D: Ok.
And now I feel like a piece of shit. This is not how I wanted this day to go after he and I had such a good night and morning. By the clipped way he answered, he's not up for anymore discussion. Instead of dwelling on it, I get up, fix my hair, and then flush and wash my hands in case someone was listening outside. Opening the door, I square my shoulders and walk out of the bedroom.
When I enter the open-concept living room and kitchen, there are so many people that I'm slightly overwhelmed at first. "Hey," I say, giving a wave. "Didn't expect the whole damn family to be here."
None of them stop their conversations, they just wave back at me, and continue on. That's when I see that Levi and Dakota are sitting next to each other at the table, and one of the only empty seats is the one right beside Dakota. My mother did this, I know that like I know how to breathe. She will not rest until she knows for sure what's going on in my personal life.
Walking over to the fridge, I grab out an ice cold can of Coke, tap on the top, and then open it. The liquid is cool as I tilt the drink and let it cool my hot throat. When I've had enough, I go back to the table and have a seat. "Where's Magnolia?" I ask Levi, putting a halt to the conversation with Dakota.
"She's your BFF, figured you'd know."
Those words hurt. Since she started dating my brother, we aren't as close as we used to be. I've heard other friends talking about losing their person, but I didn't think I would be one of them. "I haven't talked to her today yet. Woke up late and haven't picked up my phone much." I play it off, hoping it doesn't sound as sad as it feels.
"She's delivering a really big order, and then she'll be on her way out here."
Right on cue, I get a vibration on the phone in my back pocket. Pulling it out, I smile when I see that it's Magnolia with a text.
MA: I'm near that coffee spot we like. Want a coconut mocha?
And for some reason this text makes me want to cry. Somehow I hold it together and quickly send her a text back.
MO: Yes please! Iced with a soft top.
MA: Molls, I know how you take your coffee. It's not like I'm going to forget that.
MO: I know, it's just habit. You know I'm picky.
MA: For good reason!
MO: See you when you get here. Thanks again!
MA: No problem.
My chest not feeling as tight as it did before, I put my phone in my back pocket and exhale the breath I didn't know I was holding.
Chapter 3
Dakota
I hate that expression on her face as she looks down at her cell phone. It's one that toggles between hurt and surprise. Immediately I want to know who put it there, and ask them how they could hurt this amazing woman who does so many things for others.
"How was patrol last night?" Menace asks as I pull my gaze from Molly, and bring my attention back to the group I'm standing with. Even though we aren't Laurel Springs Police, we do help out, just like they help us. "It wasn't too bad. I had to help Nick with a call last night, but other than that, it was quieter than I expected it to be."
"Agreed," Levi says. "I was prepared for it to be all night back to back. I think maybe the cold weather made people want to stay at home."
We've been dealing with below average temperatures in the area, and he's right, a lot of the criminal activity hasn't been as bad as any of us assumed it would be. "I was too. If it hadn't been for Nick needing help, I actually would've gotten off on time."
Molly has strolled over to where we're gathered, and has a seat at the card table her mom set up. "Did you have a hot date or something?"
This woman loves to test me when we're around family and friends. At first it used to piss me off, but the longer we're in this - whatever it is - the more I'm willing to play her game. "One of the hottest I've had. It was a good New Year's Eve."
"Dakota," my mom says, her cheeks red. "I'd prefer not to know about your love life."
Giving her a wink, I whisper. "I'll try to keep it to myself from now on."
The room erupts in a flurry of conversation, just like it does any time all of us get together. At some point, Magnolia comes in, carrying two coffees. I watch as she hands one over to Molly, and they whisper something back and forth to each other. Was Magnolia the person she'd been texting when she looked so sad? It stands to reason. Levi's been spending a lot of time with Magnolia lately, which is why Molly and I have been able to sneak around the way we have.
Eventually we sit down, at three different tables, might I add, a New Year's Day feast in front of us.