Page 72 of Broken

Iwokeuptowhat seemed like a million notifications. I had one from Kai, two from Danielle, and six from Eric. Ugh. What was I thinking? This was why I never went back for a second date. Why was he interested in me so much now? We fucked once and had a second 'date' if that's what it could be called. I left halfway through to go fight with and fuck my best friend.

I opened my phone and read the text from Kai first.

Kai:Good morning my beautiful Sin. What should we pick up for today?

Shit. That's right. Millie stayed the night, and we planned to barbecue and spend the day together. Everyone had to leave town tomorrow.

Me: I don't know, I'm just waking up. Call you in ten

Before I could hit send, my stomach started doing somersaults. A wave of sickness came over me. At least this time I didn't have an audience as I paid tribute to my toilet.

After I finished throwing up, I deleted the entire text conversation with Eric. I didn't want to hear or read a word from him. Whatever got slipped into my drink the other night still bothered me, and just because he swore, he didn't and wouldn't do anything like that, didn't mean I trusted him.

Danielle texted to inform me, she and the sisters were coming over and bringing coffee. I sent her a quick reply:

Good because I feel like shit this morning.

I showered quickly and chose a simple black strappy bikini and a pair of jean shorts. I didn't worry about Aine and Millie needing help in the kitchen. Aine usually made her own cereal in the morning, and I figured she would show Millie around the kitchen.

When I finally made my way out of my room, Aine was queen bee holding court, telling her aunties and Millie about her one-night camping adventure.

We figured out our plans for the day over coffee, and I sent a text to Kai relaying the plans. Mia and I went shopping for food and drinks.

Kai volunteered to meet us and help. I thanked him, but after such an overwhelming month, I thought it'd be nice for a little time alone with my oldest friend, my chosen sister. I told Kai he should go to the apartment and hang out with Aine and the girls. That way, he and his brothers could have a little more time with her before everyone went home tomorrow.

We had finished our shopping and headed back to the house when I finally ask Mia the million-dollar question.

"So, you and Noah. What's going on?"

Mia sighed. She must have known it was coming at some point. "It's complicated."

I gave her a side look. "As complicated as having a kid with your best friend and falling in love with him after disappearing for twelve years?"

She laughed. We both knew whatever happened between me and Kai was a shit show of epic proportions, but we were happy. No matter what he told me, it was all too soon, and one day the other shoe would drop on me. I prayed I could keep that shoe from hitting my daughter when it fell.

"Babes. Nothing is that complicated." She laughed. "We were both lonely and drunk one night. We hooked up and figured out we like how we make each other feel in bed."

I could respect that. It was blunt and honest, and I saw nothing wrong with casual sex.

"Are you sure there's nothing more? You two seem a little closer than fuck buddies. Mi, I'm the last person who's going to judge you. even if you are just fuck buddies. Hell, I've had my fair share of one-night stands. Eric was supposed to be a one-night stand."

Mia gave me a surprised look. "Really? He made it seem like there was more between the two of you."

"Yeah. A second date I cut out early on to go fuck Kai" I laughed.

"Oh, and we are kind of working together."

"Sin!" Mia slapped my arm and we laughed. I guess Eric started my downward spiral because if it weren't for Kai, I'd probably be in a bigger tangled mess of a nonexistent relationship.

"So, you do love Kai?" And... Mia's million-dollar question.

"Yeah. I do. I fell in love with him when we were kids, and when we

started having sex senior year, I fell even harder."

Mia had a shocked expression on her face. What did I say?

"Babes, wait a minute? I know you guys hooked up, otherwise, Aine wouldn't be here. But, I mean, I thought it happened one time. Sorry?"

---