Majestic

18.

"There is nothing I would not do for those who are my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature."

-Jane Austen

"And that's how you win!" Damien shouted and Blake pumped his fists in the air.

"You cheated!" Steph shouted back and Randy laughed loudly.

"Babe. They played fair. Let's get a drink," he guided Steph away from the table and Blake looked at me.

"What?"

"Rematch?"

"You're on!" I grabbed the triangle and racked the pool balls.

"Josh. You break," Blake announced and Josh broke and gave us stripes.

"Nice shot, babe," he kissed my cheek and the game was in full swing. We returned to the table and Steph was gone.

"Where's Steph?"

"Saying goodnight to Caden. She's missing him a lot."

"Aw. I know this is hard for her, but you guys needed the vacation."

"That's what I told her. She's just scared that Tom will show up out of nowhere and try to take Caden away."

"I get it. He's been extremely difficult with the custody battle. I know you guys will win in the end. You can give him a stable home and he cheated and abandoned his family on more than one occasion."

"I hope so, Addy. They mean the world to me and I just want to keep my family safe."

"Look at you."

"Look at you. You're so whipped. I give it three more months before wedding bells start ringing."

"I don't think so. I would like to live with him first before we talk about tying the knot."

"I have my brotherly instincts about this one."

"Of course you do," Josh returned with our drinks and Randy started asking him about the shop.

"So the coaches are asking around for skaters to perform in the holiday show this year. We should join. It would be cool to test out some new routine material."

"Definitely! It would give me the chance to perfect my triple landings."

"Great! They want us to start working at the end of September."

"I'll request the time off at the zoo."

"They also need teachers at the rink for the single skaters."

"If you sign up, then I will."

"Deal," Josh grabbed my hand and I looked over at him, but his gaze was somewhere else. I followed and spotted Xander sitting at the bar, looking at us.

"I'm going to talk to him," he got up and Randy followed. I tried to step in front of them, but Josh gave me a warning look, "Addy. He hurt you. He shouldn't be out of prison."

"I know. I just don't want you to get hurt."

"I won't. I'm just going to ask him why he is following you and how he made bail," he kissed my forehead, before walking over to the bar.

"If something starts, can you help me get them out of the bar?"

"Of course," Damien and Blake replied. I watched their interaction carefully and held my breath, waiting for someone to throw the first punch. Instead, all three of them walked back to the table. Josh stood next to me and blocked me from Xander's gaze.

"You said you wanted to apologize to her, so do it. Then leave us alone," Xander shifted his weight and his eyes welled up with tears.

"Addy, I'm so sorry for everything. I was drunk and had no idea what was happening. I just want things to go back to the way they were."

"They can't and using drunkenness as an excuse is bullshit. That gives you no right to violate and almost rape me. No apology will ever make things okay between us."

"Let me prove to you that I deserve forgiveness. Please," he begged and Josh gave my hand a calming squeeze.

"She heard you out and now I suggest you leave," Josh warned.

"Okay," he dropped his head and looked at me once more.

"I would like us to start over, Addy."

"I know, but I'm not sure if I'll ever be ready for that."

"Contact me if you ever do change your mind."

"Okay," he picked up his jacket and walked away from our table.

"You okay?" Josh moved in front of me and I stared at him slowly.

"I don't know."

I tossed and turned all night hoping my nerves would settle, but sleep wouldn't come. I stared up at the ceiling and exhaled.

"Addy, I'm so sorry for everything. I was drunk and had no idea what was happening. I just want things to go back to the way they were."

I blinked quickly, remember the horrible night.

***

"You sure you don't want a ride," I shook my head and looked in my purse to find Randy's keys. Xan kissed me softly and I waited for that spark, but that spark hasn't returned since Josh. He held me tighter and started to lift the back of my dress.

I pushed on his chest and increased the space between us. "Xander not here," I heard the keys slip from my hand.

***

"Addy?" a hand wiped under my eyes and I looked up at Josh.

"Did I wake you?" he shook his head and kissed my forehead.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"No. I just want to sleep," he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me into his chest.

"I'm here. When you are ready to talk."

"I know," more tears slipped down my cheeks and I sniffled quickly. Josh rubbed my back slowly until my eyes drifted closed.