Broken Rings

Chapter 23

Autumn POV:

After Mel gave me a reality check, it has really opened my eyes about one thing for sure.

I need to get it fucking together.

No more of this bullshit game.

All I have been doing is just skipping around, like I'm so scared to find out what the outcome will be.

When I went back to my apartment after I got done drinking with Mel, I made a mental note of the things I needed to do in order to get this whole thing sorted out.

One, I am going to apologize to Damian and swear that I will never betray his trust again.

Two, I'm going to get some type of restraining order on Matthew, his stupid wife and his whole fucked up family.

Three, I might have to punch Evan (if we cross paths at least).

Whatever I need to get done, I am going to do it to the fullest extent.

*

As the sun shines on the roads, making it so hot that you can cook an egg on it, I headed down the sidewalk as I made my way towards a cafe.

James had requested that he and I should talk.

I'm not going to guess what it's going to be about, James is Damian's best friend and I know James is just looking out for him.

So whatever James has to say to me, I'm sure it's in Damian's best interests.

As I made it to the cafe, which was fairly small but cozy. Small tables were scattered throughout the building and there was some people inside, but it was peaceful and quiet.

I looked around for James and I quickly found him.

He was looking down at his phone, deeply concentrated on whatever he was looking at.

The sun had made its way into the building through the front windows and it shined right onto his face, casting a shadow to show off his features, making him glow.

Soft music was also playing throughout the cafe, enhancing the atmosphere.

I finally walked over to the table and as I got closer, James looked up at me and smiled, he got up, greeting me.

As we both sat down, I tried to ease myself into this conversation.

"So, how are you?" I questioned.

He put on a small smile as he answered, "You know, still learning how to adult and things like that"

I nodded as I felt the same way.

It's like when I think I know what I'm doing and I have everything under control, it just falls apart in the blink of an eye.

And the worst part is that half of the time, I don't know where it went wrong.

"Yeah, I absolutely get it"

As soon as I finish my sentence, James leans back on his chair as he lets out a big sigh, as if he was preparing for something.

He leans back into the table, resting his arms on the table.

"I'm just going to cut to the chase because I care about both you and Damian"

I nodded, encouraging him to continue.

"Based on what I can gather, you guys obviously had a fight and you didn't end well for you two" he paused to catch his breath, "I know that I haven't really asked how you were doing, but I seen Damian and the way he has been since then"