Page 45

I relaxed back against the hard wood of the park bench and raised my face to the sky. The late March sun beamed down on my skin and made me smile. I'm sure I looked silly sitting here alone, smiling like a goofball. It was hard not to be happy these days though.

Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I checked the time.

I had twenty more minutes to wait here. Feeling a little weak I opened Instagram for the millionth time in the past week.

I had been shocked when I got the notification that Archer tagged me in something.

Madeline and I had been laying on the couch catching up and watching movies when my phone buzzed.

I'd burst into tears when I saw the beautiful picture he'd chosen and the simple caption.

It had been only two words, but they'd filled me with so much love and joy.

My light.

Looking at the picture now, my heart melted into a bunch of goo by my feet.

I never thought I'd care so much about social media, or publicizing our relationship.

But the fact that Archer had done it just warmed me right up.

His post had over 1000 likes and tons of comments.

I scrolled through, reading the ones I hadn't seen yet.

I narrowed my eyes at Brit and Kayla's comments.

It had been five months with absolutely no word from either of them and now they were making a big show as if we were all best friends?

I really shouldn't be surprised. The three of us had never been much for resolving our issues, especially if I were the one upset.

They'd always just wait me out until I eventually folded and ran back to them.

Annoyed by their phoniness, I considered doing something to knock them down a peg. Maybe I could finally send off that essay of a text I'd planned in my head several times. Or I could be really petty and comment something back that made it clear we weren't friends.

In the same breath though, I knew I wouldn't do either.

Did I find Brit and Kayla annoying? That's a big ol' yes.

Was I angry at them still? Hurt? No. The truth was, I'd just outgrown them.

There was a time when I had thought they'd be my best friends until I was old and grey.

As much as I tried to ignore it, they were good friends to me at one point.

Sure, they were selfish occasionally and a little vapid. But what teenage girl hadn't been?

I closed my phone feeling at peace with the fact that I didn't need closure with either girl, because it just didn't matter to me anymore.

They were a huge part of one phase in my life, and for that I was thankful.

If they wanted to cling on to some random connection they thought they had to my boyfriend, then be my guest.

A car horn beeping repeatedly drew my attention back to my surroundings. Obnoxious entrance? Yep, that's my brother.

"Baby sis!" Ollie called as he hopped out of his car and ran over to me. I smiled as I stood to greet him and almost got plowed over in his hug.

"Hey big brother," I laughed into his embrace.

We sat back onto the park bench and casually watched some kids play in the distance while we caught up.

Pride swelled within me as I listened to Oliver's easy chatter.

He'd been working so hard to get himself back on track.

It was like once he opened one door, he just had to keep knocking more open.

He was currently telling me about some work friends he'd come out to.

"I'm glad everyone seems to be accepting it well," I grinned.

"How could they not when I tell them I have a pitbull little sister who I can sick on them," Oliver laughed.

"Darn straight," I agreed. "So, are you ready to do this?"

Oliver grimaced. We'd been texting back and forth since Whistler and I had finally convinced him to come to LA and make up with James.

He was worried that it was too far gone but I was determined to get them back together.

Selfishly, I had been daydreaming about how fun double dates would be as a foursome.

"I don't know Lotty, I think James has just seen me at my worst too many times.

Plus, I'm still a work-in-progress. I can't be perfect for him. "

"If James really cares about you, he won't expect you to be perfect," I assured him.

Oliver twisted to look down at me thoughtfully, apprehension filled his eyes. "You think?"

I shrugged casually, "Archer isn't perfect. Far from it actually, but that doesn't stop me from loving him." I laughed as Oliver shivered and shook his head rapidly as though he needed to clear an image from his brain. "In fact, I think I love him more because I can see how hard he tries."

"Yeah but Archer never acted like an alcoholic idiot with you," Oliver sighed.

"How has that been anyways?" I questioned hesitantly. I had never been sure how far Oliver's problems with alcohol went, and I wasn't sure he'd want to tell me.

Oliver leaned back on the bench and stared up at the sky, considering his words.

"I don't want to downplay how bad I was.

Because I know it was ugly. But I don't know.

