Page 29 of Camden

“It was hard enough telling you about the physical stuff. The mental abuse was tougher for me to overcome. I’m almost there.” I squeezed both of their hands, straightening my spine. I didn’t want them to think I was still that broken girl. “I truly am. I hardly have those thoughts anymore. The ones of not being enough. I see a therapist. I’ve picked myself back up, but I’m worried it will surface again if I’m in a relationship.”

“What did your therapist say?”

The corner of my mouth lifted. “She said I should talk to him about it. Let him in and tell him I need to set the pace.”

Rylie nodded her head. “I think that’s a wonderful idea.”

I wrinkled my nose. “What if I tell him and he looks at me differently? What if he thinks I’m too much work?” My voice shook. I hadn’t ever been this vulnerable with them before, and it was harder than I expected. But my therapist also suggested letting my friends in.

I needed to let them be there for me.

“Thenhe’snot enough foryou. The right person will wait for you, Steph. They’ll hold you close when you need to be held and they’ll be your strength. If he isn’t capable of that, he’s not worthy of you,” Haley said resolutely.

Rylie tugged my hand a little, and I glanced over at her. “I agree. But for the record, I think he could be the right guy for the job.”

“Same,” Haley agreed.

I inhaled deeply and fell back onto the couch, more emotionally spent than I planned on getting tonight. It was supposed to be a light-hearted girls’ night. “You guys are the best, you know that?”

Haley tossed her blonde hair over her shoulder and pretended to buff her nails on her shirt. “I know.”

I laughed. She could always make things seem lighter. Even if she’s a little crazy in her approach.

I braced myself before asking my next question. “Do either of you have his number?”

Rylie screamed excitedly and whipped out her phone. Mine buzzed on the coffee table. I picked it up. Cam’s name flashed on the screen with a number below. “Sent you his information.” She wiped under her eyes.

“Why are you crying? I’d thought you’d be happy I asked for his number.”

She huffed. “Oh, I am. I’m a little emotional these days.” She placed her hand over her still-flat stomach.

“It’ll pass. My sister-in-law was the same way with her last pregnancy.” Haley said a mischievous expression crossed her face. “So, back to you, missy. What position did you do to get yourself in this position?”

“Dear God.” Rylie buried her face in her hands. “You are the most ridiculous person.”

“It’s a valid question.” Haley shrugged. Honestly, I was happy to get the focus off of me and my crazy.

The rest of the night passed quickly as we joked, laughed, and ate chips. Haley and I drank a couple more margaritas. Rylie offered to give Hales a ride home. After I finished cleaning up the mess of chips from earlier, I laid on the couch and flipped my phone in my hand. Was it too late to text him? Would he even respond? What if he was on a date?

I should wait until the morning.

With my mind made up, I settled in against the enormous pile of throw pillows and turned on a Hallmark movie. I snuggled with the soft red blanket I kept in the living room since I was perpetually cold.

Maybe I should text him and get it over with.My phone stared at me from the coffee table and I reached for it. What would one text hurt?

Typing out a quick message, I held my breath and hit send. My stomach acted like a bee’s nest as I waited.

CHAPTER NINE

CAMDEN

I triedto spin the coaster on the sticky bar top while I waited for my next beer. Mason, Porter, and I had met for a few drinks at the Last Shot while Rylie was at her girls’ night with Stephanie and Haley. I swore the only time Mason left Ry alone was when she was with the girls. We’d been at the bar for a couple of hours before he bailed out like his ass was on fire. Rylie probably texted him that she was on her way home.

Not that I blamed him.

If Stephanie had texted me, I would’ve bailed out, too. Although, I’m not sure it would ever happen. Fuck, I didn’t even have her number because she didn’t give it out to many people. I tried to get it from Mason earlier and he refused. Said that Rylie would hurt him if he willingly gave it up. The only reason he had her number was because of all the shit that happened with Travis last year.

“Here you go.” The bartender handed me another beer. “Add it to the tab?” He clarified, and I nodded before swiveling on the bar stool. Porter, who was supposed to be waiting for me to start a game of darts, had abandoned our table for a girl in a short jean skirt. He nuzzled his face near her ear, and I had no doubt he was wearing her down with his charm. Everyone thought I was a player, but the real culprit was Porter. We’d been in the same unit for a couple of years and during that time I’d yet to see him with the same girl twice.

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