Boomerang

Chapter 17. Friends, Frenemies, & Boundaries

Maria

"What's the worst thing someone has ever requested you to do and did you do it?" Written in bright blue ink on a crisp white paper, delivered in a vibrant pink envelope. "Ask Zeek and you'll find out what kind of "man" he really is." No signature. No sign of who left the bizarre letter. It was unsettling for sure, but I couldn't help this nagging feeling that something was off. I should have gone straight to Zeek and confronted him, but I didn't want to upset Sawyer in case this turned out to be nothing. So I put the letter away and forgot about it until the opportunity to ask presented itself. Sawyer deserved someone good, someone trustworthy. I had to ask.

"Earth to Maria!" Sawyer exclaimed as she waved her hands in front of my face.

"Sorry, I was somewhere else." I smiled sheepishly. She doesn't know. I should have told her about the note. I mentally smack myself for keeping this from my best friends. We don't keep secrets from each other, only for each other.

"Clearly." Sawyer smiled softly. "Hey, is everything okay?"

Ugh, she's so damn empathetic which only adds to my ever growing guilt. "I'm just sad we lost Serenity so quickly. I thought for sure we'd have a couple of hours before her and Luke locked themselves away." I lied. Again. I'm really failing at this friendship thing lately. I need to tell her. I'm going to tell her. "Sawyer."

"Yeah?"

"I."

*BEEP*

"Yes?"

"I, uhm."

*BEEP*

*BEEP*

"Hold on a second Maria, I'm sorry it's Lucy." Sawyer gave me an apologetic look as she opened her messages.

"It's okay, it can wait. It's stupid anyway." Relief washed over me. I'm not sure why this is so hard for me. I mean, will it really change anything?

Sawyer

Lucy needed to see me, urgently according to the 15 texts she sent. Serenity was obviously occupied and Maria declined my invitation to tag along. So I grabbed my purse and snagged Luke's pickup keys. He wouldn't mind if I borrowed it for a few. Hell he probably won't even notice that it's gone.

I told Lucy I'd meet her at Johnny J's. Driving there felt like a distant memory. Last time I was here I broke the news to Luke that I was leaving. It still stings to think about. The hurt and yet understanding that swirled in his eyes. Leaving my big brother after getting him back hurt more than I was willing to admit. All over a misunderstanding. Had I just listened to Beau, heard him out, I could have spent a little more time here with Luke, I wouldn't have slept with Zeek, and Beau would still be mine. Speaking of Beau, in less than 48hours I'm supposed to be meeting him at Johnny J's. Butterflies erupted in my stomach.

I was pulled from my inner thoughts by the sound of a loud horn. A brand new Jeep swerved around me and sped off. The license plate read "BURKHART". My stomach instantly turned and I wanted to vomit right then. Get a grip Sawyer, she's the least of your worries. I shook my head and focused on getting to my destination. The ground was covered in a white fluffy blanket of snow. It truly looked as if we were in a winter wonderland. I pulled into an open spot right in front of Johnny J's. I took a deep breath as I tried to mentally prepare myself for whatever emergency Lucy was about to throw at me. I climbed out of Luke's truck, locked the doors and headed towards the entrance. Here goes nothing I thought as I gripped the handle and walked into Johnny J's.

I spotted Lucy in our usual corner booth. She had two steaming mugs in front of her. Oh Lucy you know me so well, I needed a pick me up and coffee is my sweet spot. She lifted her head from her phone and spotted me right away, A huge grin grew on her face. I couldn't help but to return her smile with a large one of my very own. I've missed her, I hadn't realized how much until this very moment. I just hope this happiness and our smiles aren't short lived.

"They just had to come..."

"Luce..." Dammit, I knew the bliss wouldn't last forever, but I had hoped for 5 minutes at the very least. But that isn't Lucy's style. I am already mentally exhausted and as much as I love Lucy, this tension with Serenity and Maria needs to end. I sipped on my coffee as I waited for her to continue, knowing damn well where this talk was heading.

"I was really looking forward to spending time with you. Just you." Lucy rolled her eyes. I know she's upset, but no need to be this bitchy to me.

"Well I'm not sorry that they're here. I want to enjoy my break and spend it with the people I love. I'd like for that to include you too." I stared, stern faced, at her. I mean business and she needs to know that. Her jaw dropped open as she gaped at me. In disbelief of my audacity. "I need more coffee, you can let me know your decision when I get back." I picked up my semi empty mug and headed towards the counter. I let out a frustrated sigh as I patiently waited for my refill.

"If you keep frowning like that you're going to cause wrinkles to form." A deep familiar voice teased.

"I guess it's a good thing I don't care about appearances." I joked back. I turned around and was met with the ear to ear face splitting grin and the kind eyes of Samuel Hanks. Beau's once upon a time best friend, until I ruined that. A ping of guilt shot through my stomach. I have got to fix this mess.

"We should talk, Sam."