Page 57 of Ache
“A million things,” I reply.
“Want to share a few?” Alec inquires.
“I wouldn’t even know where to begin.”
“Getting used to the new dynamic?” Tage offers.
“Yes,” I confirm. “Is this completely crazy? The three of us?”
“Yes.” Alec barks a laugh. “It’s insane. But it also feels right.” He lays his hand over mine. “And we want you to be happy.”
“I am happy.” I can barely believe it. My heart is filled with more love than I ever dreamed capable.
“That’s all that matters.” Tage slips his arm around my shoulders.
“I want both of you to be happy.” This all can’t be about me. If it is, it will implode with disaster in the end.
Tage and Alec share a look. I wish I could read their minds. “We’re happy,” Tage puts my fears to rest.
“Trust us,” Alec smirks wickedly.
“I’m placing all my trust in the two of you.” The plane begins to taxi, and my insides wobble like Jell-O.
I close my eyes and breathe deeply. I can do this. As long as I have them, I can do this.
“I’ll die before I let you down again,” Tage pledges.
“Yeah, and I’ll kill him if he hurts you,” Alec threatens.
“You could try,” Tage scoffs.
“And succeed.” Alec just has to have the last word. I should warn Tage, arguing with a lawyer is a waste of time. He should conserve his energy for more important things. I’ve seen Alec in a courtroom. He’ll suck the life right out of him.
Tage just laughs Alec off as he gets comfortable, resting his head back on the top edge of the sofa. “I’m beginning to like you way more than I thought I was going to.”
“Once you get past his asshole exterior, he’s pretty awesome,” I feel compelled to comment.
“Thank you so much for the compliment.” Alec peers down at me pretending to be miffed.
“You’re welcome.” I smile sweetly.
He rolls his eyes, but I know he isn’t mad. He’s fully aware he’s an asshole sometimes, and that's just the way he likes it.
Once we’re in the air, we unbuckle our seatbelts, and Tage attacks the mini fridge.
“Snacks?” He pulls out three different types of candy, soda, water, and some small bottles of rum.
I go straight for the alcohol. Because why the hell not? I crack it open and down the whole thing.
“Easy, killer.” Tage chuckles.
“I need something to take the edge off.” I stand up and start pacing the plane.
“Relax,” he tells me yet again, but I can’t. I wasn’t prepared for any of this. Not the two of them, or my mother, or a road trip to see Gunner.
I lift a curtain toward the back of the plane and come upon another room. A bedroom. Fancy. Looks like a queen-sized bed and enough room for two end tables on each side.
“Tage? Whose plane is this again?” I voice.
