Page 62 of The Originals

“What?” Regina snapped, shifting in her seat to face her friend.

Lola shrugged, smiling down at the fire. “It’s just, I don’t know. You planned all this, made reservations. It’s not your usual MO when you’re with a guy. I mean, celebrating an anniversary?” Lola smiled and cocked her head. “It’s sweet.”

And unappreciated by the intended recipient. There was the hurt again.

“You and Grain ever talk about getting married? Having kids?”

Regina scoffed, playing it off. “No.”

There was a long stretch of silence.

“Do you ever think about it?” Lola whispered.

Regina had thought about it. Maybe too many times. She’d never been in a committed relationship that had lasted this long. She’d never wanted to be. Usually by the fourth month, she was itching for her freedom and didn’t want to be tied down. With Grain, it was different. Everything felt stronger and united. And the sex had only gotten better, which she didn’t think was possible. Still, it wasn’t perfect. Tonight was an example of that.

“No.” It was a lie.

Lola slowly nodded and flattened her lips. Her friend wasn’t buying it, but Lola didn’t call her out on it. They sat in silence. The night couldn’t have been more perfect for looking at the stars. It was unseasonably chilly. She shivered and tightened the blanket around her. If Grain was here, she would’ve ditched the blanket for the warmth of him. She banished the thought from her mind and grabbed her drink, finishing it off.

“Refill?”

Lola downed her glass and handed it to Regina. With the cooler temperature, the jug was still half frozen. She bent down, pouring the drink in their glasses.

“You love him,” Lola said.

It wasn’t a question. It was a statement. A deep one. Aside from her family, and even that was questionable, Regina had never loved any man. Until Grain. It didn’t need a response, but Regina gave one anyway.

“I’d love to cut off his balls. Does that count?”

Lola burst out laughing and leaned across the small table, grabbing the drink Regina offered.

“So, what happens next?” Lola asked.

Regina settled in her seat, glancing up at the sky. She was the least sentimental person on the planet. But she couldn’t escapethe beauty of the sky and the peacefulness.This was supposed to be ours.Just a few days away from her work at the bar, from their time at the clubhouse, and Grain’s duties for the MC.

It’s supposed to be just us.

Regina sighed. “I don’t know.”

“You know what I think?” Lola asked.

Regina rolled her eyes. “No, but I’m sure you’re going to tell me.”

Lola grinned. “I think you and Grain got something special. And he fucked up.” Lola sipped her drink. “Isn’t the first time. Won’t be the last. But at the end of the day, I really do think he loves you. And you love him.”

I think you’re right, Lo.

But again, it was soft, too deep for Regina.

“And he’s got a big dick.”

“Fuck!” Lola jerked up, laughing. “I knew it.”

Regina chuckled, settling into her chair. They’d finish off the pitcher of Margaritas while shit talking Grain and Lola’s current man. They would drink too much, eat greasy food, and sleep until noon tomorrow. They’d do the same thing the next day. Then they’d be back to their real lives. Regina would have to contend with Grain. But for now, it was all about the sky, the drinks, and the company.

’Cause real life is too hard without a little peace.

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