Endless: REWRITTEN

25. Emerald

Robin

I knock on the door of Roscoe's apartment. Simultaneously, I notice that Natalie has been eerily quiet the whole ride here, which isn't like her. She's usually going on about something random, which I revel in listening to. But now she's as silent as a church mouse.

I turn to her. "What's wrong?"

She takes a slow breath. "I just... do they want me here?"

"You were invited to Cheyenne's birthday, weren't you?"

"Yes, but—"

"By Mordecai, no less," I point out. "It wasn't a pity invite; he doesn't do those."

"I know, but this is a bridal shower, not a birthday party," she sighs, running a hand through her hair. It's longer than when we first started dating. It used to hover just above her shoulders, but now it's down to her collarbones. "I'm not even part of the bridal party, I'm just a plus one on your behalf."

"It is Gianna's wedding, and she doesn't know you that well. Besides, I want you here, and if they can't respect that, then we can leave."

"No," she rejects flat out. "These are your friends. I'm just worried that I'll ruin the mood. I always seem to."

I'm about to reply, but the door swings open to reveal Gianna. Her face lights up at the sight of the two of us. "Hi! Come in, we're just about to start the first activity!"

I glance at Natalie, who has painted a polite smile on her face. Not because of disdain for Gianna or the occasion, but of disdain for herself. How can I convince her that the more time she spends around us is just another shovel full of dirt over the hatchet?

I take her hand in mine tightly and lead her inside the apartment. Her fingers are cold to the touch.

"So..." Gianna announces, her red dress swinging with every abrupt turn (and there are many). "This party is sort of tripling as a bridal party-slash-birthday party-slash-Christmas party. So... congrats to me and Roscoe." She looks at Mordecai, who is sitting on the couch with Cheyenne. "Happy birthday to Mordecai, and merry Christmas to all."

"Also," Roscoe adds. "Getting gifts for a birthday and a Christmas meant not paying rent this month. So here you go."

"How thoughtful," Mordecai deadpans. "Where's the cake?"

Gianna looks at him like he just offended her. "You think I would have anything in this house more than two hundred calories when I have a wedding dress to fit into next week? I think not."

"What a fine pick for a wife," I whisper to Roscoe.

"Thank you," he sighs.

"Hey." I turn to see Cheyenne gripping Natalie's hand gently. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, um..." She shakes her head slightly, but now I'm noticing she's looking a little pale. "Someone's perfume is really strong."

"Oh, that's mine," Gianna grins. "I just opened a new scent for the occasion. I was unsure about the cinnamon, but it's not terrible. Maybe it is a little strong, though."

"Sorry, can I have some water?" she requests.

"Of course!" Gianna nudges Roscoe to the kitchen. He grumbles slightly before fulfilling the request. "Do you need me to change? Is it making you sick?"