Page 24 of Forbidden Billionaires: Vol. 2
"What? That I wouldn't be your friend anymore? Are you crazy?" She held me at arm's length. "Penny, you're one of my best friends. No matter what."
"Thanks, Bee."
"I can't believe you didn't think you could talk to me." She hugged me again. "I'm always here for you. Always."
I couldn't help it. I had felt so alone last night and this morning. To know that the friends I thought I lost were still my friends made the tears flow again. My chosen family was still choosing me back. I was so full I couldn't help but burst.
"Welcome back, Penny." I felt Mason's hand on my back.
Bee released me from her hug so I could look up at Mason. "Thanks, Mason. I'm sorry I hung up on you this morning. I didn't want to walk away. I didn't..."
He laughed. "I know that. I was trying to guilt trip you."
I wiped underneath my eyes. "Well it worked. You know me so well."
"Don't cry, Penny." He leaned down and hugged me hard. "Just for the record though, I'll always have your back."
"I know. And thanks for being with James last night when I couldn't be."
"I would never let anything happen to him either. Family, Penny." He patted my back and released me from his hug. He gave me a warm smile that just made me cry even more.
How did I get this lucky?
"Don't make her cry again," James said. "I'm pretty sure she's already dehydrated."
"Yeah, because of you, asshole," Mason said and tossed the roll of streamers at him. He winked at me.
"Why was no one on my side last night?" James said.
"Because you're an idiot," Rob said. He patted James' shoulder as he walked over to me. "Told ya you'd be back in time," he said to me with a smile.
"Thanks for everything, Rob." I stood on my tiptoes as I threw my arms around his neck.
"That's what family is for."
"You know what I mean," I whispered in his ear. "For being there when you didn't have to be."
"That's what family is for," he said again and kissed my cheek. "And you're super hot when you've been walking around in the rain."
"Rob!" I laughed as I released his neck and lightly punched his shoulder. "I heard you're dating someone."
He smiled. "I'm assuming James told you that?"
"Mhm. Why didn't you?"
"Because you were upset last night. I didn't think it was the right time to brag about my new relationship. Especially when you were convinced that you weren't part of the family anymore. Which was ridiculous."
"You look happy."
He smiled. "I am. She's...really something."
"Is she coming tonight?"
"Yeah. I mean, if that's okay. James said..."
"Of course it's okay. I can't wait to meet her."
"I think you're going to like her."
