Maid in Ink [PUBLISHED]

Chapter Two

Grief is a monster I've been tackling since high school and I didn't handle it well back then. I ran around doing stupid shit behind my Aunt Jade's back. Running back to my ex after he cheated, falling in love all over again with someone new, and getting into trouble with Casey because I wanted to protect her.

I thought I could handle everything that happened with Xavier on my own, that I didn't need anyone's help. I got a broken wrist out of it all, but I'm grateful that's all that happened. Xavier was sent to prison, Casey got to move on and find her Prince Charming, and I'm here to support her.

I think of Cora's words about falling in love with someone and growing old with them. Dreaming about it is so simple, and yet the reality is so hard. I want that happily-ever-after romance, but I also just want my damn credit score to go up so I can buy a new car. However, romance is not dead. I refuse to believe that.

And while I dream about it, sometimes I dream about him. How young and in love we were, how stupid we were, and how I wish it would have worked out.

I hadn't dreamt about him in a while, but last night he crept into my subconscious. He was there, sleeping beside me beneath the wide open night sky like it was the most natural thing in the world. And the stars above us weren't actually the stars, but the lights on his ceiling.

I woke this morning with an empty feeling inside me. Ben was already gone, he probably left earlier. It's funny how I had gone to sleep feeling anything but empty. Ben had filled the void for a little bit, and now the high has gone down.

The high I felt with Dylan was real. I can't deny that. But the hurt I felt when he left me was almost just as hard as losing my parents. He left to travel with his mom and as much as I wanted to hate him for leaving me, I couldn't. Even now I don't hate him. I have no doubt that he figured out what he wanted to do with his life and that's all I ever wanted for him.

Anthony never talks about him and I think it's because he doesn't want to open old wounds. Following Anthony on social media was the best and worst decision because I get to see his life with his daughter, but Dylan pops up every now and then. I try not to dwell on the photos too much, but Dylan always looks so radiant and happy.

Something compels me to call Anthony. We haven't talked in a week and I'm pretty sure Casey called him with the happy news of her engagement.

First I drudge out of bed to take some medicine for my mild headache. I wasn't black out drunk last night, I clearly remember the details, but I haven't been out drinking in a while. I feel like a newbie all over again.

In my cabinet, glaring at me with fierce expression, are my pills. Dr. Harrison's prescription insulted me because I didn't think I needed medication. Plus, I can't really drink if I take them. I stopped taking them about a month ago. I make a silent promise to take them during the wedding planning.

After taking some pain medicine, I grab my phone and I call Anthony, putting it on speaker as I move around the kitchen.

"Lacey, my morning has started with Olivia throwing a tantrum because I forgot to buy her favorite cereal. Tell me you can make my morning better," Anthony says, sounding like he's bustling around.

Olivia, his three, almost four year old, is the cutest thing on this planet. Her bright smile and big eyes get me every time I see her. Her birthday is next week, on July fourth, and I wish I could be there to celebrate with them.

I can't help but laugh. "Did Casey call you last night?"

"She called me this morning," he says. "I can't believe she's getting married."

"I can't either," I say, rubbing my forehead. "She's getting married, you have a kid, and I'm here nursing a slight hangover."

"Shit, you're actually hungover for once? This is new," he says. I hear him say something to Olivia in the background.