Page 69 of Bleeding Hearts
There’s a man in the other row. I can only see his profile, but his skin is so perfect, I consider asking for his skincare routine. He’s also probably the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen, and that’s saying something. His gray hair is styled perfectly, and I swear there are diamonds in his ears.
“What color?” He looks up at the man at his side with a wide smile on his face. The guy standing beside him, who’s rocking a three-piece suit, barely spares him a glance as he types on his phone.
“Whatever. I need to take this.” He strides outside with his cell to his ear, and I watch the pretty guy slump with a heartbroken glimmer in his eyes—one I know well.
It’s the same expression I used to wear when Lally hurt me.
“You should get green to match your eyes,” I suggest, and he turns to me. “That pearl green one would look stunning on you.”
He glances at the designs on the wall and smiles softly. “Thank you.” His voice is so silken, I actually blush.
“No problem.” I glance at the door then back to him. “He’s an ass.”
His smile is so wide, it flashes perfect teeth. “He is, but you can’t help who you love.”
I glance at Lally to see her laughing with her nail artist. “No, you can’t,” I reply as I nod at him and turn forward, hoping heand his partner sort it out. Life’s too short to be unhappy, but I understand waiting for the one you love.
I did, and it worked out, but it wasn’t healthy. We fought a lot to get here, and we are happy now, but it was fucked up and it hurt so badly. Still, I know I’d go through it all again when she smiles at me.
It’s similar to the smile she wore before Tommy’s death. It isn’t quite as full, but it’s getting there, and I know Lally is finally healing. She will never fully recover from what we went through, I don’t think anyone ever could, but I hope every day gets easier for her and she can be happy without blaming herself so much.
I look at Bones and the happiness he exudes as he inspects his nails. For a moment, I feel guilty. We are all moving on and happy. I know Tommy would want that after the stories Lally and Evan shared, but for one moment, it hurts that he isn’t here with us. He’s gone, but he lives on through us, and I will make sure of it.
He sacrificed his life for his friends and those he loved. We wouldn’t be here without him, our happiness paid for by his death, and I won’t ever forget that.
I try to force my thoughts away from that, not wanting to ruin the mood. Instead, I nudge Bones. “There’s a 66 on that nail. Isn’t that Skylar’s race number?”
“Is it?” he replies dumbly, looking away.
“And on your ring finger.” I prop my chin on my fist. “When is he making an honest man out of you?”
“He wishes,” he scoffs, but then his phone rings, and he hurries to answer it. I hear Sky’s voice coming through it.
“Yes, I ate,” Bones grumbles, but he’s smiling. “Okay, okay, yes, okay.” He hangs up with a roll of his eyes. Two seconds later, it rings again and he answers. “I’m with Lally and Alice,” he whispers. “Fine, fine. Yes, I love you too.” His eyes roll up tothe ceiling as if he’s looking for help. “Yes, I would love you even if you were a worm.”
Biting back my laugh, I nudge Lally to see her already recording it, and when Bones turns toward us, he glares, so we turn away, giggling.
When we’re done, Lally tries to pay, but I move her away and pay for ours as she wanders off with embarrassment. Bones steps up to my side when she’s gone. “Tonight. Silent Rose meeting. They want an update.”
I nod, paling at the reminder as I glance at Lally. What can I tell him? I can’t put her or the others in danger. I’m not worried for myself, but if the people behind it find out I’m talking to someone about it, she could be in danger.
The idea terrifies me.
Lally, under much protest, lets me go to the meeting. I tell her what it is, and the only reason she lets me go when I should be resting is because Bones and Evan will be with me—or so I thought, but Evan gets called in at the last minute and can’t make it thanks to his internship.
Bones and I get comfortable in the Silent Rose manor and wait for the others to show up.
Liam is arguing with Autumn in the back corner, so I lean into Bones. “What’s going on with them?”
“Meh, they always argue. It’s like foreplay for them,” Bones scoffs, and I turn my wide eyes to him.
“They are a thing?”
“You didn’t know?” He raises an eyebrow. “You really are all about Lally and oblivious to everyone else.”
I glare at him, but I can’t deny it as Autumn claps her hands and steps forward. “Okay, a quick one today. First, the Pride parade is coming along nicely and will be held next month. We have pulled in some other clubs to help make this a success. Thanks to Liam, we have the mayor’s permission to close the main road.”
The others cheer, and after a few more announcements, she looks at me. “Okay, Alice, update us please.”
