Page 3 of All This Time

“I wasn’t initiating, though,” I counter. “That was one of his biggest arguments as to why we drifted apart.”

“Laney, if he’d actually been good in bed, you would’ve wanted it more.”

“That’s true…”

“And a mature man would have had a conversation with you about it instead of sticking his dick in another woman. Joke’s on her, though, because you know he didn’t make her come either.”

I snort. “That is also true.”

“Well, if you really want to escape and ditch the wedding festivities, you know where to find me. Just look for the house full of silicone penises.”

“Don’t tempt me. I was already questioning why I even agreed to be Tori’s maid of honor, but now that I know you-know-who is Elliot’s best man, the list of injuries I could fake is getting longer each day.”

“Maybe I can call you and say there’s an emergency here, like how girlfriends do for each other when they’re on a really bad date so you don’t have to seehim. What should be our code word?”

“How about pathetic? Because that’s how I’m beginning to feel.” My hand covers my eyes. “I don’t even have a date for the wedding.”

“I think that’s for the better, actually. Then you can flirt with whoever you want.”

“You act like I don’t already know all the single men who will be there.”

Hazel hums. “Good point. I, uh…will be praying for you then?”

I huff out a laugh. “Gee, thanks.”

“Hey, if I remember correctly, you were basking in my emotional turmoil last year when I was basically bribed to marry Gage. I guess the tables have turned, huh?”

“You know what? I’m beginning to question our friendship.”

“No you aren’t,” she says as I glance at the time and note I have to end this call soon to get ready for my first client. “You’re going to keep your chin held high, pretend Fletcher doesn’t affect you, and in three weeks, he’ll be gone and everything will go back to normal.”

“When you told those lies to yourself about Gage and your six-month marriage, did they work?”

“No.”

“Exactly.”

“But Gage and I realized we were meant to be, Laney. So…maybe you and Fletcher—”

“Please don’t finish that sentence,” I cut her off, shaking off memories as I do. “We had our chance, and he made his choice. I just wish seeing him didn’t bring all those emotions back up again.”

“I get that. Your first love shapes you… But, whatever happens, just know I’m here if you need to vent or process.”

“Thank you. I really appreciate it.”

“Always, girl. Good luck!”

“Thanks, I’m gonna need it.”

After ending our call and making my way into the salon, I finish some paperwork from the night before and prepare the color and tools for my first client.

Two hours later, her hair is transformed and she leaves with a smile on her face just as Glenn comes up beside me, leaning close to my ear.

“Girl, you just worked magic on her. She was looking a little like a troll when she walked in, and now she looks like a movie star.”

I roll my eyes, not at all surprised by his flair for exaggeration. “Being a new mom is rough, Glenn. The world doesn’t revolve around you anymore, and a lot of women neglect themselves when they have a baby. She just needed to be reminded of the gorgeous woman she still is, despite her life now revolving around keeping another human alive.”

A dull ache fills my chest.