Page 74 of Almost
“Why didn’t you say anything?” I ask, trying not to let my guilt get in the way of missing that my best friend stopped seeing the guy she was with without me noticing.
“There’s been a lot going on; there was just never a good time to mention it. It happened while I was in France so you didn’t miss much. Coward did it over text. I deserve better and I know that,” she says, dragging a hand through her dark hair.
Blake smiles at her proudly. “I’m glad you know your worth. Any guy would be lucky to have you, but not every guy deserves you.”
Penelope is smiling despite everything else. “I just haven’t met my person yet, and that’s okay.”
“All the more reason for us to go out tonight. I’m an excellent wingwoman, and I’m still single for the time being.” I wink at her playfully, and I’m rewarded with both of my friends’ laughter.
“Yeah, you’re totally single.” Penelope snorts sarcastically, grabbing the television remote. “Let’s rewind the interview to find where Sebastian told everyone he’s in love with you.”
“Pen has a very good point,” Blake adds.
Honestly, I’m not really sure what I am with Sebastian other than endgame.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Sebastian
I DEFINITELY SHOULDN’T be anywhere near Thalia’s house, but staying away after she called me drunk is asking the impossible of me, especially after the day I’ve had.
She swings open the door, her face lighting up immediately at the sight of the flowers in my hands. It makes the pitstop on the way here worth it to see Lia smile like this.
Clearly it was the right move because Penelope even offers me a smile in the background as Thalia jumps into my arms after I step into the house. It’s been years since she threatened to castrate me, but the fear has lingered.
Lia laughs happily as she pulls away to stand on her own feet. “I missed you.” After everything, there’s nowhere I’d rather be than here. I can’t help leaning down and kissing her deeply.This is worth it. I’d walk through fire if it meant having the honor of kissing Thalia Lewis.
“I guess you missed me too,” Thalia says, staring at me starry-eyed.
“You could say that.” I chuckle quietly, brushing her hair out of her face. Thalia holds her flowers, and I can’t lookaway. I hope she never stops smiling. I’ll buy her flowers every damn day if it makes her beam like this.
She pulls me to the couch, planting herself boldly in my lap, as Penelope starts giving me the rundown of their night. My hand rests on her thigh, tracing circles as I try not to let my brain drift. I want to enjoy this time with Thalia, because I hadn’t planned on seeing her until after training camp. I meant what I said in my press conference earlier; I do want to focus on football.
I’ve been with the Panthers for five seasons now, and aside from my rookie season, we’ve fallen short of making it to the Super Bowl every year. I want this to be the year we go again, especially as I only have one season left in my contract.
“I’m sorry, but I can barely keep my eyes awake. Try not to get into any trouble tonight,” Penelope teases, but I hear the warning in her voice. It’s why I’ve stayed away until now.
I wasn’t surprised when Owen told me people were staking out the gallery to get a picture of Thalia after more photos of our day leaked. Despite nothing happening on the beach, the photos taken out of context are pretty damn incriminating.
“Goodnight, Pen,” Thalia says, laughing off the warning. I make sure to dip my head in acknowledgment, and Penelope retreats up the stairs, leaving us alone.
Lia leans against my chest, exhaling a soft sigh. “Thank you for coming over. I know it wasn’t smart after this morning, but I wanted to see you,” she admits.
“I’m glad I came,” I reassure her, pressing a brief kiss to the top of her head.
“Bash, I wish you wouldn’t let everyone think you’re a bad guy.”
“What Kiera did was wrong, but I’m not going to stoop to her level. She can blame me all she wants for everything that happened, but in the end, I ended up here with you. None of the rest of the stuff matters, love.”
She twists in my arms to look at me, her bright eyes trailing over my face. “You amaze me. How can you sometimes say the exact right thing, and other times have your head stuck so far up your ass?”
A deep laugh escapes me as I shake my head. “I’m sorry in advance for all the times I’ll have my head stuck up my ass in the future. I doubt it’s happened for the last time.”
“I wish I could accept your apology, but without knowing what you’re apologizing for, you’ll have to apologize again whenever it happens,” Thalia says, her lips tilting upward in a smile.
I wish I didn’t have to leave, but I do. “I hope you believe me when I say leaving is the last thing I want to do right now, but I do have to go.”
I hate that her smile fades, but I’m grateful to have been here tonight regardless. “Okay,” she agrees softly.