Page 67 of Feel It All

“Yeah, but then where is the fun?” Waverley shrugs. “But enough lollygagging, get back to work.”

We go back to our designated jobs and work in silence for a bit, but it doesn’t last long. “Win, I saw the post for y’all’s open house party. It looked so good, how is the planning coming?” Wyla asks.

“Good, we have gotten a lot of questions about it at the store. We pooled together three hundred dollars’ worth of gift cards. Mom made some mugs with our logo, and I made two surprise book bundles for door prizes.”

“What do they have to do to win?” Waverley asks. “Because I want one of those book bundles. You always pick out the best books.”

“Well, we are doing it by tens. So the first ten people get a twenty-dollar gift card. Then the twentieth and thirtieth people get a mug and a twenty-five-dollar gift card. Then the fortieth and fiftieth people gets a book bundle, a twenty-five-dollar gift card, and a mug. Then we have all of the free samples too.” I stack my last book and walk over to where they are finishing their posters.

“And it’s the first Saturday in September, right?” Wyla takes a seat in one of the kiddie chairs.

“Yes, the day after my court date with Flynn.” I nearly vomit at the thought.

“Gross, I hate him,” Waverley says shortly.

“I hate him and the fact that he is dragging you into court,” Wyla retorts.

“Me too,” I dread the idea of going into that courtroom knowing that he will be there. At least I know Graham will be there with me, but I fear the outcome. I know what happened. I know that Flynn knows what truly happened, but the thought that he could convince someone else that it was all consensual, that I was the one to freak out…the thought makes me sick.

“Everything will be fine, Winry. Between Graham and Dad, nothing bad is going to happen,” Wyla places her hand on my shoulder.

“I just more worry about the outcome. I know he won’t be able to physically hurt me at the court date, but what if they do decide that it was my fault? What if he tries to charge me for breaking his nose or sues me?” I twist my hair in my hands, panic vibrating through me.

“That’s not going to happen, Win. He broke into your home and attacked you. You were just defending yourself.” Waverley finishes the last poster and hangs it on the wall.

“I know, I know. It just makes me feel uneasy. I just want to get it over with and put this whole mess behind me.” I run my hands through my hair.

“I get it. Sorry, another sore topic, but have things gotten better with Graham’s mom?” Wyla asks sheepishly.

“Ugh, no. He did talk to her a little bit about two weeks ago. I don’t think it went all too well.” My good mood is starting to sour.

“How come?” Waverley pulls up a sit next to us.

“Well, Graham wouldn’t tell me what they talked about. When I asked, he told me that it didn’t matter either way, his feelings for me would never change.” My shoulders slump.

“Aw, man. Well, it sucks, but at the same time, that man loves you so much. If it doesn’t matter to him, don’t let it bother you,” Waverley stands and pulls me out of my chair, giving me a hug.

“I agree,” Wyla wraps her arms around us for our second sister group hug.

We stay there for about a minute, but I break away when my phone starts to ring.

“It’s Graham,” I say to them. “Hey, babe.”

“Hey, buttercup. What are you doing?” His ‘I just woke up’ voice is so sexy.

“Oh, just helping Wav finish up her classroom. We are finishing up now. Do you have any plans today?”

“Only to hang out with you. Why, you have something in mind?” Sleepiness still riddles his voice.

“Yeah, I do. I’ll be back home soon to get ready. Just put on some swimming trunks and pack a small day bag of clean clothes. I’ll pack the rest.”

“Okay, buttercup. See you soon, drive safe.”

“Always.” I hang up.

“Well that was quick, I figured you would be arguing over who loves each other more for a least a few minutes,” Waverley laughs.

“No, Graham, I love you more,” Wyla mocks imitating my voice.

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