Page 25 of Edward’s Bunny

Lies, Damn Lies

Brian

Ipaced around my small apartment, consumed by thoughts of my uncertain relationship with Randy. In the back of my mind, I knew what I had to do. I couldn't continue like this, and I wanted to try with Edward. My time with Randy had run its course, but I didn't know how to tell him.

A soft knock on my door interrupted my pacing. Hurrying to answer, I opened the door and was greeted by the blaring music from the neighbors' party. Owen's bright red hair was a welcome sight, and I pulled him into a hug. He immediately wrapped his arms around me, offering comfort without needing an explanation. I was grateful for his presence, especially after feeling so devastated when Randy left. I needed my friend.

"Why don't we move this inside?" Hayden's deep voice suggested, prompting me to loosen my embrace.

I stepped back, waving Owen and Hayden in and quickly shutting the door behind them. "Have a seat. Thanks for coming. I know it's late."

Owen and Hayden settled onto the small loveseat. "It's okay, Bri. You helped me when I needed it. I'm glad I can be here to help you. What happened?" Owen asked.

I sighed, pacing the tiny room again. "I..." Struggling to find the right words, I decided to ease into the conversation by focusing on Hayden. "You know your dad's been coming to the Pavilion, right? He's been hanging around."

Hayden grinned. "I do. Is he getting to you?"

“You told him to do that, didn’t you? Damn, sneaky cats," I muttered.

Owen chuckled. "You like him, don't you? You like Edward."

Sighing, I flopped down on the cushioned chair opposite them. "Yeah, I do," I admitted.

"It has nothing to do with him being a sneaky cat, as you put it. He's your fated mate, Bri. It's fate. Of course, you'd get along," Hayden said.

"So, what happened tonight? You called. Are you ready to face your fears?" Owen asked.

I nodded. "I think so. I'm ready to let go of Randy. Things happened tonight, and I can't keep going with him. I can't hold onto something that's dead. I just don't know how to tell Randy without fighting. It was bad tonight. It was really bad."

Owen stiffened, and Hayden's expression hardened. "He didn't hurt you, did he?"

"Not physically. But sometimes words hurt more than fists," I replied.

Owen nodded. "Good, because if he laid hands on you, I'd have Hayden kick his ass."

"And I would," Hayden chimed in.

I grinned. "Thanks." Releasing a deep breath, I asked, "How do I tell Randy? Do I tell him about Edward, or do I just end things? I don't want to hurt him. We spent six mostly happy years together."

Owen leaned forward. "I think you should tell him that things aren't working out. You don't have to mention Edward. Things are still new there."

"True. I don't even know if it’ll work out with Edward."

"Hey, it'll work. Don't be a pessimist. Trust in fate," Owen said.

I laughed. "I'll try. He's still a furball, and I'm still..." I flashed a wry grin. "A prey princess."

Hayden burst into laughter, and Owen shook his head with a smile. "Oh, you know, I'm going to tell Mike you called yourself that. Next thing you know, you'll be open to being called a bu—"

"Don't even," I interrupted Hayden, hardening my gaze. "I'll never be the 'B' word."

Hayden raised his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay."

I sighed and ran a hand through my unkept hair. It felt good to joke and laugh. It was as if a weight had been lifted as soon as I made my decision.

"Thank you," I said, sobering. "Thank you both for being here. I know I still have things to work out, and I really don't know what's going to happen between Edward and me, but your support means so much."

Owen rose and came over to me. He leaned down and gave me an awkward hug. "You're welcome."

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