants you to stand up there with her.”
“I’ll text her and get the details.”
“She’ll love that. She misses you greatly too.”
I miss her. My college roommate and best friend. Our first year together was perfect, but I ruined it when I left. We still talked over the years, but when things got really bad with Drew, I started pulling away. She was busy with opening her gym, so I don’t think she noticed much. The only person who did notice was Shelli. She’s my constant hemorrhoid. I love her, though.
“You should call Mom.”
“Sure. I will.” Not today. Maybe tomorrow. Too much family drama for one day, and of course, I’m still thinking about that damn check on my counter. I know if Ryan ever found out why I got those checks, he’d kill Drew. Dead.
“Will you tell me where you are?”
I don’t want to, but I know Ryan talks with Chandler almost daily, and he’ll find out one way or another. “I’m at Grandma’s beach house.”
He laughs. “I knew it. I told Mom you were there, but Grandma said you weren’t.”
“I told her not to tell.”
He groans loudly. “It didn’t have to be like this.”
“Maybe, but it is. Now we repair.”
“Yeah, which will be easy since I’m basically the most important guy in your life now.”
His words make me smile. “I’m your sister, Ryan. I’m not Sofia.” He laughs, and I chuckle softly. “I miss you.”
His laughter drops off, and there is so much emotion in his voice as he whispers, “I miss you.”
We hang up after telling each other we love the other. I hold my phone in my fingertips as I look out at the ocean. I was dreading that call, but it actually went better than I’d thought. Ryan doesn’t apologize easily, so he must have felt bad. It was all avoidable like he said, but we Adler-Justices might be a little stubborn. My phone dings with a text, and it’s from Sofia.
Sofia: Hey! Thank you! I can’t wait to see you. Pick whatever dress you want as long as it’s red. I love you!
A small smile sits on my lips. Shit, I’m going home in a matter of months. I haven’t talked to or seen Uncle Shea or my mom in over a year. While mending things with Ryan was easy enough, my mom will be totally different. I need to prepare for that. Before I can even wrap my head around it, Chandler’s number catches my eye. I stare at it for a long time, and then for some odd reason, I input it into my phone.
Not sure why, but I want to.
Chapter Three
Chandler
At the ding of the bell over the door, Amelia looks my way.
“You’re so dumb,” Nico says beside me. “She isn’t into you.”
“Shut it,” I reply as a grin spreads across my lips. I’ve been thinking about her all night. I tossed and turned with memories of Amelia and me in college. They were short and sweet memories, but they were unforgettable for sure. I can still see her in the tight dress she wore to one of our parties. Feel her ass against my groin as she giggled and spoke softly in my ear while Ryan was distracted by his soon-to-be wife. We talked a lot on SnapChat and things like that, but it was always superficial. We never really got to see what could happen between us, and I feel like I have the chance now.
I gotta jump on that.
Amelia’s eyes brighten a bit, or at least I think they do, as she meets my gaze. Her hair is down in curls today, and the short flowy red dress she wears gives me a perfect view of her legs. I’ve always loved her legs. “Hey.”
“Hey,” I say as I come to the counter.
Nico leans over me. “What’s up? Can I get a mocha latte and a Danish? I’ll be over there. I need it to go, please.” He hooks his thumb to the spot we sat yesterday before he steps back.
She looks offended. “Hello to you too.”
He scoffs. “You don’t want me. I’m not wasting my time.” Nico looks at me. “You should do the same.”
I ignore him as he walks away. My gaze moves along her face, and while her eyes seem brighter, she doesn’t look happy to see me. Before I can ask how she’s doing, she says, “He might be right.”