Page 24 of #Beautiful

“I’ve been coming here with Justus pretty much since we met.”

Lena’s brows pull together. “Why?”

Sandra shrugs. “Why not? We’ve been best friends forever, and I was there when his addiction first started. It just seemed right to come here and support him, too. And I’ve learned a lot, which came in handy his first few years in recovery, especially when he almost relapsed from stress. After coming here, I had the tools to get him through it and get him talking to the right people to make sure he stayed clean.”

Lena puts her arm around my waist and leans into me. I kiss the top of her head, knowing that she’s having a moment of feeling bad for not being here from the start. I don’t want her to feel bad. She’s supported me in all the ways she knew how in the last year, and it’s meant the world to me. I knew she’d be happy when she realized Sandra comes to these, too, so she doesn’t feel like she’s the only non-addict intruding. Honestly, she’ll eventually realize that about a third of the people here tonight aren’t addicts but are here to support someone.

“How about we all go to that sandwich place and get dinner?” I say, gently squeezing Lena to my side. “It’s been a minute since the four of us did that.”

Sandra and Justus both smile, and Sandra leans over to kiss Lena’s cheek. “I’m down. I heard they have a chicken club that is to die for.”

“Oh my gosh, it is so good,” Lena gushes as she stands up and away from me, moving with Sandra to the end of the rows of chairs. “Declan and I got it last time, and it is so fricken amazing. You have to get the green goddess mayo on it. Mmmm.”

I can’t help but chuckle as Justus puts his hand on my shoulder, and we follow the girls. “She’s gonna be okay, brother. I really believe that.”

Turning my head, I nod. “I know she will. I just hope it’s sooner rather than later.”

“Listen, Sandra doesn’t talk about it, but she’ll be here for Lena. She’s lost someone because of an eating disorder. Our freshman year.”

I stop walking and just stare at my friend. “Seriously?”

He nods, a sad look in his eyes. “Yeah. Not my story to tell, but just know, we’re all here for Lena more than she knows. So, whatever she needs, just let us know.”

“Guys!” Lena’s voice grabs out attention from across the room. “You coming? I’m hungry.”

Smiling, I take a deep breath. “Hearing her say that is better than her saying she loves me right now.”

Chapter 21 - Lena

I never thought I’d be so happy to go back to Lakeview, but as Declan and I pull up in front of his house, I’m relived. Despite everything, I managed to finish the semester with all Bs, and while that’s good, I know I could’ve done better. I’m also looking forward to seeing my grandparents. I know it’s only been a few months, but it feels like a lifetime after this past semester.

“I think I need a nap,” Declan says as he cuts the engine and lays his head back against his seat, closing his eyes.

Unbuckling my seat belt, I climb over the center console and straddle him, his eyes flying open as his arm go around me. Leaning down, I kiss him, and the spark that I’ve missed is there brighter than ever, as if the last two years of crap hasn’t beaten us both down. My arms go around his neck, my body pressing closer to him as he groans, flexing his hips, and pressing his hands into my back.

By the time he pulls back, we’re both out of breath, and I’m turned on more than I think I ever have been since I met him. “What’s gotten into you?”

I shrug, running my fingers through his hair. “I don’t know. I love you, though, Declan. You know that, right?”

His eyes soften, and he reaches up, tucking my hair behind my ears. “I’ve never doubted your love for me, Lena, and I don’t think I ever will.”

“Hey, lovebirds!” Darcy’s voice is muffled from outside the car, and before I can move, there’s a loud rap on the driver’s window.

Declan presses the button on the door to lower it, and huffs. “Can we help you, Darcy?”

She laughs. “Yeah, you can not have sex in the driveway in broad daylight. It’s snowing, but it ain’t a blizzard, and we can all see you.”

I glance over my shoulder and realize both Declan’s parents are standing on the porch with smirks on their faces. “Oh, dear Lord.”

Climbing off Declan’s lap and back to my side of the car, I straighten my shirt before getting out and heading right to the trunk to grab some of our bags. Nothing is more embarassing than trying to have an intimate moment with your boyfriend only to realize his whole family witnessed it. Seriously— nothing. Heading up to the house, I keep my eyes down because I don’t want to look either of his parents in the face at the moment. Yes, Declan and I are adults now, but still— it’s weird.

Mrs. Harp hugs me and chuckles. “Don’t look so embarrassed, Lena.”

I give her a nervous laugh. “Oh, yeah, nothing weird about that, huh?”

This time, she openly laughs. “One day, I’ll tell you some of the stories about my teenage years, and you’ll realize just how normal you and my son are with one another.”

My eyes snap up to hers, and I can’t help but smile at the humor and mischief dancing in her eyes. “I can’t wait to see Declan’s face the day you tell those stories.”

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