Page 35 of Best Friend's Dirty Ex

“I should probably go.” I say the words with regret, and he nods his head and stands. I stand up and make my way toward the door. This time when I get in the elevator, I don't feel stressed about the box. I feel sad that I’m walking away from him when I really want nothing more than to stay.

As I get into my car, my phone rings. Pulling the device out of my pocket I see Lyla’s name on the screen and wonder if I should answer or not. After a moment, I touch the green phone icon.

“Hello?” I don’t really want to talk to her, but I also feel bad ignoring her call. She’s my friend, even though my feelings about what she’s done are complex.

“Do you hate me?” She sounds like she’s been crying. Her voice is choked up, there’s a nasal quality to her voice as if her nose is stuffed up, and her tone is raw.

“Hate is a strong word. I’m disappointed. Hurt. Mad. But I don’t hate you.” I turn over the engine, hoping she’ll get the hint that I’m about to drive and need to get off the phone.

“Everybody hates me.” Listening to her whine, a distinct feeling of frustration wells up in me. She suddenly reminds me of James. When he’d do something wrong, he’d find a way to become the victim. While I don’t think she’s a narcissist, and I don’t doubt she’s dealing with her own crap, I don’t think that I’m the person she should be telling this to.

“I’m sorry you feel that way. But I did just say I don’t hate you.” I just don't have the patience to put up with her right now. “Anyway, I'm getting ready to drive, so I need to go. I hope you have a better day.” Without giving her a chance to argue with me, I hang up the phone and pull out of the driveway, headed toward home.

My phone rings again, and this time I see that it's Thea. I guess I'm popular today. “Hey, hun, I'm driving. Can I call you back?”

“Of course! Or you can stop by and see me at the club when you have a moment.” Her upbeat, happy voice leaves me aching inside. I really am glad that she's happy, but I am sad for myself.

“I might just do that. I'm sure you have a bunch of juicy details and gossip to share with me.” I try to keep my tone as happy as hers, but I'm not sure I'm succeeding.

“I do. I'm sorry that I've been so out of touch lately. I still love you. It's just been a bit crazy.” Her words validate everything I've been feeling and I smile.

“You're newly married. Your life is going to be busy. I know that. I don't come first. And I love you too. I will talk to you later.” With a significantly happier heart, I continue driving toward home.

When I pull into my parking spot, I notice my parents' little SUV parked in the spot beside mine. My heart begins to thunder in my chest as I hop out and head toward my front door, excited to see them.

The second I see my mom standing outside my door waiting for me, I bounce her direction and throw myself into her arms. I hug her tightly, as if I can make up for all of the missed hugs with this one tight squeeze. Of course, I know that's silly, but it's not going to stop me from trying.

“I've missed you so much.” I let her go and I hugged my Dad, noticing the little jar in his hands. “Let me open the door, we'll go inside.”

“We've missed you too, sweetie.” My mom's loving tone has my heart doing somersaults in my chest, and I wonder if this day can get any better.

As I let us all into the apartment, they come in behind me and lock the door. We wander into the kitchen as my mom looks around. “You've made a lot of changes around here. This place looks amazing.”And nod my head feeling proud of my space.

Dad puts the jar down on the counter and picks up a cookie. I want to warn him, but I also kind of want to see the look on his face when he takes a bite, and I instantly feel bad for that mean thought.

“Dad, don't eat that.” Even as I say the words, he lifts the cookie to his lips and takes a bite, then spits it out and puts the cookie back down with an unhappy look on his face.

“You could have warned me they're awful.”

“I tried to tell you not to eat it,” I say at the same time as mom says, “Harold!”

“No, Mom, they really are awful. Don't try them.” I say but she picks up the cookie, as if unable to believe that I can't bake. She takes a tiny little bite, then immediately spits it into her hand and drops the cookie, bite and all, into the trash, rubbing her hands together as if to get rid of every last crumb.

“I warned you both.” I can't hold back a laugh.

Then Dad picks up the little jar and hands it to me. I take the dark red jelly-looking substance and glance at it, then at him. “What is this?”

He brightens, doing a little dance with his shoulders. “It’s hot pepper jelly. And it's delicious. Might even make those cookies edible.”

“Hey, now, no need for the personal attacks.” I smile and pull him into a quick hug. “I'm so glad you guys decided to stop by. I've missed you so much.” All at once, all the bad things that I've been experiencing seem so much lighter to carry now that they're here.

James had kept me away from my family, away from my parents, had isolated me, and he'll never take anything from me again. Hell, I'll never let anyone take my parents away from me again.

“We're so glad to see you. Maybe it's time to catch up.” Mom pats me on the shoulder, and I prepare myself for the hilarious story I'm about to hear.

Chapter Eighteen

Troy

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