Chapter NineteenHallie
What was one supposed to wear when out to dinner with an ex-lover? TJ and I promised Sloan we'd try keeping the peace. For Steve, we had all agreed to leave the past in the past. It still hurt knowing that TJ moved on so easily to another life by assuming the worst in me. It wasn't that simple. Just like trying to be friends again wouldn't be.
While the revenge dress was the plan while on vacation, I didn't have it in me to care anymore. TJ wasn't looking at me. I wasn't looking at him. I chose some light-washed jeans, a navy petal-sleeved blouse, and some light-brown leather heels. I left my hair down—loose and wavy. Jewelry was never really my thing, but I changed my nose hoop out for a gold stud with a single clear rhinestone. My plan was to pair it with a golden chained necklace, but I couldn't find it. Usually, this meant that I'd tucked it somewhere when stress-cleaning. And that meant it was in a drawer somewhere.
I pulled open the top drawer of my dresser, usually reserved for my lingerie, and stuck my hand in to explore the bottom. No gold chain, but my fingers clutched an envelope that had me smiling. Pulling it free, I saw my name written in Steve's terrible handwriting. Even though I remembered what it said, I still felt the need to reread it.
Hallie,
First, I need to say that I'm writing to all of you, and I need you to pass Sloan off her envelope when the time is right. She's going to need you, Hal. And I need you to be strong for her when I cannot be. It's going to be rough for a while, but we both know she can do it. She can get through the pain and find her light again. Maybe it's with her cooking, maybe it's with another man—and that's when you'll know it's time for her envelope. He has got to be the one, Hal. When she finds the guy who treats her the way she was always meant to be treated, the one who makes her want a family and encourages her to follow her dreams. She's going to be scared to move on, and I'm going to tell her it's okay.
To you, Hallie, I need you to know that I couldn't have gone this long without you. You have tended to my every need when I never asked you to. Thank you for taking that burden off of Sloan. No one has a heart like yours, and it's something I always wished for. You are all things love, and grace, and good. Any patient of yours in the future is lucky to have you as their nurse. And that's why you need to know that you deserve so much better than the life you've had so far. I understand TJ hurt, and I'm sorry I told Sloan before you. He will always be a part of your life, but he was never your one...
Never settle for a man who wouldn't come to your rescue. One who wouldn't wear his heart on his sleeve for you. One who would want to change you. He needs to embrace every bit of you... the wild Hallie... the loving Hallie... and the one who loves spilling other's secrets while keeping hers close to her heart. He's the guy you can tell those to, and you should.
Love you, Hal.
-Steve
Tears swept down my cheeks. I brushed them away and stood, tucking the letter back in its envelope. It always hurt to read, but something told me Steve needed me to find it tonight. I put the letter back into the drawer, spotting my gold chain as I did. What was it about the top drawer that it always became the hiding spot for things we cherished?
"You look nice." Mikah observed as he entered the room, looking good himself in jeans and a white Faith No More concert tee. "Where are you off to tonight? A date?"
While he played off that question as if he was joking, it felt like he genuinely wanted to know. Dating right now would feel... weird. Was he open to going on dates? We'd set this up as a friends with benefits deal, but lately, it felt like more than that. With Sloan busy starting a family, Mikah had become even more than a best friend. I had feelings in my stomach that wanted to pull him by his tee and put his stupid lips on mine. And if that happened, there would be no going back. I knew it was more than a crush, but if he kissed me the way I ached for him to, that was something more. Something I didn't know if I was ready for again, because of...
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Tipsy
RomanceHallie cannot stand her new roommate-the arrogant brother of her bestie's fiancé. That is... until she learns they share some seriously kinky fantasies. Turns out bartending isn't Mikah's only skill. *** Mulligan Series: Book #2 This book CAN be rea...