All the Wrong Choices by C.A. Harms

Author:C.A. Harms [Harms, C.A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-06-23T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Six

Danielle

"He's dating a girl named Heather," that statement is like the most brutal kick to the stomach. It feels like the wind is knocked out of me, and the nauseous feeling it causes threatens to cripple me on the spot. "Tony says they've been out a few times, mostly lunch or coffee, but I guess Jonah said they're getting to know one another."

It's the exact opposite of what we had done, and I can't help but wonder if he's decided to do it all differently this time.

"She's a little younger than him, at twenty-three, but working two jobs to put herself through nursing school."

I find myself nodding even though Addison can't see me.

She and I have only talked a couple of times over the last few weeks, primarily short conversations when traveling to and from work. Things still feel forced, and part of me would prefer to avoid the discussion altogether, but I'll suffer because I miss her like crazy.

"I haven't met her, but I think he's invited her over this weekend, and Tony said something about he and I being invited for dinner too."

"Sounds nice," I bite my lower lip hard, needing the sting to drown out my emotions. "But if they've requested you bring a dish, you should order out or let Tony make it."

"I'm not that bad of a cook." She retorts, and I wait for her to accept the truth. "Okay fine, I burn water."

"Exactly," I join in on her laughter, being reminded of how much I've missed the sound of it.

"I'm safe, though, because Heather is making dinner." And the happiness is short-lived as I'm once again thrust back into the images of Jonah with another woman. "Her parents own a restaurant in Charleston or something, and she grew up knowing how to cook."

I wasn't sure what to say in return, so instead, I remained quiet. I'm losing my best friend to a girl I don't know and the man who could have been mine.

"This is so awkward," again, I nod. "I miss my friend." And that alone breaks me as I hold my breath and let the tears fall. "I just want you to be happy, Dani, and I think he made you happy, even though you fought it so hard."

"Ad," I can't even finish her name as I pull the phone away from my ear and take in a slow deep breath. "I'm okay," I force the words out. "I'm fine."

I'm not, she knows this, but I don't give her a chance to tell me I'm lying to myself if I think I'm in a good place. "I'm going over to my parents for dinner tonight."

"You're what?" By the tone of her voice alone, I know what she is thinking. "I bet I won't even make it to the main course."

"Why are you doing this to yourself?"

I wondered the same thing many times, but regardless of how much I hate what has happened, they are the only family I have. Part of me hopes to forgive them, and maybe it will allow me to find the peace I've been missing.

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