One Wish Left

CHAPTER 24: FALL

Rachel made it to Laura's apartment in record time and even brought vodka, the sweet angel.

"That's it. I'm going to become a nun. I'm done with men," Laura announced as soon as her friend opened the door.

"Interesting. So you're Catholic now, are you?" Rachel snickered.

"Close enough." Laura grabbed the bottle of booze out of Rachel's hand and marched into her kitchen with the single-minded determination to consume as much alcohol as she could handle as soon as possible.

Rachel followed closely behind and reached for two short glasses. "I don't think that's how it works," she replied, setting them on the breakfast bar.

Laura shook her head as she filled the glasses with ice and vodka. "I don't think I can keep doing this. It's too stressful, Rach! I feel like a freaking crazy person." She thought for a moment, considered the contents of the glasses, and proceeded to add more vodka. "Please tell me I have tonic water."

Rachel opened the fridge and pulled out a half-used liter. "Might be flat, but what the hell, right?" She topped off the glasses, and they retreated with their drinks into Laura's room.

Laura had finished hers before she had a chance to sit down. "I need another, bartender."

Rachel took the empty glass from her hand. "I'll play along on two conditions: one, I better get a big tip, and, two, we have to talk about what the hell is going on first."

Laura face-planted onto her bed.

Rachel sat next to her and gingerly lifted Laura's shoulder to spin her right-side up. "Talk to me."

Laura shifted to her side and propped her head on her hand. "Can't you just read my mind? I'm literally sick of my own thoughts on the subject."

"Let me guess," said Rachel, lying down to mirror her friend's posture. "Chad said something about Jesse, you got defensive, and now you're fighting."

Laura's eyes popped out of her head. "How...?"

Rachel rolled her eyes. "I saw that coming a mile away. Besides, you told me before that Chad was acting jealous. It was bound to come out sooner or later."

Laura let out a groan whiny enough to rival a toddler.

"Laura," Rachel spoke gently. "First of all, I don't think this is something you're doing to yourself. You're not the only one involved here, so it's not something you can fully control. Also, love is crazy. You're not alone in feeling that way."

Laura's face went blank, like a person in shock. "Rachel, I realized that I... I love him."

"I know, sweetie."

Hearing this, Laura felt validated but also self-conscious. She was hoping Rachel just knew her too well and that she wasn't completely transparent. How horrifying would it be if everyone knew how she felt before she did?

"This wouldn't be nearly as hard if you didn't feel that way," Rachel explained. "And I know you, Laura. I know that as much as you try to keep a tight rein on your heart, you can't help yourself when it comes to people who are hurting."

Laura reflected on the subtle signs Jesse gave off that were tells of his pain. She could see it when his smile didn't reach his eyes. It was written all over his face each and every time he looked at Kieran. It was in the way he'd held her hand at the conferences like it was more than an act—like she was his stronghold. Yes, these were the things she couldn't resist.

"You noticed it, too?"

"Right away. Laura, he's different. There's something about him that sets him apart, and I'm not sure what it is. But, I've gotta tell you, I think there's more to his story when it comes to you."