Page 31 of Broken

“Nothing happened. He felt guilty for causing the accident. I felt bad for hurting him. We dealt with it. End of. Period.”

Sin has known me too long and too well. Her lips tighten as she figures out what to say.

“Fine,” I cut her off. “One of the houses I designed was finished and in Architectural Digest. I saw. It upset me. Then I nearly got both myself and Garrett seriously injured, and he was…” I can’t even blame him. He wasn’t acting any differently to how he usually behaves.

“He’s a big boy, he can take care of himself. A very big boy,” she adds thoughtfully, then gives me a cheeky look.

“Would you quit it with that?”

“I mean, he’s been extra grumpy around the shop because he can’t tattoo yet. Lucky said he’s wound so tight he’s going to snap. Maybe you ought to…”

“Oh my God, stop it. I’m not going there.”

“Okay, fine. I’ll leave that alone,” she sighs as if it’s the biggest disappointment. Her face softens. “It sucks this happened, Cal. I know it hurts. But you’re making a better life here. You’ve got a good job, great friends. And yeah, it might not be what you envisioned, but the Calliope I know doesn’t let anything beat her.”

“This is different, Sin,” I sniffle, trying to hold back tears at her words.

“Honey, I’m gonna give you some truth right now. Life sucks. Plain and simple. Shit gets thrown at you when you least expect it. Sometimes it’s worse than others. Sometimes it makes you want to bury your head in a hole and never come out. Letting it defeat you would be the biggest travesty ever. You are beautiful, smart, kind. The best friend I’ve ever had. And worth so muchmore than what you have been dealt. But you have to go on living. You have to come out of the other side.”

“And going to this party is how I do that?”

“No. Hanging out with your friends is how you do it. Accepting love and support from the ones who would do anything to make sure you’re not buried in that hole.”

My lips tighten to stop them quivering.

“If you won’t do it for yourself, do it for Shane. You can’t disappoint his poor sweet heart by not showing up for his birthday. Just imagine those baby blue eyes as he sees me and Jer walk in and he looks behind, but… Wait. No. Calli isn’t there.”

“Shut up,” I push her hand off but can’t hide the smile.

Eyeing me up and down Sin fake rolls up her sleeves. “We have work to do.”

“It’s not that bad,” I groan.

Her brows lift and I relent. Yeah, I’m a sweaty mess from working out and I could do with washing my hair but there isn’t time for that.

“Up,” she grabs my hand and drags me to my feet. “You, shower. I brought an outfit.”

“Should I be scared?”

“Very,” she smirks. “We are going to a club tonight and you, my beautiful friend, are gonna rock in there and show everyone what a strong woman you are.”

I’m glad she doesn’t push about finding a man. Sin knows me well. The house in the magazine may be the catalyst for my mood, but it isn’t the real reason. She’s the only person in my new life that knows the truth.

As I head for the bathroom, Sin disappears into my bedroom. Standing still, I take in what I’ve made for myself here. Sin is right, it isn’t the life I envisioned. The one I was living for a time. But I’m happy.

“Sin,” I call out.

Her head pops around the doorway.

“Thank you.”

“That is what best friends are for.” She kisses two fingers and wiggles them in my direction. “Now shoo, I’m all for being fashionably late but I have a huge hang up about missing out on anything. I get the feeling tonight is going to be a good night.”

Chapter Nine

Garrett

Lucky is giving me crazy eyes. I roll mine and move past her.

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