Page 96 of All Along

“That’s what I thought.” I point to her but I don’t know which Paisley to point to since there are now two of her.

“His injury is bad. I didn’t realize how bad until he collapsed at the resort.” I gasp and slam a hand over my mouth. I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone.

Nova pries my hand away. “We already know about what happened.”

“Promise not to say anything to Caleb. He’s embarrassed. He thinks his injury makes him less of a man.”

“How ridiculous.” Paisley shakes her head. “A man is not judged by his physical prowess.”

“How do you know how a man is judged?” Eli asks from behind her and she startles.

She glances over her shoulder at him. “You are not part of this conversation.”

“I can’t help but overhear when you’re speaking at such a loud volume.”

She motions with her hand for him to leave. “Go away. We don’t want whatever you’re selling.”

“I’m not…” He scowls. “Whatever.” He marches off and Paisley breathes a sigh of relief.

“Those two are going to be a riot,” Chloe says.

Sophia slaps her shoulder. “One issue at a time.”

“I’m not an issue. Caleb and I fought. He was an asshole. So, I left.”

Nova’s eyes widen. “You left?”

“I will not allow anyone to treat me the way he treated me.”

She throws her arms around me. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Let’s drink shots to celebrate.” Chloe pours another round of moonshine.

I down the shot. I’m starting to feel all fuzzy inside. I do love moonshine. And my friends. They’re the best. I should probably tell them more often. I open my mouth to confess my love for them, but I’m cut off when someone announces my name.

“Maya Jenkins. You’re up.”

The woman on the stage waves the microphone at me while Nova hauls me out of the booth.

I glare at my so-called friends. “I’m going to kill you all in your sleep.”

The music starts up and the first beats ofI Knew You Were Troubleplay.

I snatch the microphone. “I love this song!” I shout before I begin to sing.

I’ve known Caleb was trouble for nearly two decades. And yet I can’t let him go. But I can’t allow him to treat me the way he did yesterday. Plus, there’s a good possibility he doesn’t ever want to see me again after I walked away.

And here I thought I was getting my very own happily ever after. I should have known better.

I shove those thoughts out of my mind. My queen, Taylor, is singing. Never ignore your queen.

Caleb and our problems can wait. We’ve waited this long after all.

Chapter 33

“I really need to learn to lock my door.” ~ Caleb

Caleb

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