Page 42 of Haven

Judging by the yelling and groaning, I’m pretty sure Jace just scored.

I drop my second load of clean laundry on top of my bed when Juliette corners me in my room. “So... you want to talk about it?”

“Not really.” I dump the basket and sit down to start sorting. “I’m pretty sure I’ve had enough time being the center of attention today, Jules. I’m at my limit.”

She drops down next to me, blocking the laundry and yanks the towel out of my hands. “Okay. I get it. But you know we’re all just worried about you.”

“I know,” I whisper, suddenly exhausted. “And I love you for it.”

“So... when I left you here last night, you were alone...”

I smile sheepishly and reach around her for another towel.

“Oh.” She blocks my move and whacks me with the towel. “That’s how we’re going to play this?”

With a tired sigh, I lie back on the bed and close my eyes. “Nothing happened last night.” When Jules hums a sound of disbelief, I crack an eye open. “Okay, nothing happened when Brandon cameherelast night. The elevator may have been a different story.”

Juliette throws herself back on the bed next to me and turns to her side, stuffing her hands under her face the way Nina and I did as kids. “Are you going to make me beg? Because you know I’m not above begging, Ashlyn.”

I roll to my side and face her. “Did I ever tell you I met Brandon a few weeks before the Olympics?”

“What?” she gasps, then narrows her eyes. “I think I’m mad at you. How have you never said a word?”

“Well, we did. And don’t feel bad. I never told anyone.”

Because I never had anyone to tell.

“Did you bang him? Wait... no. John was your only. Okay.Shit. I’m too excited. I need to calm down for this. Details, Ashlyn. I need details.”

“Juliette,” I laugh. I can’t help myself. In my entire life, I’ve only ever had two women I was completely comfortable with. One of them is dead. And Jules is the other. I’m thankful every day that she came into my life. But she’s still not getting details.

Those are mine.

Well... mine and Brandon’s.

“It was one night, a very long time ago, followed by texting and FaceTiming. Then life got in the way, and I married John. I never thought I’d see Brandon again. And even after he joined the Kings, I still didn’t reallyseehim. Not until Hudson and Maddie got together. And I swear to God, the minute I heard him speak... the second I felt him in the same space... I don’t know. I was just gone.” I flop onto my back and look up at the ceiling fan rotating above me. “Do you remember the first time you met a man and thought he could be important to you? One who was supposed to matter in your life?”

Jules rolls over too and links our pinkies together. “I do. I married him. He’s downstairs, trying to teach our son not to curse while Hudson and he scream at the hockey game.”

I don’t bother telling her I heard Blaise sayshitearlier today.

Toddlers pick up everything.

“Really?” I ask. “You never felt that way before Becket?”

“Really. I don’t know if you get that feeling too many times in your life. So I’m going to go out on a limb here and give you a little advice.”

I take our linked hands and shove her away. “You’re crazy. You give me and everyone else who’ll listen advice every chance you can.”

“Okay, fine. I do. And I’m going to stand by this one. If that man feels important, like he matters to you, grab him with both hands and don’t let go.” She leans her head against my shoulder and sighs. “Unless the sex is bad. Then kick that fine ass to the curb.”

My body vibrates with silent laughter. Okay, maybe I’ll share one detail.

“The sex was incredible.” I lean my head against hers.

“That’s my girl.”

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