Page 72 of Enforcer

“You’ll be fine. We will get through it.”

An awkward silence falls over us, and she clears her throat and turns the television on. She’s this way when things feel too real, and it’s alright.

I’m going to take things at her pace.

My phone dings on the coffee table, and I lean over and grab it.

Slate

Sorry it’s late. I got Alyssa’s apartment set up so she can move in whenever she’s ready. She will be out of your hair soon. Sorry it took me a few days. Thanks for helping out, man.

I swipe it away and place my phone on the coffee table.

“Who was that?” she asks, sipping out of her can of ginger ale I got her from a store a bit ago.

“No one. Spam text.”

“I fucking hate those.”

She sits on my lap, and I glide my hands back through her hair.

As the night progresses and Alyssa falls asleep, I grapple with the lie.

She’ll find out, eventually. But I hadn’t wanted to ruin what could be our last night together.

I wanted to keep this moment as long as I could.

CHAPTER TWENTY

ALYSSA

Brynne is dressed and ready; her mom has flown in and is finishing the touches on her hair.

The morning of preparations flew by as we giggled, talked about old times, and had too many mimosas. It was perfect. Even if I’ve been fighting the urge to run from this church since I arrived. This is Brynne’s day, and it’s got nothing to do with me and my fucked-up views, so I’ve kept myself together for the most part.

My commitment fear runs so deep. Anxiety has been gnawing at my nerves like a hungry beast for hours. It’s wearing me down.

Once I get to the reception, I’ll be fine. There’s an open bar, and I’ll drown my worries and feelings in a smooth, dark liquor.

“You doing okay, Lyss?” Brynne asks as her mom steps out into the hall.

I grin, feeling as fake asMonopolymoney. “I’m good. How are you?”

“Lyss.” She sighs, turning away from the mirror to walk towards me.

My bottom lip wobbles. “Please, B. Don’t. I’m keeping it together. This is your day.”

“I know.” Her hands slide down my exposed shoulders. My dress is strapless and has a deep cut between my breasts. I chose a shade of red I wasn’t certain Brynne would love, but I knew Dante would.

Half of me hates that I considered him when buying it. The other half can’t wait for him to see me in it.

“I know how much weddings freak you out, so thank you for being here,” she says, and guilt builds in my stomach.

I never realized how much my fear of commitment controlled my life until I entered this world. With people surrounding me who love fiercely, it’s hard to ignore how different I am.

“I’m fine. You’re my best friend, Brynne. Of course, I had to be here,”

“The amount of good-looking men outside these doors is absurd,” Brynne’s mom says, coming back into the room. “Oh, sorry. Did I interrupt?”

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