Ghost Of You (Michael Berzatto X Black!OC X Eventual Richie Jerimovich)

19. I Bet On Losing Dogs

2019-Chicago, Illinois

Half a year had passed since the chaotic Christmas dinner. Donna's house was now fixed, and she was stable enough to watch Sophia and Eva for the night while the adults went out.

Angie finished up her makeup in the bathroom mirror, trying to get herself together in time.

"Holy shit." Natalie sighed, looking in the mirror. "I'm getting married next week."

"You're getting married next week." Angie grinned.

"Am I making the right decision?"

"What?"

"You've been married for like ever. What do you think?"

"I think you shouldn't compare any marriage to mine."

"True. A few months ago, you guys were on the verge of killing each other."

"We still are. We just hide it better."

"Do you think I'm gonna regret this?"

"You want me to be honest?" Angie grabbed her friend's hands.

"Please."

"Marriage is hard. It's really fucking hard. But spending the rest of your life with the person you love makes it so worth it. Natalie, you love Pete. He's a great guy. He makes you happy. You won't regret that."

Nat smiled and hugged her tightly. "I love you."

"I love you too."

'Knock, knock'

"Hey, we gotta go!" Richie called from the hallway.

The women exited the bathroom, Nat going downstairs. Angie leaned against the wall and smiled at Richie.

"Hi."

"Hey. You mind if I hide up here with you for a sec."

"I thought we had to go."

"I just needed an excuse to come upstairs."

"You okay?"

"It's just Tiff." He sighed, running his hands over his face. "She's pissed at me."

"What'd you do?"

"Nothing. We've just been getting into it lately." He looked at Angie and saw her sympathetic expression. "But we're fine."

"You sound like me."

"I'm fine, Ange. You don't gotta worry about me."

"Oh, come on, Richie." She reached out to touch his arm. "I'm always gonna worry about you."

"Hey." Mikey called from the stairs. "What's going on?"

"We're just catching up, man."

"Well can you do it downstairs? We got a party to get to."

"We're coming."

After Mikey went back downstairs, Angie turned to Richie and sighed. "Will you do me a favor?"

"Anything."