Page 42 of Always Right

I narrowed my eyes on him. He just wanted me to say it out loud.

Blake gave a low chuckle, leaning against his stretched-out arms. “I...uh...I don’t think so, no. Not when there’s the type of history between you and Derek.”

“Hmm. So, I’m either all in or not?”

“Yeah. Pretty much.” Blake watched me with the girls, his posture tense and his mouth turned down. Saddened. “Do you want to know what I think?” I nodded, not looking at him. He was going to tell me what everyone else did, try to convince me to open up my heart...blah blah blah. They all meant well, but it wasn’t easy to open my heart to the person who had broken it.

“I think you need to give yourself a chance to be happy.”

Okay. not exactly what I thought he would say.

“We’ve all fucked up. But I think you need to stop worrying about everyone else...stop wondering what will happen and give yourself a chance to feel what you feel for him. It’s clear those feelings aren’t going anywhere and, in the end, you’re only making yourself miserable...and him for that matter. I don’t think you want that either, do you?”

“No. Of course not.”

Blake shrugged. “I guess it’s simple then. Either you’re willing to forgive him and give him a chance, or you let it go, Hannah, and move on. We’re watching you destroy yourself little by little. I think it’s time for you to make your choice.”

Blake reached out, taking Isa from my arms when she squealed at him. There was a knock at the door and Blake furrowed his brows, once again tensing at the sound. “Are you expecting someone?”

I shook my head. Blake stood up, walking to the door and opening it up. There were a few moments of silence until he came back, a very flustered Lisa following behind him with two drinks.

“Hey, old friend.” I blinked; sure I was hallucinating. “Mind if I come in? We have lots of catching up to do.” Blake picked up his coat, handing me Isa before shooting Lisa one last look. And then he left.

I couldn’t have this conversation.

Not today…not when my emotions were all over the place.

Lisa sat on the sofa, taking a sip of her drink before she stretched out her hand with mine. I ignored the action and she shrugged. I wasn’t sure what infuriated me more—the fact that she sat like we were friends, or that I wished she still was.

“They are so cute,” she said when the girls babbled.

Lisa sighed when I didn’t respond, studying me for a few moments before she spoke again. “Did Derek tell you about the new restaurant?” She paused, waiting for my single nod. “Derek’s been working so hard...barely getting any sleep, like you it seems.” I rolled my eyes at her statement, and she smiled. Of course she would point it out. “He’s put a lot of effort. Has worked very hard for it. I know it would mean a lot to him if you went.”

Forcing a smile, I replied, “You seem to have brilliant ideas, no?”

My words made her falter. “Maybe I don’t. But I know that you deserve to be there. It started with you after all.”

I glanced at her. “Blake was just telling me to give it a chance...now you’re telling me the same thing.”

Lisa grinned, reaching out and giving my hand a gentle squeeze. I pulled away but she didn’t lose her smile. “See? Take it as a divine sign by some divine being that you should. Will you at least think about it? I mean...as far as I know it, this is as good an excuse as any to buy a beautiful gown and get all dolled up, right?”

Of course I would think about it. That would be the only thing on my mind for the rest of the night, the rest of the week, until I reached my decision, though as she stood, I realized my decision had been made already.

“I never should have accused you, Hannah.” I turned away, the words having more of an impact than I thought they would. “I was looking out for Derek and completely messed up…but I should have known you wouldn’t do that to him. He still loves you.” She laughed softly, shaking her head. “He’s crazy about you. And I know you don’t want to see it, I know it hurts…but I don’t think that will ever change.”

I swallowed. “It’s not that easy to forget about it all.”

She approached me, taking my hand in hers and giving it a gentle squeeze and this time, I let her. “I’m not saying to forget it. I’m saying, forgive it. Try, for your sake. Be his friend. Let him be there for you like you did the night after the break in and see where it all goes. Hm?”

She gave my girls a kiss, setting down a card on the coffee table before turning her attention back to me with a gentle upturn of her lips. “I’m going to leave, but please think about it, okay? And drink your coffee. I had Derek tell me exactly how you like it.”

She left then, leaving nothing but the thoughts swarming in my mind…

And the invitation to the grand opening.

Chapter 15

Derek

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