Shoving my purse at Ash, I squeal, racing across the terminal in Dublin Airport and flinging myself into Audrey’s arms. We hug it out for ages, forcing other passengers to walk around us, but I don’t care. I’ve missed my bestie. “I’m so happy you’re here.”
“Me too. I missed your bony ass.”
“I’m feeling left out,” Ash says, pouting as I shuck out of Audrey’s embrace. “And you’re causing a traffic jam,” she adds, pointing toward the crowd now streaming through the doors into the terminal.
I make quick introductions, and then we hightail it out of there.
Ninety minutes later, the three of us—plus Cat—are huddled in a corner booth of a swanky bar just off St. Stephen’s Green. While I’m keen to show my bestie the traditional pubs we usually frequent, I thought she’d appreciate a classier, more modern bar to start off our mini pub crawl. We can’t get too trashed today. Jet lag will kick Audrey in the ass soon, plus tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day. We’ll need our stamina for the nonstop party that lasts all day, if Ash is to be believed. “I can’t believe the sun is shining,” Audrey says, moaning appreciatively as she tastes her first sip of the pink gin cocktail I recommended. “Viv hasn’t stopped bitching and whining about the cold and the rain.”
I bump her shoulder. “Hey. I haven’t complained that much.”
She bats her lashes at me. “Do you know you?”
I laugh, slurping my cocktail through a straw. “That’s been the hardest adjustment. I guess I’m a Cali girl through and through.”
“I still can’t believe you dated he who shan’t be named,” Cat says, staring off into space with a slightly dreamy look on her face that irritates me.
After Sunday, I decided to bring Cat, Jamie, and Conor into my confidence. They’re the main crowd we hang around with, and it didn’t seem right anymore not to tell them. The guys couldn’t have cared less, especially Conor who pretty much keeps to himself. Cat was shocked, only because she seems to share Ash’s Rydeville Elite obsession. She’s been a little off with me since, but I’m hoping it’s only temporary.
I didn’t give her a blow-by-blow account of the shit Reeve put me through, but she knows enough to wipe that swoony expression off her face.
“He’s been keeping his nose clean,” Audrey says. “Reeveron speculation is still rampant, but he’s keeping his distance from her. I saw this post he put up the other day. It was clearly about you. He—”
“I don’t want to know, Rey,” I semi-lie. “I’m finally starting to feel less heartsore, and I’d rather not be reminded of all that crap. Ireland’s been good to me in that way.”
Sympathy skates across her face. “I’m sorry. I won’t say another word.”
“Did Viv tell you she kissed my brother last Sunday?” Ash just drops it into the conversation with a faux innocent expression on her face. I was a little worried she might have an issue with this thing—whatever it is—between me and Dillon, but she seems to be cool with it.
“You did?” Audrey squeezes my shoulders. “Good for you, babe.”
“I was planning on telling you,” I admit, giving Ash the stink eye, “but it wasn’t really a kiss.”
“Their lips were pressed together, and he had his hands all over her,” Ash confides, and I glare at her disloyal ass. “I’d call that a kiss.”
“Same,” Cat agrees, chiming in.
“I was stoned!” I blurt.
“Excuses, excuses.” Audrey fails to disguise her grin.
“He irritates the fuck out of me most of the time!” I protest.
“Passionate.” Audrey waggles her brows. “Tell me more.”
“You’ll get to meet both my brothers tomorrow,” Ash says. “They’re playing a set in Whelans. There’ll be music all day and night, and the drink will be flowing.”
“You’ll be off your tits by six o’clock,” Cat supplies.
“I’ve always wanted to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day in Ireland,” Audrey says. “This is going to be so much fun!”
“So, what’s going on with you and the sexy Irish rocker?” Audrey asks the following morning as we lie side by side in my bed.
“Nothing much.” I scrunch the comforter between my fingers. “The kiss really was a non-kiss. He’d only just placed his lips against mine when Ash interrupted.”
“And that was a good thing…or not?” she inquires, sliding her hand under her long red hair.
I eyeball my bestie. “I don’t know.” I worry my lower lip between my teeth. “It scares me.”
“Dillon does or the thought of what he represents?” she quietly asks.
I contemplate her question for a few seconds. “Both, I think. He makes me feel things, Rey. Things I can’t handle yet. The chemistry between us intimidates me, and I’m terrified that if I let him in, he’ll destroy whatever is left of my heart.” Tucking my hands under my head, I share my truths with my bestie. “I didn’t come here to find another man. I came here to find myself.”
“Can’t it be both?”
“I don’t want to complicate an already complicated situation, and I can’t risk my heart again. It’s still in desperate need of repair.”
“I’m going to be honest, because that’s how we always roll.” She leans over and hugs me. “I love you like a sister. You know that, right?”
“Yes, and you know that’s how I feel too.”
“I just want you to be happy, whether that’s single, reunited with Reeve, with Dillon, or some other guy.”
“Why would you say that about Reeve? You know I—”
“I’m not telling you what to do, Viv, or putting ideas in your head.”
“What are you saying then?”
“That you have options, and I will always support your decisions. I’ve been talking more regularly with Alex,” she admits, and my eyes pop wide. “Just as friends,” she rushes to assure me. “I’m still seeing Troy, and Alex is casually dating. But he’s told me Reeve has reached out to him, and he’s making amends, putting more effort into their friendship. Alex said Reeve is missing you like crazy and he’s seen the error of his ways. He wants to fight for you, but he’s giving you space like you asked.”
“I’m not getting back with him.” I shake my head. “He betrayed me. The trust is gone.”
“I know, babe.” She props up on one elbow. “You feel like that now, but I speak from experience when I say you don’t know how you’ll feel in six months’ time, one year’s time, or two years from now.”
“No offense, Rey, but you can’t compare your breakup to mine.” I sit upright in the bed, resting my spine against the headboard. “Alex didn’t cheat on you in front of the whole world. That’s the big difference.”
She sits up beside me. “I know, but you and Reeve have a shit ton of history Alex and I don’t. That’s a big difference too.” She scrubs her hands down her face. “Ugh. I’m not explaining this right.” She turns her head to the side so we’re looking at one another. “Maybe things are completely over between you two, or maybe they’re not. But you’re here now. In a gorgeous place. You’ve made new friends. Found a new scene. And you’re glowing, babe. You’re turning a corner, and I think you should make the most of every opportunity.”
“You think I should get with Dillon?”
“I think you should do whatever you feel like doing. You have no ties, no responsibilities, no shithead paparazzi trailing your every move. You’re young, free, and single, and you can do whatever you want, do whomever you want,” she adds with a naughty glint in her eye.
“One part of me wants to do it, because I know it’s the first step in truly moving on, but another part of me is sick at the thought of sleeping with anyone else.” I bark out a bitter laugh. “It’s ridiculous, right?”
She vigorously shakes her head. “No. Not at all. I can relate, but here’s the thing. I didn’t start properly moving on until after I started dating again. Look at it this way,” she adds, pulling her knees into her chest. “Being with someone else is either going to help you to move on or confirm that things with Reeve aren’t fully reconciled.”