Page 43 of Between Regrets and Promises (Between Us Trilogy #2)
We ended up sitting at the cafe for almost two hours.
I haven’t laughed that much in so long. Part of me felt guilty about it, considering we were at a grieving circle talking about death and the emotional roller coaster it brings.
However, Dacia explained how she overcame the dark days.
She talks to her brother and believes he’s listening and watching over her.
It’s what brings the light back into her life.
I thought it was super sweet, but I have no urge to talk about Weston. It’s hard to explain how I’m not missing him , but I nod along so I don’t look like a crazy person who’s glad her boyfriend is gone so he can’t hurt her ever again.
Before we leave, the three of us exchange numbers, and I agree to see them at the next meeting, though part of me still isn’t sure I want to return.
If anything, it’s been nice to meet some new people who I might eventually feel comfortable opening up to.
Perhaps one day, when I’m not anxious about what their reactions might be, I can share my story about Weston’s and my relationship.
“How’d it go?” Mason asks as soon as I walk into the kitchen. “You were gone for a while.”
He digs through the fridge and pulls out random things, which makes me wonder what the hell he’s doing.
“I ended up meeting a couple of people, and we went to the cafe across the street to chat. It was okay, I guess. Weird. I didn’t go into too many details.” I shrug, reaching for the packet of shredded cheese he tossed on the counter. “What’re you doing?”
“Making a taco salad. Want some?” he asks, reaching for the can of diced tomatoes to open it.
“You’re cooking?” I chuckle. “Since when?”
Narrowing his eyes, he swipes the cheese from my fingers. “I cook. I just haven’t been in the mood, but I’m starving and can only eat so much takeout before I feel like shit.”
“Good point.” I smile, grabbing the lettuce. “I’ll chop this.”
We work side by side, making easy conversation while I mix the greens with tomatoes, cheese, and olives, per his request. Mason cooks the meat while I crush a bag of Doritos and add it in with sour cream.
Once we’re done, we toss everything together with some taco sauce and scoop it into two bowls before we sit in the living room.
“It’s so good,” I moan around my first forkful.
“What is that?” Liam asks, walking down the stairs and putting on a shirt. As soon as he takes the last step, his nose scrunches as he sniffs our salads. “I smell something delicious.”
Mason and I both snort. “Did you only come out of your cave because you smelled food?”
“Actually, I was sleeping, and it woke me up. Now where is it? What is it? I want some.”
“You’re such a man-child.” I snicker. “Taco salad. Kitchen.”
Mason clicks to Netflix, and we eat while watching Lucifer . Things between us have become so comfortable, and any awkwardness that lingered before the incident is long gone. I love hanging out with them, even if the circumstances aren’t ideal.
“Dude, you guys are way behind on this show,” Liam says, plopping down on the couch, and it makes me bounce a little.
“No spoilers!” I point my fork at him.
“Don’t worry. I’m on a new show anyway,” Liam says, taking a gigantic bite. He acts like he hasn’t eaten in a week, which I find hilarious since he eats nonstop.
“Which one?”
“I’m not telling you.”
“What?” I squeal. “Why not? What I’d do?”
Mason laughs, and I look at him confused. “He’s probably embarrassed to admit he’s watching a chick show.”
“Aww…Hulk. Don’t be,” I tease, using the nickname Maddie sometimes calls him, which I think he secretly likes.
“Don’t call me that. And I’m not embarrassed, but I don’t need to hear your judgments.” He keeps his focus on his food and the TV. He tenses anytime Maddie is around, but who knew calling him that would have the same effect? This is good to know .
“I think it’s a cute nickname,” I say, setting my bowl down on the coffee table, then moving closer to him so I can wrap my arm around his shoulders.
“C’mon, tell me!” I beg, sticking out my lower lip and giving him my best puppy dog face.
“I swear I won’t tease you. Maybe it’ll be one I want to watch with you? ”
Liam groans, making a point not to look at me. “Fine. But you can’t give me any shit. Got it?”
I smile, giddy. “I’d never.”
“ Hart of Dixie ,” he murmurs, lowering his face to shove another large bite into his mouth as if that’ll cover up what he said.
“Oh my God! I love that show!” I squeeze his arm and give him a side hug. “Now we can watch it together!”
Mason’s laughter tears my gaze toward him as he shakes his head with a goofy grin on his face.
“Shut up, fucker,” Liam snaps.
“Time to turn in your man card, dude.”
I shuffle back to my spot on the couch, then grab my bowl of food. “Don’t be so mean!” I playfully smack his arm. “It is a good show.”
Liam extends his arm toward Mason and flips him the bird. “I swear, you two are toddlers.”
“But I’m your favorite, right, Sophie?” Liam goads with a smug smirk.
“Of course. My favorite shit-stirrer,” I tease.