Page 94 of Broken Butterfly
Elizabeth is smiling widely now. “Have I told you guys how much I love all of you? I love it when we all get to hang out together, and I love it even more when my three best boys get together.”
Elizabeth is happy and the stress of the day is gone. Wanting to keep it that way, I suggest, “Why don’t you guys stick around. We have enough stuff for tacos, and Netflix added the next season ofCobra Kaito their lineup.”
Elizabeth pops up from the bench and throws her arms around my neck, giving me a quick kiss. “That’s a great idea. I’ll start the tacos,” she says between a flurry of happy pecks to my face. “Jules, you want to help me?”
“Race you to the kitchen,” he calls back, already halfway there, leaving me and Jayson alone in the living room.
“She seems to be taking everything that has happened in stride. How bad was her car?” he asks.
I grab the remote and open Netflix when the television comes on. “Pretty bad. The campus cameras caught it, but the guy was dressed all in black and wearing a hood, so there’s no way to identify him.”
“Ry, we need to stop this shit from happening again. She’s already been through hell and back, and shit just keeps piling on.”
I reel in my anger. “You don’t have to tell me because I know. Don’t you think this is killing me too? Especially knowing it was Maria behind those online posts. Elizabeth had a minor freak-out earlier after viewing the security tapes. The guy’s face-covering reminded her ofthatnight.”
Jay breathes out a “Fuck.”
I join him on the sofa. Jay and I may be on opposite sides when it comes to loving Elizabeth, but we will always be on the same side when it comes to protecting her. “We’ll all be with her in Seattle and for Christmas, and as much as you despise Fallon, you know he’s got the power and resources to protect her better than we can.”
“As much as I hate to say it, you’re right,” he says with a slight chuckle. “Want to fill me in on what the hell happened between the two of them and why they are suddenly best friends? Liz was terrified of that guy in high school. I always felt he was obsessed with her.”
Jay would flip his shit if I told him that Fallon confessed to me that he loved her and I’m not ruining the peace of our evening with that story, so I lie. “I only know what you know and that is what Elizabeth has told us. She cares about Fallon and vice versa, so as long as she’s happy, that’s all that matters.”
“Perhaps. I still can’t stand that rich, pompous asshole though.”
“The feeling, I’m sure you know, is mutual.”
Jay snorts.
“I know Seattle is going to be rough for you and Elizabeth. Is there anything I can do to help? Putting all our bullshit aside, we’ve been friends for a very long time, and I hope you know that I still have your back if you need me.”
Jay leans his head back against the sofa and mutters, “Always the better man.” He sits back up and looks at me. “Thanks, Ry. I appreciate it.”
Chapter 26
“What can I get you, gorgeous?” the bartender asks me.
I’m at the bar at Belly’s waiting for Meredith and Sara to arrive for our Friday girl’s night out. Since I’m driving, I’m not going to drink any alcohol tonight. Hence the soda I’m about to order.
“Whatever diet cola you have. I’m not picky.”
The bartender winks at me with a “coming right up” and walks to the other end of the bar. I am a bit disappointed Belly’s isn’t doing karaoke tonight, but they are having a quiz bowl which should be fun. My inner nerd wants to come out and play.
I turn around on the barstool and people-watch while I wait. The place is already packed with college students from campus. There are a couple of groups gathered around the pool tables adjacent to the small stage located at back, and Top 40 music is playing. Where people would be dancing there are now tables to accommodate the crowd that’s here for trivia night.
“Here you go, love,” the bartender says. I turn around to take my drink and he slides a napkin towards me that has his name and phone number written on it. “Anything else I can get for you?”
The guy is good-looking with dark blond hair and chocolate brown eyes. I look at the napkin and see his name is Bryce.
“Actually, there is,” I say. “Is there any way you could summon my fiancé for me? He’s at the bar down the street with some friends.” I give him a wink of my own and he bursts out laughing.
“You’re adorable. Message received.” Bryce leans over the bar and says in a low voice, “Although, you’re not wearing a ringandyou’re here alone.”
Dammit. I didn’t want Meredith to see it yet, so it’s on my necklace with my locket which are tucked under my long-sleeved shirt. I’m about to whip my necklace out when I hear Sara’s voice call out, “Hey Bryce!” A second later, I’m being tackle-hugged by a pixy who turns out to be Meredith.
“Girl’s night!” she shrieks. “I’ve been so looking forward to this all week. Just us pussies! Wait, that sounds wrong.”
Sara leans over the bar and hugs the overtly flirtatious bartender. “I see you’ve met Elizabeth. And this is my loud roommate Meredith. Meredith, this is my brother, Bryce.”