.. I drank because the second I got a sip of alcohol, all my pain would come rushing forward.

I really hated hiding. So I'd drink until I forgot. "

I reached out and patted Oliver's leg. Every time I got a glimpse into how much he'd suffered silently on his own my heart broke a little more for him. I had to remind myself that it was in the past, Ollie was on a better and brighter path now.

"I'm not saying it's not a problem anymore," Oliver continued. "I just don't feel the need to do that now. I'm seeing a therapist that Mom set me up with, and we've talked a lot about why I chose alcohol to cope. She wants to make sure that I don't use it as a self-soothing tool."

"Ollie, see? You are already doing so much to try and get better. I really think James will respect that." I said optimistically.

Oliver stood up and offered me his hand, "Okay, let's get this show on the road then."

An hour later we were standing outside of a Walmart, waiting for Archer to show up.

I caught sight of his black ballcap as he weaved through some vehicles, jogging towards us.

The best thing about having a giant for a boyfriend was that I could always find him so easily.

His big head popped up over most visible barriers like an overgrown weed.

"What are you smirking about?" He asked me as he and Oliver bumped shoulders.

"I was just thinking about how you're like an overgrown weed." I smiled as he kissed my cheek. Oliver was too busy laughing at my comment to care about our affection.

"I'm not overgrown," Archer frowned, "if anything I think your growth was stunted cause you didn't eat enough red meat as a baby."

"There is so much wrong with what you just said, I don't even know where to begin." I shook my head as we walked inside.

Walking around the store with two grown men proved to be incredibly difficult. They both whined like babies every time I turned down a new aisle.

"Seriously, Sweetheart I really don't think we need Christmas lights." Archer groaned.

"Good lord, they aren't Christmas lights, they're twinkle lights," I clarified. "And a romantic gesture isn't complete without them."

"Don't the rules change when the romantic gesture is between two dudes?" Oliver whined and dropped his head back like a ragdoll.

"I agree with Ollie," Archer said firmly. "I think James would be perfectly happy to go out for a beer or something."

I spun around and glared at both of them. "You two doorknobs wouldn't know romance if it hit you in the face. Trust me, we need twinkle lights."

"There is something fundamentally wrong with the word twinkle," Oliver mumbled. I chose to ignore him, instead, filling our cart with the ropes of white lights.

"I also take offence at that," Archer pouted. "I am super fucking romantic."

"You are bro, don't worry." Oliver patted him on the shoulder sympathetically. "She's just in a mood."

I left them in the aisle as I continued to grab random things off the shelves.

I had a very clear image in my head of how tonight would go and I was determined to make it perfect.

Not only for Ollie but for James too. I could never fully thank him for how much he'd done for my brother, but I could give him this.

Once I had gotten everything we needed I pushed the stuffed cart towards the electronics section in search of the boys.

I couldn't help but smile when I found them in front of a tv that had been set up to test out a new video game.

They both clicked away furiously at the controllers while they stared intently at the screen.

It must be an intense game because Archer had turned his ball cap around backwards and Oliver had his tongue resting in the corner of his lips.

I watched them for a few minutes as I leaned against the cart. Warmth spread throughout my chest as Oliver bumped Archer's shoulder in an attempt to throw him off. I could picture a very similar scene of the two boys when they were young—sitting in front of the Nintendo 64 playing Super Smash Bros.

"I win! Suck it!" Archer laughed as the screen went back to the start menu. He wrapped his forearm around Oliver's neck and gave him a noogie. Okay, now this really was like they were kids again.

I approached them before their rough-housing could escalate too far. Archer released Oliver from his hold when he saw me and grinned innocently. Oliver got one last shot in at Archer's gut before he straightened his clothes and turned to me.

"Finally done?" Ollie asked as he raised his eyebrow at me.

"Yes, you are welcome by the way," I sassed.

A few hours later we were at our destination that I had planned the grand gesture for.

Madeline and I had gone for a drive the other day and stumbled across this hiking trail in Malibu.

It led to a beautiful grassy cliff where you could look down through the soft rolling hills and see the ocean.

