Page 4 of Versions Of Us

Liv and EJ are the epitome of true love.

Meant to be, forever and always.

I’d known that since Liv first set foot in Cliff Haven. Hell, half this town knew. I’d be jealous if I didn’t love them both so much.

Henley shifts beside me. I know he’s probably thinking the same thing I am. That this is the beginning. The first of our friends are getting married and, whether we like it or not, this is the start of a sequence of weddings and babies to come and damn we’re getting old and am I even ready to be a grown up yet?

Henley’s fingers graze my neck as he drapes an arm around me and pulls me into his chest. I dare a glance at him, curious about what I’ll see.

I’ve known him since we were teenagers and he’s never really been the romantic type. He isn’t the forever doting boyfriend in the typical sense. He doesn’t send flowers or open car doors. He’s rough around the edges, but he respects me, and I know that inside his hard exterior, there’s a great big heart.

I don’t have to wonder how he feels about me. I see it in the way his eyes find mine in a crowded room, feel it in his fingertips as they brush the hair at the base of my neck.

I don’t expect the corners of his mouth to draw up slightly, yet they do, and he pulls me in even closer, sending warmth up my spine. I turn my attention back to Liv and EJ.

“This is so exciting, you guys. I’m so happy for you,” I say, and I honestly mean it.

These two have been through hell and knowing they’ve overcome every obstacle thrown at them inspires hope for the rest of us.

“Yeah, this is fantastic news,” Henley agrees from beside me.

His optimism earns a stunned expression from the rest of us. None of us are able to decipher whether he’s simply being polite or if his words are authentic.

“Thanks, man.” EJ slides his fingers through Liv’s. He looks happier than I’ve ever seen him.

“How did you propose?” I ask, turning to EJ.

Liv beams as EJ launches into his proposal story. “I took her to the waterfall.”

“Ah, the elusive waterfall,” I say. We had all heard about the waterfall, but EJ refused to disclose its exact whereabouts. “I was starting to think that place was a myth.”

“It’s definitely real,” Liv confirms, then laughing she adds. “He was so nervous he almost slipped off the rock and lost the ring.”

“If you were that nervous proposing,” Henley begins, an eyebrow raised, “Just how bad were you shitting yourself when you went to ask Victor permission to marry his daughter?”

“Oh my god. So bad,” EJ blurts.

Laughter erupts from the three of us as we watch him squirm in his seat.

“Honestly though, Victor is great. Intimidating as hell. But great,” he adds.

We all nod in agreement as Liv gives EJ a sympathetic glance.

Being a semi-retired surgeon and authoritative figure in the medical business world, Liv’s dad is a powerful and stern man. But the town has grown to love him just as much as they respect him.

“You know what? I’d say you deserve a drink for your bravery.” Henley rises from his seat. “I’ll get a round. My shout.”

“Dude,” EJ scoffs. “My family owns this bar.”

EJ’s father, Steve, has managed the tavern since we were kids and both EJ and Henley had begun working here casually once they were of legal age. It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that Henley took on a full-time position behind the bar.

“I don’t care. It’s on me.” Henley doesn’t wait for EJ to protest, instead making his way in the direction of the bar.

He doesn’t pause at the counter, rather swings himself over the top of it and begins pouring a couple of beers. The other bar staff don’t bat an eyelid. They’ve seen this before.

“So, obviously you need to be my maid of honour,” Liv blurts.

I gasp excitedly with wide eyes. I can’t help the high-pitched squeal of joy that leaves my mouth. “Oh my god! Are you serious? I’d love to!”

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