Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 90464 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90464 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
“I won’t,” I promise. “I will love her with all my heart.”
Rachel gives me a grateful look. “Thank you.” Sitting back, she continues, “The third thing I need from you is to look out for Easton. Keep him grounded and remind him to take breaks, or he’ll work himself to death.”
“How do I keep him grounded?” I ask, fully intent on carrying out all her wishes.
“It’s the little things like making breakfast together, or having a barbeque, or just talking about the old days and reminding him where he came from.”
I nod. “I can do that.”
She sucks in a deep breath before continuing, “The fourth thing. I really want you to see a therapist. I don’t want you getting panic attacks and living in fear of men. Okay?”
With a lump forming in my throat, I can only nod.
For a moment, she stares at me with so much love shining from her eyes it makes a tear spill down my cheek.
“You’re an amazing friend, Nova. I’ve loved every second we’ve spent together. From the first day when I saw you in the classroom, I just knew you were mine.”
My chin quivers as I think back on that day. I thought Rachel was the prettiest girl I’d ever seen, and I followed her around like a lost puppy.
“I don’t know what comes next, but if there’s a way for me to look out for you from the other side, I will.”
The sound escaping from me is a cross between a sob and a chuckle. “If anyone can find a way, it will be you.”
She takes the camera from me and keeps the lens on her as she scoots closer until she’s pressed against my side. She wraps her arm around my shoulders and gives me a kiss on my cheek, then says, “No matter where I am, I will always love you, Nova.”
I nod, and unable to stop the tears from falling, I say, “I’ll always love you, Rach.” I blink quickly so I can keep eye contact with her. “You’re the most important person in my life.”
“We got through puberty and a lot of other shit together,” she says, letting out a sad chuckle. “We’ll get through this as well.”
I’m not so sure I’ll get through it, but I’ll do my best.
Rachel stops the recording, then closes her eyes, and sucks in a trembling breath.
Placing my hand on her back, I gently rub up and down in an attempt to comfort her. “If I could swap places with you, I would.”
She has so much more to live for than I do.
She opens her eyes to look at me, and as tears escape her eyes, she whispers, “I know. That’s why I love you so much.” She takes another deep breath, then says, “Next video.”
God, today might just break me.
When it’s almost nine o’clock at night, Rachel says, “It’s been a long day. I’m heading to bed.”
I watch as she gets up off the couch. “Night. I hope you sleep tight. Wake me if you need anything.”
“Good night, Rach,” Easton murmurs. “I’ll check in on you later.”
Lainey went to bed half an hour ago, and as Rachel heads up the stairs, I consider going to my bedroom.
Before I can make up my mind, Easton climbs to his feet and asks, “I’m in the mood for a glass of wine. Want to join me?”
“Ah . . . sure.”
I stand up from the couch and follow him to the kitchen. Next to the pantry, there’s a wine cooler with a glass door, and I see rows and rows of bottles. He takes one out, and I practically drool over his strong hands as he pulls a cork from the bottle before pouring some of the deep-red liquid into two glasses.
Why does everything about this man have to be so damn hot?
I don’t drink much alcohol, so when he hands me a glass, I take a tentative sip. It’s strong and sweet all at the same time, leaving a dry sensation behind on my tongue.
“What do you think?” he asks.
“It’s okay.”
Chuckling, Easton shakes his head. “This bottle cost me over fifteen thousand dollars. It has to be better than okay.”
Holy crap!
Shocked by how expensive it is, I glance between Easton and the glass in my hand. “I know nothing about wines. You should’ve saved the bottle for when you have something to celebrate.”
He clinks his glass against mine. “We do have something to celebrate.”
“We do?” I can’t think of a single thing, especially not after making videos with Rachel all day. My heart is a pulverized mess in my chest.
“The fact that you’re finally here in LA with us.” Easton twirls the wine in his glass, and a serious expression settles on his face before his eyes lock with mine. His tone is deeper than usual as he says, “I’m sorry, Nova.”