Page 42 of Falling for You
“Sunshine, you never have to apologize. I’m the one who’s sorry. I left you to deal with that alone.”
“I didn’t tell you, Rome. Don’t beat yourself up over something you didn’t know.” I give him a sad smile, and sit up to swing my legs over the side of the bed.
“Where are you going?”
“I need to go meet the girls for coffee. Willow got back into town with Gunnar last night for the show, remember?” I lied about the coffee. But it won’t be a lie for long.
I pull up the group chat and text them.
Me:Need coffee. And my girls. Meet at Emerald Roasters in twenty?
“Oh, okay. I’m leaving around eleven to go meet Wayne and Diane for Olivia’s overnight visit. Did you still want to come?”
“Of course. I’ll be back.” I walk to the door before pausing, “Rome, I didn’t mean what I said last night. I know that you wanted to tell Hunter before you knew. So. The ball is in your court.”
With that I walk into the bathroom and sigh heavily. My phone buzzes in my hand.
Violet:Oooh I’m already here dropping off pastries. I’ll snag a cherry chocolate donut for you, sounds like you might need one.
Willow: What is wrong with you two? It’s like six a.m., normal people sleep for another three or four hours.
Violet:Shut up and get dressed. She has gossip about you-know-who and I will not miss it because you decided to wake up G for an orgasm.
Me:Please? I’ll buy you coffee and tell you everything.
Willow:Finnneeee. But I want a double shot of espresso, and a Boston creme waiting for me. And you better not leave one freaking detail out.
I get ready and make it out to my Jeep in record time without another interaction with Rome. I peeked in on Olivia before I left to listen to her sweet little baby snores.
I can’t find a spot by the coffee shop so I take the parking spot at the end of Main Street and walk down the sidewalk, waving to everyone I know like I’m not about to tell my girls about my worst moments, opening myself up for the third time.
I push open the door, and Franklin greets me with a wave and a promise of my usual favorites.
I spot the girls and they practically pull me down into the booth.
My phone buzzes on the table.
Rome:I want you to know that I’m here for you, Sunshine. Whatever I can do for you, whatever you need, I’m here.
Willing my tears to stay, I lock my phone, not answering him.
“Okay, spill it. Why did I have to get up with the damn sun?” Willow rolls her eyes dramatically.
I rehash my story that I told Mom the other day while the girls' faces vary from shock to sadness.
“Oh Ems, why didn’t you tell us?” Willow reaches across the table.
“Because you know the feeling too well. I wasn’t going to burden you with my own shit.” Her face falls, and she quietly nods in understanding.
“Em, if I had known…” Violet chimes in before I cut her off.
“If you’d known, you would have smothered me. My brother would have caught on and then I’d have to tell my whole story to everyone. I wasn’t ready. I couldn’t do it then.” Violet opens her mouth to respond but I cut her off once again. “And I don’t want my brothers to know. Any of them.” I stare pointedly at each of them.
They might be my best friends but they’re both engaged to a Keaton. I’m not stupid enough to think their loyalty won’t lie with my brothers if they push.
“We’d never share your story, Ems,” Violet reassures me.
They both wrap their arms around me.
