Finding The 10

18 - Lady Kisses

Frankie's POV

"Frankie thought what was a mistake?" I repeat waiting for Eli or Harley to fess up. They were just talking about me and I want to know why.

Eli's eyes grow wide and he tries to speak but Harley is quick to cut him off. She then stands and pushes me towards the back room. I follow along with her but send Eli a look that screams worry. His face mirrors my own.

When we are alone in the back room, Harley smiles at me and begins speaking.

"I called Eli the other day and told him that you thought the kiss you guys shared was a mistake. I didn't think you would tell him the truth so I did it for you."

I am stunned. I stare at her for a few minutes not fully understanding the full capacity of what she has done but then it hits me. She went behind my back and told Eli something that I don't even know is true.

I mean sure, we probably shouldn't have kissed but I don't regret it. Why would I? It was spectacular.

"Why would you say that to him?" I finally reply.

"Because that's what you said. You said it was a mistake and that it didn't mean anything. I thought he should know the truth. Besides, you really shouldn't jump into bed with the first guy you kiss after being with Dex for so long. It isn't healthy."

Harley stares at me with a knowing look but I start seeing her in a red haze. I can feel the anger rise within me and can't stop myself from what I say next.

"What the fuck Harley? What gives you the right to do that?"

She reaches her hand up and strokes my cheek tenderly and for a moment I am motionless. What is she doing?

"Eli is the type of guy that will throw you to the curve when he's done. He has always been that way and no one can change him. He thinks he has changed over the tears but he is still the same Eli deep down. You deserve better than that. You deserve someone that will put you first. You deserve a love that only a woman can give. A woman like me."

Just as she finishes speaking she brings her lips to mine and presses them fiercely. Her hands entangle in my hair as she tries to invade my mouth with hers.

Suddenly, I am no longer motionless. I push her back at the shoulders as she stares at me confused.

"What the fuck Harley? What was that?" I say wiping away my smudged lipstick.

"I can make you so happy, Frankie. Think about it, we already know everything about each other. We're perfect for one another." She sounds so sincere as she speaks but I am still seeing red.

"So, you told Eli I regretted the kiss just so you could swoop in? He has no idea how I really felt after that kiss?"

"You don't need him. He can't make you as happy as I can. Just try and you will see what I mean."

"Try what? Being a lesbian with you? Even if you were a man I would still be angry as hell at you for going behind my back like that."

"It was for your own good. He is the same as every other guy out there. Did he tell you he fucked some random girl last night? Why would you want to be with someone like that?" Her tone is angrier now and I know she is taking my rejection painfully.

"It's not your decision to make, Harley. You cant trick someone into being with you. We are supposed to be best friends."

"We can be so much more than that Frankie. Just think about how perfect our life together could be." She pleads, reaching out for me but I step away and out of her reach.

"No. What you have done is not so easily forgiven."

"Who said I was asking for forgiveness? I'm not sorry for protecting you. You deserve better and I intend on being the one to give it to you. I know what's best for you Francesca."

I shake my head as she tries to deliver a compelling argument but she has already lost.

"All chance of us ever having a relationship went out the door the moment you went behind my back and lied about it. I can't be friends with a liar." I'm sure to say my words clearly before grabbing my bag and heading for the stairs.

.....

My phone rings as soon as I walk through the door at home. It's Eli. No doubt checking to see if I'm ok and what the hell that was all about.

How do I tell Eli that I just lost my best friend because she lied to him behind my back? I need a drink.

I let the call go to voicemail as I grab a beer from the fridge. I guzzle half of it before I am even out of the fridge and that's when it hits me. I just lost my best friend. Actually, I just cut off my best friend.

I replay the scene tonight in my head over and over and hope that I did the right thing but I'm so unsure of everything right now. All I know is that I'm angry as hell at her. Harley had no right to go behind my back like that. I know it wouldn't have changed the outcome between Eli and I but it was my confession to tell and I didn't get too.

I wanted to be able to look him in the eye and tell him that the kiss we shared was amazing. I wanted to say that since that kiss I have started seeing him differently and I don't know if that's such a bad thing. But most of all I just wanted to say that it wasn't a mistake.

My phone buzzes again but I ignore it and head to the bathroom. Maybe a hot shower will get my mind off of tonight.

I already know that Marco is going to tear shreds off of me for bailing but I just couldn't shrug this one off and keep working. He may be my boss but he is also my big cousin who has treated me like a little sister for years. He will get over it.

I emerge from the bathroom clean and wrapped in a fluffy white towel and decide to check my phone.

There are three missed calls from Eli along with a text asking me if I'm ok. But the thing that makes me kinda smile is the text from Colt.

I just met this guy and already he is growing on me. He keeps texting asking when he can take me on a real date and for some reason I don't want to play hard to get. He is nothing like any other guy I have dated and the idea of him seems enticing.

I reply swiftly that I will take him up of his offer of a date and straight away he sets a night and I agree.

I guess this is really happening. I'm going on a date with a stranger I just met. I hope I'm not making a huge mistake.

I set my phone down and press play on my Spotify list and music comes pouring out of my Bluetooth speakers. Heavy guitar riffs and double kick drum solos are on full tilt as I set to work drying myself.

Thank God I'm alone.

A/N - Did anyone see that coming? Or did you think Harley wanted Eli?

Don't forget to hit vote!

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