Page 74 of Inseparable
Slowly, he nods. “That’s fair, Ange. I hope he appreciates your loyalty.”
I’m not sure that he does, but that’s neither here nor there now.
Ayden calls later than usual the next night, and Devin and I have just spent a pleasant afternoon in my place watching old movies and stuffing our faces with a host of our favorite junk food. The relaxed, happy mood becomes tense as I pick up my cell to answer my boyfriend. “Hey, baby,” Ayden greets me. “Can you hear me okay?”
“Hey, yourself, and yes, the line is clear.”
“I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you, too. How are things over there?”
“Pretty shitty, to be honest. It’s not what I thought it’d be.”
His mood sounds low, and I wish I could project myself through the phone to cheer him up with a hug. “Is there no way you can get home for Thanksgiving?”
“Not a chance in hell, unfortunately. Are you going home?”
“Yeah. It won’t be the same without you.”
“I’ll be there in spirit.”
Dev is watching me closely as I clear my throat. “I have someone here who wants to speak to you.” I hold the phone out to Dev.
“Hey, man,” Dev says. I can’t hear the response on the other side. “I go to school here too.” There’s a brief pause. “That’s not it. She hasn’t been hiding it from you.” His eyes lock on mine, and there’s a fierce intensity in his gaze. “She didn’t know I was here until recently.” A muscle clenches in Devin’s jaw. “It’s not like that, and I’ve gotten my act together. I’m clean, and sober, and I’m just trying to pick up the pieces of my life.” He grabs fistfuls of his hair. “You know how much our friendship has always meant to me.” Devin starts pacing the room. “Don’t put this shit on me, again. You know, now that I look back on that time, there are plenty of things that don’t make any sense.” His eyes burn angrily, and he harrumphs. “Yeah, why doesn’t that surprise me? Sure. I’ll put Ange back on the phone. See ya,buddy.” His voice is like ice as he spits out the last word, thrusting the phone at me.
“What was that all about?” I ask Ayden.
“Nothing for you to worry about.”
I grind my teeth to the molars, although I shouldn’t be shocked. Shutting me out has always been Ayden’s forte. “I’m not sure why you’re pissed, but Devin’s my friend,ourfriend, and I’m thrilled he’s here. When you get home, we’re all going to sit down and thrash things out. I don’t care whether you agree or not, it’s happening. We’re putting our friendship back on track, and there’s nothing you can say that’ll make me change my mind. We need each other. We’ve always had one another’s backs, and it’s time to emphasize that.”
“I’ve got to go, Lina.”
His voice is curt, and now I wish I could reach through the line and strangle him. But I refuse to end our call on a sour note. Not when he’s out there, dealing with God knows what. “Okay.” I sigh. “I love you. Stay safe.”
“Love you too. Bye.” Then he hangs up. Devin is sitting on the couch with his head in his hands. I toss my cell on the table, and sit down beside him, gently placing my hand on his knee. “What did he say?”
“Just more of the usual bullshit.” He looks up, and I recognize the strain in his eyes. “I don’t think he’ll ever be able to look beyond the crap of the last year.”
I squeeze his knee. “He will. You’ve got to give him time. And he’s over there dealing with so much shit. His reaction is probably more to do with that than you.”
The next couple of weeks fly by, and Devin is a permanent daily fixture in my life. The more time we spend together, the less I remember our separation.
It’s as if we were never apart.
I’m glad when Wednesday rolls around and we’re making the trip home for Thanksgiving. Mariah is traveling with Cody, and I’m going with Devin in his SUV.
The closer we get to Mason City, the happier I feel.
Mr. Carter is still fuming with Devin, blaming him for what he perceives to be Ayden’s litany of bad decisions, so the Morgans are banned from the usual Thanksgiving dinner at the Carters. Mom and I decided to host our own Thanksgiving this year, and she’s invited Dr. Williams along with Devin and his brothers. Jim is also coming. He shares the various annual celebrations with his ex-wife, and it’s her turn to have their daughters for Thanksgiving this year, so he’s delighted to be able to spend it with his new family for the first time.
Mom and I are up half the night prepping the food for the next day. We chat while sipping wine and catching up. She’s deliriously happy, and completely head over heels in love, and I’m thrilled for her. I’ve only met Dr. Williams—Jon—a couple of times, but I can tell he’s a decent guy.
“Thank you for such a gorgeous dinner,” Jim says the next evening after we’ve all stuffed ourselves silly.
“I don’t think I’ll be able to eat for a week,” Luc acknowledges with a groan, massaging his swollen belly.
“You’d swear I never feed you,” Cam jokes, messing his hair as he stands up, starting to clear away the empty plates.
