Page 13 of Fate Forever and Always

I sat on his bed next to him. “Don’t leave it on there longer than twenty minutes at a time, twenty on, twenty off. Give it time to get back to normal temps in between.”

He bumped my shoulder with his. “Thanks, Mom.” He smiled and placed the ice on his eye. I was about to get up and say goodnight when he lightly gripped my arm. “You okay?” he asked in a serious tone.

I looked at him. “Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?”

“Because that guy put his hands on you without you wanting him to. I just wanted to make sure you were good. He had no—"

I placed my hand on his. “I promise I’m good. Plus, some strong guy saved me and kept me safe.” We smiled at each other. “I’m really grateful you were there, Nick. Thanks for looking out for me.”

He smiled. “Forever and always.”

Chapter five

Callie

September

Jake has been blowing up my phone today. Tonight is the night that would have been our wedding rehearsal dinner. I’ve been successful at ignoring him, but staying strong is getting harder and harder. For some reason, I miss that dickhead. Sleeping alone after this long is hard, but I’m focused on making it through the next few days. They are definitely going to be the hardest.

My mom called last night and told me she would need me at the restaurant since she couldn’t be there. She was getting some new table tops from a few towns over for the remodel she was planning. As her unofficial second in command, I have to be in charge. I haven’t returned to the restaurant since I found Sara in bed with Jake. I’m not looking forward to seeing her. Luckily, I only had one piano lesson I needed to reschedule.

I pulled up to the restaurant at four in the morning. I was pissed as hell already because I left my energy drink on the counter at home. When I got out of the car, Sara was already waiting in the parking lot. She froze when she saw me. I wishI could tell her to leave, but my mom and I have already had a lengthy conversation about it. I can’t do anything about her being here. My mom made me promise I wouldn’t start anything with her while at work. I would never jeopardize my mom’s business over some stupid bitch anyway. Mom knows that.

“Hey, Callie. Glad you’re back,” Sara mumbled. She probably knew I wouldn't answer her, but I’ll give her points for trying.

I walked by her without saying a damn word. I went inside, started all the coffee pots, took all the chairs down, and did all the quick opening duties. We got busy as soon as I opened the doors. Being busy meant there would be less standing around for Sara to do. I said maybe five words to her throughout the entire day, which is how I liked it.

I was just about done with my shift when the afternoon shift lead arrived to take over for me. I had to finish a few managerial things before I could get out of here. Luckily, most people here were and have been my friends forever. They all know exactly what Sara did and have been treating her accordingly. I eventually told everyone to cool it because I didn’t want to stoop to Sara’s level. I didn’t want any drama starting while I was in charge.

I got a little overwhelmed throughout the day, but did okay after keeping my distance from her. When I finished with all my tables, I walked back into my mom’s office and sat down, letting out a sigh of relief at being alone. It was short-lived because I heard the door shut behind me. I knew without looking it was Sara.

“Callie, can you please let me explain?” Her voice was quiet, almost strained and desperate.

I turned the chair and gave her a smug smile.

“You want me to let you explain why I found you in bed with my fiancé?” Okay, go for it. I can’t wait to hear this.”

“He came in looking for you one day. You were busy, so he was waiting at the counter. I asked him if he could come over to look at something at my house that I needed to get fixed. So he came over that day when I got off work.” She paused like she expected me to say something, but I kept staring at her, waiting for her to continue. “He offered to fix it for me, so we exchanged numbers. I promise it was purely for that reason. I had no ill intentions. He fixed it for me over the next few days. He mistakenly texted me a picture that night and said he meant to text it to you. I thought the conversation was over at that point. Then he asked how I thought he looked. One thing led to another, and he invited me to hang out the night you and Aubrey went to the concert.” She paused again, looking down at her hands, twisting them together in front of her. “That’s when it started, I guess. It just happened, Callie. I’m so, so sorry.”

I felt an evil smile overtake my face. I just caught her in her own lie, and I didn’t even have to do anything.

I leaned forward toward her, “You told me when I caught you that night it was the first time you had been with him, Sara.” Her face went ghostly white. I leaned back, trying to hold in my anger. “Don’t sweat it. You can have him. I hope you guys are thrilled to be together. He slept with you and nine others in the past eight months while he was also with me. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to get home and get dressed for myweddingrehearsal dinner.” I smiled and ushered her out.

The minute the door shut, my fake smile fell as my knees gave out. I let out the uncontrollable sob I’d been holding in all day. I tried to be as quiet as possible. My back slid down the door until I reached the floor. Then I cried until there were no tears left.

When I finally collected myself and left out the back door, a bouquet was on my windshield. My instincts were to trash them immediately because I thought they were from Jake. When I picked the bouquet up, I realized they were Bluebells.

Nick.

Nick is the only person who gives me Bluebells. It was always our inside joke in high school because a guy I dated gave them to me. Blue is my least favorite color. The kid joked they were purplish-blue like that would make it better, but it didn’t matter. Blue used to remind me of my dad, so I have hated every shade of it since. Nick made a joke that he would always buy them for me to piss me off when necessary. I honestly can’t remember the last time he had gotten them for me, but I suddenly seemed to love this shade of blue. Bluebells signify kindness. They also represent gratitude for someone’s friendship, love, and support.

There was a note attached.

Sweets, I know today was probably a horrible day for you, and I know you're dreading the night even more. I wanted you to know I promise to get you home safely and listen to you all night when you're super drunk. I’ll even shit talk with you like old times if you want me to. I will be out all day for a workshop, but I’ll pick you up from the house at six for dinner. Hug the purplish-blue flowers if you miss me too much.

Sincerely, your second best friend, who is slowly becoming your first since I gave you a place to live. Forever and always.

The smile that spread across my face made my cheeks hurt. This man is saving me in so many ways, and he doesn’t even knowit. When I got home, Aubrey was already waiting for me on the couch.

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