Page 89 of Rewriting the Story

I’ve missed my friends, and I made the right decision coming back here for good. I can’t wait to keep making more memories alongside them.

Everyone scattered last night. Well, everyone let Paige and Oliver have the boys’ suite to themselves for their wedding night. All the boys roomed with their girls, though Henry left during the reception, according to Grant.

Part of me still thinks we could work it out. If given the chance, I’d love him right this time. I’d love him louder than Idid. I’d show him off every moment I could because he’s an incredible person. Hedeservesto be loved out loud, with no hiding or secrets.

I need to talk to him again, but I’m going to give him some space before I do. I can’t just jump into this with no plan. I need to prove to myself I can keep showing up for people. I have to work on my own shit before I can love Henry how he deserves. Plus, seeing me in such close proximity for two weeks was bound to fuck his mind up, so he needs some room to digest his feelings.

I zip up my last suitcase before heading out to the rest of my friends, all of them gathered by the table in the kitchen, looking at something. As soon as Grant locks eyes with me, he clears his throat, looking guilty.

“Uh, hi?” I say as I drag my stuff over with the rest of their luggage. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing!” Paige says, her adorable white sweat-set making her pop even more than she usually does. “I’m actually afraid to ask, but when will we see you again? I’m assuming your flight to England is today or tomorrow.”

Ella locks eyes with me, and I forgot I only mentioned to her that very first night that I was staying.

“I’m not leaving.”

“What?” Hads questions.

“Like at all?” Grant smirks towards me.

“I swear, if you say the words for now, I’m going to punch you,” Paige threatens with the biggest smile on her face.

“God, we really can’t get rid of you, can we?” Oliver rolls his eyes before Paige and Leo smack him. “Ow!”

“How is it that you just got married, and you’re still an arsehole?” Leo jokes.

“When it comes to me, Oliver will always be annoyed,” I say, and he nods as he agrees with me. “But I’m not leaving. I’ll be here for the long haul, if you’ll all still have me.”

Paige shrieks, and Grant envelops me in a hug.

“This is the best day ever!” Paige squeezes me the hardest, and even after everyone else pulls away, she’s still holding me. I can't help the smile that comes from my face.

“Oof, that’s not what you want to hear the day after your wedding, is it, buddy?” Grant elbows Oliver in the side.

“I’m going to go pack up the car,” Oliver says.

“I’ll join you, mate,” Leo says as he grabs some suitcases. I’m driving home with Ella and Leo while the Baker family and Grant drive in the other car. Grant and Hads are dropping Paige and Oliver off at the airport for their honeymoon in Vermont.

“So, you’re actually staying?” Hads questions again, probably not believing me.

“Yeah. I quit my job and sold my place in England. My routine is all out of whack, but that’s a decently easy adjustment. A fresh start, if I can even call it that.”

“You absolutely can,” Grant says. “And if I say so myself, you’re already doing a great job.”

“Thanks. I mean, I don’t have a job or health insurance or any of those important adult things, but I do have a place to live. And I have you all again, so I’m doing alright.” I smile as I look around the room at my favorite people.

“You’ll figure it out, Ames,” Ella tells me. “We’ll help in any way we can.”

“We can have book club in person again!” Paige’s excitement is making all the difficult stuff I’ve been through worth it. I didn't think anyone would care that I was back for real, but of course, I underestimated the people around me again.

I really need to call my therapist when I get back.

“I’m excited for this new chapter,” I say as I spot a small box on the table. “It’s going to be good.”

“When I get back from Vermont, we’re going to have a huge debrief, okay?” Paige looks at me for confirmation, and I nod my head. “Good! Ah, it will be just like old times!”

“I can’t wait,” Ella says as she gathers our remaining bags. “Now, let’s go help the boys load all this up.”

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