Warning: NSFW (at the end of chapter)
Lexie
Cory and I took our sweet little time going to the movies. That was my idea. I did NOT want to go home and “visit” with my uncle. I wanted to make out in a dark theater with my so-cute-I-can’t-stand-it boyfriend. So I begged Cory to take me to the dog park for a little while until the 8 pm showing started.
As the moon rose over our little theater, I smiled. The awful events of the worst day in the history of Alexis Bianca Day’s life seemed to melt away.
And then I saw Mom and Dad making out on the sidewalk right in front of me as Cory got our tickets.
I blinked, arching an eyebrow. So…no wonder they’d been smiling at each other so much lately. They were a thing! A couple! And they didn’t want to get my hopes up so they hid it until the big reveal.
Aww…how ADORBS!
Throwing his arm around her, Dad cooed in Mom’s ear. Could they be SO GROSS and yet so awesome at the same time?
As they ducked into the theater, I had to do some spying on them so I hit Cory’s back and said, “I’ll meet you inside!”
Spotting them in the crowd, I weaved through bodies until I caught up.
But as I got a closer look, it felt as if they both kicked me in the gut. “Shit,” I hissed.
“Hey, babe, want some popcorn?” Cory asked. “Butter is calling your name.”
That imposter was not my father. My mom…was dating someone else. And she didn’t even have the decency to tell me about it.
Reality slammed me hard. All of a sudden my face heated up as my eyes watered. “Cory,” I rasped. “Take me home.”
*****
August
When Beau arrived, he gave me an awkward hug then didn’t mince words. He motioned to the couch for us to talk.
God, I didn’t want to hear what he had to say, but I figured I might as well get it over with so I did as he asked.
Twiddling his fingers, he started, “Um…so, I’ve been thinking a lot about…us.”
Us. I hadn’t heard that word in years. “I thought ‘us’ died out a long time ago,” I said bitterly.
“I know, August, and I-I’m sorry. I just…I couldn’t take it.”
“Couldn’t take what? My family? Lexie? The fact that I’d always be tied to Briar? Save your breath, Beau, I’ve heard it from you before.”
God I didn’t want to do this again. Was he going to apologize for what happened to us then lay me out with the fact that he was now engaged to someone else? I was the one who couldn’t take it. “Is this leading somewhere because if it isn’t, you’re wasting my time? I honestly don’t want to hear it, Beau.”
He sighed, fooling with his fingers again.
“I just…” he stopped then took a deep breath.
Get it the fuck over with already, I thought.
“As you know, I’ve been dating Bucky Hollister, the big Starlight Shores producer.”
“Yeah? So?” Why the hell did I have to sound like a huge bitter asshole? Here it was…the confession of his engagement. I braced myself.
“So…I mean…well, he asked me to marry him.”
I let out the breath I was holding. This was it. The end of “us” for good. I had to get over him, but damn. It hurt. Hurt like someone just ran me over with a semi. I willed the tears not to prick my eyes, but they didn’t listen.
He slipped his hand over mine. “And I said no.”
I thought I didn’t hear him correctly. “What?”
“I’ve been running away from you all this time, August, and I’m sorry. You can kick me out and tell me to go to hell, but…I just…” He shrugged and swallowed, squeezing my hand. “I love you…I will always love you. If you want me to leave you alone, I will, but I just can’t do it anymore. I want us again. I’ll do anything to make it up to you. I know I don’t deserve it, but…I really want another chance.” He hung his head and whispered, “Please.”
Like a tidal wave crashing over me, relief, joy, anguish consumed me and I grabbed him, not being able to say a word. I cried like a fucking baby into his shoulder.
Finally.
My Beau was back.
*****
Lexie
Could my life get any crappier? First Emery Straud not only stole my best friend, but she pitched me down a flight of stairs. Then when I thought things might be looking up, my mother stabs me in the back with some tall, blonde Dad wannabe. I told Cory I was sorry and I’d make it up to him. Like the sweet person he was, he told me not to worry about it and that he’d check up on me later. He was the warm bright sun after a cold, dark rainstorm. Unfortunately, Hurricane Lexie-Day’s-Life was still pounding.
And then I walked into my house.
I couldn’t fucking believe it.
My dad was doing my uncle in our living room!
“Oh. My. GOD!”
Next chapter Wednesday, May 23rd.
Day & Knight 