Page 28 of Satisfying the King

I wouldn’t be here much longer, anyway. I’ve loved my time with Eve and her family. But for my safety—and my daughter’s safety—I had to leave.

Soon.

These last memories with her would have to last me a lifetime.

And to know I could give her some truth about me as a parting gift made me feel good.

So, I did it.

“Eve, I didn’t fall in love with a piece of crap.”

She pursed her lips together. “You loved him in the beginning. And you told me he’s a deadbeat.”

I shook my head and said, “No.”

She peered at me, looking confused. “He’s not a deadbeat?”

I steeled my backbone and told her. “No, I never loved Dani’s father. He—” I took a deep breath, “forced me to stay with him. And he forced me to have Dani.”

Her eyes filled with tears, and she shook her head. “No, sweetie. Oh, my gosh, I’m so sorry.”

We talked for a long time after that. I gave her little bits of info—what I felt was okay to tell. And some things—I couldn’t. Or I’d put her in danger, too.

And I didn’t want my best friend to get hurt.

We both cried a few times. And that I felt bad about. I hated making her feel sad. Especially when I was the reason for it.

But when the credits started to play in the movie, and I realized we’d talked the whole time—I felt better.

Lighter.

Amazing.

I’d never told anyone about what had happened. And while I didn’t tell Eve everything—not even close—I told her a lot.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin the movie. And make you cry. I shouldn’t have unloaded on you.”

She turned my shoulders to her and hugged me.

Tight.

“You unload anything you ever need to unload on me. Okay?” She moved back a bit and looked into my eyes.

The concern I saw inside of them made me all melty. I nodded and before I knew it, my hands were holding the sides of her face. “Thank you, my friend. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” I heard my voice crack. And then I heard my heart crack.

I swear to God.

I heard it audibly break.

Because I knew one day—soon—she wouldn’t be in my life anymore.

I’d have to find a way to go on without Eve.

My best friend.

And my poor tiny heart just couldn’t take it.

Something inside of me made me lean my head closer—and touch my lips to hers.

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