An Old Fashioned book two Full Circle Series

Dibs

Thank you for reading Enjoy

Chapter 35

Dibs

Harper

It was a little uncomfortable when Lily caught me with Frankie. More than a little really. I had my arm around Frankie with Ryder in her arms, and our heads together. The conversation we were having needed to be addressed. It was an emotional moment, personal, intimate and it didn't look good. Not that we were doing anything wrong but I could see that it surprised and hurt Lily. I couldn't let her think that I was being out of line.

I've been out of line plenty with Frankie. I've put that same look on Frankie's face too many times to not know what I've done. I know exactly how this moment could be perceived. How many times did Frankie catch me in a compromising position? How many times did I refuse to apologize or explain my actions to her?

Too many.

That's been my problem from the start with Frankie. I refused to look at it through her eyes. Because I didn't think I did anything wrong. And wasn't that the bulk of the problem between us? I was careless with her. I refused to see her point of view. And I dismissed her feelings and almost lost my best friend because of it. I wasn't willing to be careful with her heart, because I didn't want to acknowledge my negligent actions.

I was negligent, cold and selfish. Not anymore. I've learned that lesson. I'm not doing that again to someone I care about. I won't do that to Lily. Because of what she means to me, because I'm going to be a better man for her, I want this to be better, more, I want her to know she can trust me.

And I have to be careful how I handle this situation. Frankie and Lily are friends. Lily already knows how I treated Frankie. She's seen firsthand how I messed up. I don't want to screw up their friendship and I need to prove to her and myself that I'm not that guy anymore. Lily needs to know she can trust me. And I feel it's important to explain myself. That's new ground for me.

So how do I do just that?

Frankie and I were having a conversation that was long overdue. For the first time in a long time, we really talked, honestly and respectfully. I have realized how much I took Frankie for granted and how much I hurt her. I figure that was something worth explaining to both of them.

And maybe I'm changing too. I hope so. If I learned anything from this whole mess with Frankie, it's that I didn't treat her the way she deserved. That's on me. I own it and I'll find a way to make it up to her the best way I can. I'll support her decisions, I'll be happy for her success, and if Tyler is the man she wants, then I'll make sure he treats her right.

Above everything else, I love Frankie. She's my best friend. It just took me a long time to figure out the difference between loving her and being in love with her. I don't think I tried before because it was all the same thing to me. After all that's happened, I know better. She's my friend and my family but I'm not in love with her.

Tyler is.

I saw that for myself at the wedding. The way he was able to step back and say: there he is, there's Harper, and here I am. I'm not going to stand in your way and I'll support your decision but I only want you, he doesn't. I'll treat you with respect and care. I'll listen to your needs, whether you voice them or not. I want you to be happy, and I can give you that. If you're unsure, I'll wait for you. Go find out what you want and I'll be right here when you make your choice.

He let her go to figure it all out even if she didn't choose him, he was willing to let her go.

She could have chosen me. I thought I wanted her to do just that. Not that I did anything to help her make that choice. No, I pushed her right into Tyler's arms. And she was happy to get away from me. He was strong enough, and believed in her, in them, enough to give her the power she needed to make her choice.