Sunflower

Chapter 20

Lucy

"Well, we had a good run," I say, looking back over my shoulder at Pin's.

Annie and I have been sitting on the curb in front of the restaurant for the past few minutes, waiting on Cole to come pick us up. We've both had too much to drink to drive or even walk back home.

We're banned from Pin's for life, so we'll have to find a new Friday night hangout, but other than that, I'd say tonight was a pretty good night.

"I hate him, Lucy. I can't believe I ever thought I could spend the rest of my life with him," Annie spits angrily. "All he's ever done is make me look like a fool."

I wrap my arm around her shoulder. "You deserve so much better. I mean, I know that sounds cliche, but haven't I always told you that? Sam is beneath you. In every way. You've been supporting him all this time while he works on this music career," I say, using air quotes. "And you were about to get married in a black wedding dress!"

"I know!" she laughs, wiping tears from her eyes. "I changed everything about myself for him. But he never truly made me happy. I took him back all those times because I was lonely, and instead of putting myself out there and finding someone new, I went back to him because he was familiar. I was afraid...I'd never find anyone else."

"Why?! You're gorgeous! You're smart, you're funny, you're a total bad ass! Any guy would be lucky to have you," I remind her, kissing her cheek.

A sleek, silver sports car pulls up in front of us and the passenger side window rolls down.

"Hey ladies. I heard you were in need of a ride."

"Justin?" I ask, standing up to get a better look at the driver.

He smirks. "Hey Lucy. Long time no see. Hey Annie."

"Did Cole send you?" I ask.

"Yeah. I just moved into his apartment building. He told me he was coming to pick you up and I told him I'd be happy to come give you ladies a ride. It's been a long time," he says, looking to Annie.

She barely even notices him. She slowly stands up and opens the back door of his car, getting in without a word.

"Yeah, no kidding. How have you been?" I ask, getting into the passenger seat.

"Pretty good. I just took a job at Plainview High. I'm the new football coach," he replies.

"That's awesome! Since you're so close now, you should hang out with us sometime. We go to Pin's every Friday! Well, we did until we got banned for life."

"Yeah, Cole told me what happened," Justin chuckles, glancing up at his rear-view mirror at Annie. "You know, a wrestling coach job just opened up at the high school. You interested?"

Annie only scowls at him.

"You'll have to forgive her, she's had a rough night," I tell him.

"It's okay. Hey, if you're serious about hanging out sometime, I'm down. It'll be fun to get the gang back together. How is Chris doing?"

I can't explain what my heart does every time I hear his name, but especially when I hear it unexpectedly.

"Chris is in Australia," Annie replies flatly. "Lucy broke up with him like four months ago."

"Oh wow. I'm so sorry. I had no idea," Justin replies, his cheeks blushing with embarrassment.

"It's okay," I say, waving him off. "I get that a lot."

"I bet. It's pretty surprising. I think everyone at State thought you two would get married. Actually, weren't you voted most likely to get married?" he asks.