Page 145 of When We Were Us
“Wow. I don’t know what to say other than…congratulations, I guess?” I say with a laugh. “But wait, you said you were a boxer now.” I laugh. “I’m so confused.”
“Well, that may have been a slight exaggeration. Call me boxer adjacent. He took me out last night, and afterward, we stopped by the gym he owns. He showed me how to punch that little dangly bag thing.”
I snicker and then she says, “Then, I let him hit my little dangly bag thing at the back of my throat. With his cock.”
Another burst of laughter from me and she goes on. “And the things that man does with his tongue… I thought I was going to pass out a few times.”
“Girl, you are something else. But I am so happy you finally met someone.” I flop back on the pillows, and my heart gives a little tug when the smell of Hank hits my nose.
“Whoa, slow your roll there, cupcake. This is just a ‘what happens in Atlanta, stays in Atlanta’ type of deal. Long distance ain’t my style.” She chuckles.
“Obviously, but still. A couple trips to pound town sounds right up your alley.”
She cackles. “What that man can do with those hands should be a crime. He does this thing where?—”
“Ok, ok. I don't need the details, girl.” I laugh, but it feels so good to talk to her. I’ve missed this.
“So, anyway,” she says. “That’s my life update. What’s new with you? You ride that cowboy yet?”
I push my teeth into my bottom lip and squeeze my eyes shut with a smile.
Several seconds pass and Ginger gasps. “You did, didn’t you?”
“Multiple times.”
“Start talking, you big slut.” And it's my turn to cackle.
I spend the next ten minutes giving Ginger the details of the last two weeks. She’s practically cooing when I tell her how Hank surprised me with my granddad’s truck. She’s livid when she finds out that Derek showed up here acting all high and mighty, but positively crackling by the time I finish telling her how he nearly pissed himself when Hank stuck up for me.
“You sound incredibly happy, girl.”
“I am.”
“So, what are you going to do? Have you guys talked about it?”
“Yes.” I pause. I pull at a tie on the quilt covering Hank’s bed, knowing that making this choice leaves behind the closest person I’ve ever had to a sister. I know she’ll be fine, and her life doesn't revolve around me, but it still chokes me up. “I’m moving back.”
There’s silence on the other end and I wait, knowing it’s a lot and pretty sudden, given the circumstances.
“Well, shit, so much for the makeup I just put on.” She chuckles but it's thick with emotion.
“Are you k?”
“Are you kidding? My best friend is finally getting her happy ending with the guy she's been in love with for two decades.” She pauses and then says, “I mean, I’m gonna miss the shit out of you, but yeah, I’m gonna be just fine.”
There’s so much sincerity and love in her tone, and I wish I could wrap her up in a big hug.
“I’d love it if you could come visit. Maybe bring the boys? I want you to meet Hank, and Finnley has been dying to meet you since day one.”
“Of course.” She turns serious then. “I’m going to ask you something, and I promise I’m not trying to rain on your parade, but as your friend, I have to ask.”
My stomach drops a little at her words, but this is Ginger, and I’ve come to expect and appreciate nothing less than total honesty from her. “Ok.”
“Just playing devil's advocate here,” she says. “Will it be enough? Life in Timber Forge?”
I don’t hesitate. “Yes. Being here with Hank is more than enough.” My voice cracks a little and I suck in a deep breath. “I’m finally realizing what I gave up by leaving him. I can’t do it again, Ginger.”
“What about work?”