At first, we'd joked around about getting proposed to up here, but then I realized it was a perfect spot for a romantic apology.

Archer set up the folding table and chairs we had brought while Oliver clumsily strung the lights around the trees and bushes that lined the cliff.

I twitched as I watched him, knowing that there was a much prettier way to weave the strands of light through the branches.

Seeing the concentrated furrow of his brows held me back from correcting him though.

I had wanted to find a way to bring a whole dinner up here for them, but logistically it didn't make sense. So once Archer had the table cloth down I pulled the cooler of snacks over to sit next to the chairs.

"Good job boys!" I said as I surveyed our handy work.

Archer walked behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist, "Good job baby."

"Ugh," Oliver grimaced. "Can you not please."

Archer bent his neck to plant a firm loud kiss on my cheek while he lifted his middle finger towards Oliver. I laughed and swatted him away as Oliver made gagging sounds.

"Don't even pretend you aren't going to be annoying as fuck if James forgives you," Archer threw at him.

I poked him hard in the ribs and glared as he hissed. "When James forgives him."

"Speaking of, we should probably get him here." Archer checked the time on his phone. "What's the plan, boss?"

"I'm going to call him and pretend I am out here alone and need help. Then he'll rush out and kaboom, love fest." I relayed my plan to the boys. They both stared at me confused for a moment, before sharing a look.

"One problem... you can't lie worth shit," Oliver said apologetically.

"It's not lying! It's fibbing at best. I'll be fine." I waved off their concern with a flippant hand.

I pulled out my phone and walked to the entrance of the trail so I wouldn't be within earshot of the boys. I didn't need their judgemental butts listening to me.

"Hey, Charlotte!" James' voice came through the phone.

I tried to get into the mindset of being scared and alone before responding. "Hi, James... Uhm can you c-come help me? I'm in trouble."

"Where are you? What kind of trouble?" James asked me quickly.

Oh goodness, why didn't I plan a script or something? "Oh uhm. My car broke down?"

James laughed loudly making me frown. "Why did that sounds like a question?"

"James I'm just stressed and need help can you please come?"

"Charlotte, I saw Oliver's snapmap. I know he's with you," James sighed. I looked over my shoulder and glared at Ollie.

"Will you please still come?" I begged. "Please James. We worked so hard and he just wants to talk." I fiddled with the edge of my shirt as I waited impatiently in the silence.

"Fine. But I'm not making any promises okay, I'll just hear him out."

I thanked James profusely and gave him instructions to get here. I secretly hoped he was a little more open to forgiveness than he let on but that would be Ollie's problem to solve.

"All set! He'll be here in an hour." I reported as I walked back over to the boys. I sank into Archer's heat to protect myself from the chill coming off the ocean. His large hands brushed up and down my arm when he felt my goosebumps.

"You two better go then." Oliver bopped his head nervously and looked around as though he needed a task. I went over to him and wrapped my arms around his stomach squeezing until I felt him hug me back.

"It's all going to work out," I said quietly. "Just remember you are trying and that's what is important."

"Thanks, Lotty, for everything." Ollie smiled down at me and kissed my hair. Archer approached us and patted Oliver on the shoulder. They shared a silent nod and then he grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the trail.

When we were out of sight from the cliff I looked around for the best hiding place. Archer kept walking and tugged at my hand.

"What are you doing?" I asked quietly.

Archer raised a confused brow at me. "Going back to my truck? We have to go."

"Like heck! I did not put in all this effort just to go home and not see the payoff." I grumbled as I pulled him into a small space behind a tree.

"You little snoop," Archer sighed. "What about my truck? James will recognize it."

"Oh yeah, he knows we're here. God knows I can't lie." I shuffled down to sit against the trunk. Archer stared down at me with a bemused grin before he reached down and yanked me back up. He took my place on the ground then adjusted me in his lap.

"So, we just have to wait for a whole hour?" His arms locked around me and he dropped his head back against the bark.

I was momentarily enamoured by how handsome he was. His backwards hat always made my mouth dry with how sharp it made his square jaw look. He knew that it was my weakness and I swear he did it on purpose. Butterflies erupted in my stomach as he looked back at me and smirked.

