Page 271 of When We Fall: Part One
“Come on, Rosebud. Let’s go have a good day, OK?”
I nodded wordlessly, letting him take my hand and lead me back to the sidewalk.
Here was to a good day.
EIGHTY-FIVE
ANSON
Irubbed my eyes, exhausted off my ass. It had been several weeks since Rosalie ran off to see my father. Things seemed to be going well for her and the guys now, but I knew her. She was heartbroken over turning down the contract. She wasn’t even wanting to practice with me now. It was like her world had shattered, and she didn’t care to pick up the pieces.
I called Alex and spoke to him at length about the contract. He assured me he would be open to exploring the contract with her later, which offered me some relief.
“You look tired,” Trent commented as his blue eyes swept over me.
I grunted and took a deep drink from my beer.
“He just needs to get laid. That always perks him up.” Ryder clapped me on the shoulder. “Blonde. Big tits. A mouth that looks like it knows how to suck cock. Your favorite type of woman.” He pointed out a pretty blonde I’d noticed had been watching me throughout the night.
“No,” I mumbled. “Not interested.”
“You’re not dead,” Trent said. “You’re not even in a relationship with Rosalie. You’re free to look around.”
“By the sounds of it, you and Rosalie will never happen.” Ryder’s tone shifted to softer, more sympathetic. “Maybe it’s time you let shit go, man. You’re miserable. She’s even moved the engagement party ahead. You need to just drop it and let shit happen.”
“Or just make your move,” Trent cut in. “If you want her, why don’t you just go for it?”
“You don’t think I haven’t?” I shot him a sour look.
Trent winced. “I mean, like, really go for it. Don’t let her tell you no. Give her a reason to say yes.”
I sighed and finished my beer. My promise to Fox flashed through my head.Fucking hell.I had no idea what I was doing. I was so fucking lost. I didn’t want Fox to die, but I knew he was closer to pushing that damn button than Cole was on putting a gun to my head. That was saying something since Cole hated me. As much as I wanted Rosalie, this wasn’t the goddamn way I wanted her. When it happened, I wanted her to make that decision.
But maybe Fox was right. We needed to make it for her.
Regardless, it all really sucked, and I was losing my mind with everything happening.
“Call her.” Ryder nodded at the phone I had sitting on the table.
I hesitated as I stared at my phone. It wasn’t terribly late. I was getting pretty drunk, and the alcohol was fueling my bravery and poor decisions.
“Do it.” Trent nudged me. “Ask her to come out.”
I knew she wouldn’t be able to leave the house alone.
Fuck it.
I picked my phone up amid Ryder and Trent high-fiving one another and hit Fox’s name. I walked outside alone so I could hear better. The line rang three times before he answered.
“Hey. What’s up?” he asked.
“I, uh, I was wondering what you and Rosalie were doing. If maybe you two would like to hang out.” I breathed out, really fucking hoping I wasn’t setting myself up for failure. Maybe tonight would be the night I’d fuck it all up for good.
“What are you thinking?” Fox’s voice became low.
I knew what he was thinking. That tonight I’d make a move. And who knew, if I kept drinking the way I was, maybe I would. My stomach twisted at the thought.
“Just hang out. I’m here at Beats with Ryder and Trent. Thought maybe you and Rosalie would like to get away for a night.”
