ing, when Josephine starts hurling in the bushes. I nod to her that I’m alright, and she steps aside to take care of the inebriated one.

“I’m not afraid of you. You think that because you waited around like a doormat, that gives you some sort of claim on Holden? You’re wrong. If he wanted to be with you, he would be, but he’s not. I’m sorry if that hurts you, but that’s life sometimes. Shit doesn’t always go the way you want it to.”

“You fucking cu–” She balls her fist and lifts it as if she’s going to punch me.

“Bianca!” Holden shouts, cutting her off and catching both of us off guard. Both our heads whip towards him. “You touch her and I swear to god I’ll never speak to you again.”

She drops her arm dejectedly before looking at me. “This isn’t over.” She mutters quietly, sparing one last glance at Holden and leaving.

He rushes over to where I’m standing, looking me up and down for injuries. “I’m so sorry. Are you okay? I’ll get her to leave us alone, I promise. I’ll get a restraining order if I have to.”

I sigh, remembering the heartbreaking feeling that ripped through me when I thought I may lose him forever. Waiting for the doctor to come out and tell us if he was alright was the longest wait of my life. If she feels anything like that, her outrageous behavior is justified.

“I’m fine.” I tell him calmly. “She’s just hurt. I get it. I would be too if I lost you.”

He puts his hand on the side of my face and softens. “That’s never going to happen.”

“I know, but it’s happening to her. She’s allowed to be upset about it.”

Looking at me in disbelief, he shakes his head. “How are you so caring?”

I don’t reply. Instead, I just accept his embrace and rest my head against his chest, feeling a pang of sadness for his psychotic ex.

Chapter 10

Isit on the beach, basking in the sun rays while being surrounded by some of my favorite people. Happiness may come in many forms, but this is absolute bliss. Emily and Jo sit in chairs to my left and right, while Holden, Brandon, Caleb, and Jason are all in front of us. For some reason, the guys prefer lounging on towels.

“What about her?” Jason says to Caleb, nodding his head towards a girl walking down to the water.

“Eh.” Caleb scrunches up his nose. “Not really my type.”

“You mean hot. Hot isn’t your type?”

“Ay!” Jo scowls. “Watch it, you.”

Jason chuckles, blowing her a kiss. Suddenly, I realize what’s going on and do a double take.

“Wait a second, what are you doing?” I ask the two idiots.

“Trying to find Caleb a girl.” Jason answers as if it’s obvious.

My eyebrows furrow. “I thought you were dating Jacki.”

“Nope.” Caleb replies, popping the p for emphasis. “She broke up with me. Something about wanting to be single for the summer.”

“That sucks. I’m sorry.”

He shrugs carelessly. “Don’t be. I wasn’t really all that into her anyway.”

I look at Holden to find he’s staring at Caleb, an unreadable expression on his face. Before I can figure out why, Emily nudges me.

“You could always hook him up with Bianca.” She jokes, causing Holden, Jo, and I to laugh.

“Who is Bianca?” Caleb wonders.

Brandon snorts. “Holden’s stalker.”

“She’s not my stalker.”