"Hmmm?" he prompted as his hand stroked down to my bum, resting there. The rumble from his chest sent a shiver across my collarbone. "What are you thinking about baby?" The glint in his eye was a dead give away that he was onto me.

"Nothing," I said as I avoided his eye contact.

"Wanna know what I'm thinking about?" He said lowly. His hand massaged the tender flesh of my bottom as I tried to control my breathing.

I kept my face blank, trying not to give in to the temptation. "What?"

"I'm thinking about how sexy you look when you come." He smirked when my face whipped around to stare incredulously at him. He kissed my jaw and chuckled when I couldn't stop myself from leaning into him.

"You get this cute little frown right here.

" He kissed the space between my brows making my eyes close.

"But your lips,"-he moved his mouth down, his stubble scratched me as he hovered just over my lips-"your lips are my favourite thing to watch.

They make a perfect circle and I can't help but think about how they look wrapped around my—"

"Archer Johnson!" I snapped. "You are such a pig."

He laughed a little too loudly and I swatted his chest. "I'm your pig though."

"Lucky me." I rolled my eyes with a giggle.

"I just love that blush so much." He pressed repetitive kisses to my warm cheek.

We stayed like that for the next hour. Archer kept trying to push us farther than just a few kisses but I was not about to risk Oliver hearing us on the wind.

I slapped my hand over Archer's mouth when I heard footsteps approaching us. They got close to our hiding spot but then the trail weaved the other way and it got quiet.

"Come on," I whispered as I stood up. We crept through the trees until I could see Oliver and James standing on the clearing. James was looking around at all the lights.

"Jesus, you couldn't just ask me to grab a beer or something?" James laughed.

Archer stood behind me, looking over my head. When he heard that he reached down and smacked my butt. I glared up at him for the noise it made and he mouthed, 'I told you so'.

I turned back in time to see Oliver laugh sheepishly and rub the back of his neck. Their voices got quieter after that, and I couldn't hear what they were saying. My heart squeezed when I saw Oliver wiping tears from his eyes, and I prayed that it was going well.

Archer's hand rhythmically rubbed my side as I vibrated with nerves. My breath caught in my throat when James moved forward and pulled Oliver into a hug. Oliver was still crying as he dropped his face onto James' shoulder and clung to his shirt.

They both pulled back at the same time and smiled weakly. I squeaked by accident when James moved forward and connected their lips. Archer's hand clamped down on my mouth but it was too late.

Oliver and James looked through the tree towards where we were hiding and I knew we'd been caught. I shuffled forward with my head hung in guilt and felt Archer follow behind me.

"I knew we had peeping toms," James laughed. "You didn't even move your truck, bro."

"I am not the brains of this operation." Archer held his hands up innocently. I glared at him for selling me out, then smiled when I turned back to James.

"Well, it looks like everything is going good here!" I wiggled excitedly. I barely contained my gushing when Ollie's ears turned bright red.

"Okay let's go, Sweetheart." Archer tugged on my hand. "They need some privacy."

"Awe what no! Can't we stay for a bit there's enough food for four." I smiled at James waiting for him to agree with me. He shared a look with Ollie and they both looked back with forced smiles.

A large arm clamped around my waist and lifted me up. I grabbed on tightly as I was whipped horizontally. "What the heck, Archer!" I grumbled as the ground moved quickly below me. I tried to twist and look up but he had me tucked under his arm like a freaking football.

"Trust me you don't want to be around for what's about to happen," Archer said firmly as he shuffled his grip on my ribs. I could faintly hear Oliver and James laughing at us as we got further away.

"You don't always have to manhandle me you know," I huffed.

"Yes, I did. You were about to turn the puppy-dog eyes on them and they would have let you stay."

"Maybe they actually wanted me to stay," I muttered.

Archer got us easily to the bottom of the trail before he released me. I rubbed my ribs and glared at him for assuming I'd try to run back if he let me go too soon. I did have some self-control.

"Good job though, Sweetheart. I think it was definitely the Christmas lights that won him over." Archer laughed and smacked my bum again as I scrambled up into his truck.