Page 52 of Kayla's List

“What did you do to my friend, Andy? And if you say some bullshit, I will kick your ass.”

I can see by the look on Shelby’s face that she means what she says.

“I made a mistake, and she won’t talk to me. I’m dying without her, Shelby,” I confess like a sap. I didn’t mean for the words to tumble out, but I don’t want to play any games or act like some tough guy. I just want Kayla back.

“Did you cheat on her? I swear to God, Anderson, I will cut off your di—”

“Whoa! I didnotcheat on Kay. I would never! So, there’s no need for the threats of bodily harm.” I take a step away from the crazy woman and try not to cover my goods with my hands.

Against my better judgment, I give Shelby the entire story of what happened at Three Forks. Her face remains carefully blank, but at least she’s listening to me.

“I hate it when people lie. Like anyone else, I guess,” I run my hand down my bearded face and blow out a deep breath. “I fell for Kay so fast, and I trusted her so much. I let my jealousy get the best of me, and I was a fool, but I don’t want to crowd her.”

“Andy… Andy… You let a woman that you say you love walk out on you, and you don’t even send flowers, call, text, nothing?” Shelby shakes her head and sucks her teeth.

“I called, and I sent a text. She didn’t respond,” I say lamely.I should’ve sent flowers.

“A text? One funky text? Boy! You cannot be serious!” My frown deepens because Shelby is right. I didn’t even try to win Kayla back.

“Shit!” I know I messed up.

“Shit is an accurate description. Do you really care about, Kayla? Not some stupid infatuation or something new you want to try. Butreallycare about my friend?” Shelby looks me directly in the eye, and I pray to God that she sees my sincerity.

“Yes. I love her, Shelby.” I hold up my hand before she can interrupt me, “I know it’s been a short time, but it doesn’t matter. I love Kayla. I’m sorry I hurt her, and I want to make it up to her.”

“You better be glad I’ve had a few drinks to celebrate my accomplishments tonight, Andy. Or I wouldn’t even entertain your ass. But I believe you, so you better listen up. You will be my charity case for tonight since I’m in such a giving mood.”

I smile because the first step in groveling for forgiveness is getting the best friend on your side.

24

Misery Loves Company

KAYLA

Iwalk as fast as I can in the opposite direction when my eyes lock onto crystal blue orbs that I have been missing. I knew he was going to be here tonight, it is the McNair fundraiser after all, but I figured if I laid low, I wouldn’t see him.

I have plenty of experience with being invisible, but something within me just wouldn’t let me hide this time. I didn’t want to be invisible. I didn’t want to go unnoticed. I wanted to stand out. I wanted Anderson to see me and miss me as much as I miss him.

But seeing him… I wasn’t ready.

When Emani brought over the dress, I was pleasantly surprised. The burnt orange floor length gown has a low scoop neckline with a fitted silhouette. The rich satin fabric kissed my curves in all the right ways, and the color popped against my dark brown skin.

I wore a pair of strappy stilettos that made my legs look awesome when they peeked through the long thigh-high slit. I decided to do a braid-out on my hair, and I pulled the textured locs back with a gold braided headband. I felt and looked good. But I was still nervous.

I rushed into the hall and ducked into the women’s restroom to give myself a minute. I pulled my nude lipstick out of my clutch and reapplied it. My pout is more prominent, and I feel like a petulant child hiding in the restroom.

I can see now that I overreacted slightly, but I have a right to be mad at Anderson. Although I miss him like crazy, I need to stand my ground. But will I continue to be miserable? Can’t I stand my groundandbe happy? I heavily sigh as I fluff my hair in the mirror.

“You’re Kayla, right?” The woman looks familiar, but for the life of me, I can’t place her face.

“Yes, I’m Kayla. And you are?”

“Bethany Lester. We met in Vegas,” she says with a smile.

“Oh, yeah. Sorry, I knew I’d seen your face before.” I give her a small wince. I hate that she remembers me, and I didn’t remember her.

“No need to be sorry.” Bethany waves off my awkward apology. “It’s not like we spent a lot of time together or anything. I just know who you are because of Anderson.”