Page 94 of Between Hate and Desire

Lennon stops before leaving the kitchen. “Oh sorry, did I bruise your inflated ego? Figured that was impossible.” She makes a face, then walks down the hallway.

“Pretty sassy for a pregnant woman!” I holler so she can hear me, but I can’t stop smiling as I finish my coffee.

Deciding I better take this opportunity to call Hayden since we’ve only randomly texted over the past few months, I grab my phone. I haven’t filled him in on the details of what’s been going on since Brandon’s death. Honestly, I don’t even know where to begin. He texted me a few days ago, and it slipped my mind to call him when I got off work. I wait until I hear the water running and Lennon singing before I dial his number.

“Hey, bro,” he answers. “I was wondering when I was gonna hear from you again.”

“Shit, I know. I’m sorry. Lots going on,” I tell him, walking into the living room.

“I bet,” he says with insinuation in his tone. I ignore it and decide not to call him out on it. “Well, I’m glad you called either way. I have some news.”

I pause and wait. “Well, you gonna say it, or do I have to guess?”

Hayden laughs. “Sav and I are officially getting hitched! I popped the question, and she said yes!” he announces, loud and proud.

“I told you she would!” I’m smiling so wide, my cheeks hurt. “About goddamn time! I was wondering when you were gonna do it, considering you picked that ring out two months ago.”

He laughs, and I can hear how happy he is. “I wanted the proposal and everything to be perfect and special for her. Donny helped me plan it. It’s still soon, but I think we’re gonna get married in California next summer so everyone can make arrangements and be there.”

“Wow, that fast?”

“It’s been over ten years, Hunter.” He chuckles.

I roll my eyes at his exaggeration. They haven’t been together for ten years, but them finally getting engaged has been a decade in the making.

“I’d get married tomorrow, but she wants her parents there and the whole big fancy white wedding, which is understandable. So I’m going to do whatever she wants because her happiness is all that matters to me.”

“Well, I’m excited as fuck for you guys. Seriously.”

“Thanks, man. If you had texted my ass back, you would’ve known the day it happened…” He doesn’t finish his sentence, but he doesn’t have to for me to know what he was going to say.

“I know. I’ve been preoccupied. I’m sorry. Congrats to you both, though! I’m glad you two are finally gonna tie the knot.”

“I get it. I do,” he sympathizes. “And thanks. Sav’s pretty fucking thrilled.”

Since we’re chatting about our lives, I decide to spill my own truths. “Well, then there’s something I need to tell you, but you can’t judge me.”

“Hunter, what’d you do?”

I roll my eyes at his accusing tone.

“Nothing. But?—”

“So,hubby…you ready to do this?” Lennon comes into the living room at the worst fucking time possible.

Son of a bitch.

I pinch the bridge of my nose, knowing Hayden heard her.

“Oh sorry, you’re on the phone. I’ll finish packing for ourhoneymoonwhile you’re chatting.” She laughs to herself, then walks back to her room.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me, Hunter! What the hell?”

Hayden chews my ass like I figured he would. In fact, he fucking roars.

“Are you done?” I deadpan.

“Don’t make me jump on a plane to come kick your ass,” he threatens.

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