Page 52 of Magic or Madness

Every second is critical, and I feel like time isn’t on my side.

FALLON

I’m excitedto spend the night with Mick and Rae, but I know before we get to the good stuff, I’ll have to endure the lecture of a lifetime.

They weren’t home when I got back earlier, and since the shop is closed today, I only had to go in to change the codes and set the security system.

It’s pointless since I know what’s happening tonight, but I have to keep up appearances.

Once I reach the apartment, I take the stairs, hoping for the best but expecting the worst when I turn my key in the lock.

“Look who actually showed up,” Mick sneers, and I fake a smile, going through the motions of pleasantries.

“Nice to see you too, ladies,” I say, rolling my eyes and dropping my bag on the kitchen floor.

“We’re happy you’re home Fallon, even if it’s only for the night,” Rae says cheerfully, pulling me onto the couch.

“Can we skip the lectures?” I ask, searching her eyes for a sliver of hope.

“Do you know what you’re doing is reckless, and will probably end up breaking your heart?” Mick asks bluntly from across the room, not even hesitating for a breath.

“No, and no it won’t. Satisfied?” I double down, not breaking eye contact with her.

If she wants to go toe-to-toe we can, but I will get the last word. They don’t know the dynamics of our relationship, and I don’t feel the need to defend Ozzy if they can’t accept him – and us – as we are. I’ve never been more confident in a decision that’s been all mine to make in my entire life, and that speaks volumes for me. I trust the man I’ve chosen to stick beside me, and call mine, the only thing I can do is hope that my friends will get on board.

“You’re delusional, Fal, and I mean that in the nicest way.” She walks off, thinking she bested me, flipping her hair over her shoulder as if that’s the end of the conversation.

I’ve never been one for arguments or confrontation, but when it comes to Ozzy, I’m ready to defend him til death.

“I’m happy, can you just accept that?” I shout back, my words echoing off the walls as she slams her bedroom door shut.

“Let’s put this topic to rest for now, okay? I’ve queued up a few movies and bought everyone’s favorite snacks. There’s a surprise on your bed, also.” Rae smiles, happily playing the mediator and encouraging me to go see her gift for myself.

Rae bought us identical silk pajama sets, and mine are light pink. The tension is thick in the air, and even though on the outside we look like happy roommates in matching outfits, on the inside there’s pure turmoil between us.

Even so, Rae knows how to pull us all back together, forcing our asses on the couch as she plays the first of many rom-coms in her arsenal. She sits in the middle as if she’s the arbitrator, and we’re silent as we all lock eyes on the television.

Eventually, there’s a light knock on the door that breaks through the awkward silence in the house, and my heart rate speeds up, praying it isn’t related to the body shop.

If something were to go awry, Ozzy would know where I am, and instantly send someone for me, that much I’m certain of. My mind has traced every what-if scenario possible, coming up with conclusions to problems that haven’t even happened yet, but I’m permanently on edge, almost waiting for something to go wrong.

Before I can, Mick jumps and answers the door, letting us know that it’s a delivery for all of us.

We curiously open the box, and there are three boxes of chocolate, three bottles of wine, and a note.

Instantly, a smile creeps across my face and I know exactly who it’s from, but Mick snatches the envelope before I can read it.

I try to reach for it, but she glances it over, rolling her eyes and scrunching her nose as she gets toward the end.

“I shouldn’t have read that …Bambi.” She laughs, passing me the envelope and turning her attention to the goodies inside the box.

Knowing Ozzy, this letter is littered with dirty jokes and descriptions of what he plans to do with me, and I couldn’t be more excited to see how he put it into words.

I skim the letter and the smile on my face could be seen for miles, his personality jumping out with every syllable on the page.

Enjoy your girl’snight - Ozzy

Fallon,

---