Page 116 of Craving Paradise
“I haven’t stopped thinking about her this entire time, but I’m worried my anger toward her for leaving me won’t ever go away.”
Freya nods and takes in my words. “I think you should talk to your therapist about this. Make an appointment now that you’ve been in touch with her again. I think it’s brought a lot of old emotions to the surface again, and you’re not processing them.”
She’s right.
“What happens if I’ve blown it again with her?”
“Then you keep trying until she finally understands that you love her, but when you’re hurt, it makes you say stupid shit.”
“I don’t say stupid shit.”
“You called her friend a whore, and they both do the same job. I’d tell you to take a flying jump, too, if I were in the same position.”
“She’s not a whore, and I don’t think that.”
“But insulting her best friend isn’t going to win you any favors, either. Elle is amazing. She’s had a pretty shitty family life, but she’s not this gold-digging monster you think she is. Lauren and Elle have always been tight, even in high school, and you may think she’s giving everything up to be with Elle, but she’s not. She is highly protective of Elle, and I understand because of everything she has been through. Lauren is a loyal friend, so getting in between her and Elle, you will always lose.”
“She can’t be that nice if she ghosted my friend for five months.”
“Like I said, Elle has had a shitty childhood, and from what I do know, she would have gone into survival mode, and Lauren would have too.”
“Was it really that bad?”
“Yes.”
Okay, maybe I should give my annoyance over her best friend a break, especially if my best friend falls for her again.
“Look, Jay, the fact you want to try and salvage a relationship with Lauren makes me so happy. I know Lauren has disappointed you in her choices, but if I’m honest, I couldn’t think of anyone more perfect for you.”
“Do you think?”
“I saw you two together last year, and she gave as good as you gave her. She challenges you, she doesn’t put up with your bullshit, she’s insanely rich so you know she isn’t after your money, but most of all, I remember how you looked at each other as if there was no one else around when you were together.”
“That’s just sexual chemistry.”
“No, it’s not, and you know it.”
“Thanks for listening to me.”
“Anytime. Don’t forget I’m friends with Lauren. We text all the time so if you want me to stick my nose into things, just say the word.” She wiggles her brows at me, making me chuckle.
“I’ll see how I go. Enough about me … how’s life in Hollywood? Have you met any men while over there?”
“Ugh, men. I don’t want to talk about it. I’ll save that story for another day. Let’s get drunk instead.”
“I’m down with that.”
* * *
“I’m so drunk,” Freya mumbles as we lay on the floor of my living room because our heads feel way too heavy to sit upright.
“Me too.”
“I’m sad over a boy.”
“I’m sad over a girl.”
“Least I can help you with your girl problem, but you can’t help me with mine,” she mumbles.