Page 11 of Liberating Love

Once I get Mom settled for the night, I pull out my phone, groaning and rubbing my hand over my face. I have a bunch of messages from Holds and Gav that I haven’t responded to because I hate lying to them, even in texts. They’ve been trying to get me to hang out and there’s only so many ways I can turn them down before I sound like I’m making excuses—especially since I have been.

I flop down on my bed and stare at the last text I got from Gavin.

Gavin: Come over for dinner tomorrow or Holds and I are hunting you down.

I grin to myself. They totally would, too. With another sigh, I start typing. Maybe Delaney’s right, maybe I need to just move past it. I don’t have enough friends to be throwing any away. And… these guys have been kinder to me than anyone else in my life. I press send.

Me: I’ll be there at 7

My phone beeps almost immediately.

Gavin: Good. I didn’t want to have to beat you into compliance.

I chuckle at that, picturing Gav trying to tackle me or something. He wouldn’t hurt a fly.

Me: I’ll bring brownies.

Gavin: Drix says you better.

I snort and plug my phone in before turning out my light and settling into bed. Even though it might be weird on my end, I think it’ll be nice to hang out with them for the night. Plus, it’s at Gav and Drix’s house, so it’s not like Delaney will be there anyway.

His sincere eyes flash behind my eyelids, but I force them away. I have no right to think about him at all.

Too bad my dreams don’t get the memo.

* * *

Gavin opensthe door before I even have a chance to knock, and the guy practically tackles me into a hug—apparently he reallycantackle me. I hug him back the best I can while balancing my container of brownies. I made a triple batch because I know how much Drix likes them, and… maybe because I feel a little guilty for avoiding them.

“Is that Aiden?” I hear Holden’s voice from inside, and I shoot a look at Gav once he pulls away.

I ask, “Holds and Jameson are here, too?”

Gav nods. “Of course they are. We all wanted to see you.”

I suppose I should’ve known they’d be here, too, but Gav didn’t say anything about it.

He pulls me into the house, and in a smooth motion, he plucks the brownies from my hand while pushing me into Holds, who also gives me a huge hug. I have to admit that it feels wonderful knowing they care. It helps settle my nerves. These guys are my friends; I have nothing to worry about.

Drix gives me a side-hug once his twin releases me, and then Jameson gives me one as well. My eyes widen when I see Jovany at the end of the hall giving me an awkward wave. I most definitely didn’t expect to see him here today.

“Hey,” I say as everyone clears out of the hall and I make my way toward the living room.

Jovany grins a tiny bit. “How was your day off?”

I shrug because what was I supposed to say? That I spent the day looking after my mother? No one wants to know that. “Fine. Yours?”

He shrugs. “I tried to make a green bean casserole to bring tonight, and… it didn’t end well at all.”

I chuckle. “Are we going to be forced to eat something terrible?”

“God, no. I threw that shit away. I brought chips and salsa instead.”

He laughs along with me, and Holds rushes by, saying, “Come have a seat, A.”

I let him pull me into the living room, but stop dead. My eyes widen as I see Delaney standing from the couch. “Oh,” I breathe.

Holden glances between me and Delaney with a furrowed brow, but says, “You remember Jameson’s dad, Delaney.”

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