Page 92 of Verses Of Us

“OK, maybe not wasted… You both had your reasons back then, I get it, but what’s stopping you now?”

“How about my life, or even his?”

“Sure.”

Alexis could hear Julie’s doubt. “What?”

“You’re doing it again.”

“Doing what?”

“Making excuses. Do you want to be with him or not?”

“It’s not that simple.”

“It actually is. You fit together, Lexi.”

“Then why didn’t it happen before?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Fiancés, tours, jobs, school. All that stupid shit that likes to interfere with what matters.”

Alexis narrowed her eyes. “That other stuff matters, too, Jules.”

“Does it, though? You still didn’t answer me. Are you staying with him or not?”

“You’re being really snappy,” Alexis quipped, stalling.

“I’m not a morning person,” Julie bit back. “You know that.”

Alexis giggled, remembering how cranky Julie could get before a dose of caffeine. “I do.”

Julie sipped her coffee. “Where’s he now?”

“In the shower.”

“Mmm. Ciarán Jones in the shower. Yum.” Alexis laughed. “Is he still as hot as ever?”

She wandered toward the bathroom, noting the half-opened door. “Hotter.”

“Gawd, you’re such a lucky bitch, you know that?”

Alexis leaned against the wall. “Then why do I still feel unlucky?”

“Some people would say it’s because you’re nuts,” Julie deadpanned.

Alexis smiled, wanting to laugh, but everything seemed too hopeless. “No, I mean, I feel like Ciarán and I have always been so close to happiness, but there’s been this dark cloud looming over us. Like we’re constantly just a bit off the mark.”

“Oh, Lexi… That’s because you have been. But that doesn’t mean things can’t change. Life’s a bitch sometimes, but you can’t keep holding on to that. Someday you’re going to have to be like my girl, Elsa.”

Alexis shook her head and laughed. “You are such a nerd.”

“But I’m not wrong.”

“No, you’re not. As always, you’re my guiding light.”

AIFÉALA

Ciarán

---