Leaving The Way: Book Two (The Way Trilogy), стр. 32
“I’m not a drama queen. I’m passionate.”
Both of us let out a sob at the same time, throwing our arms around each other. I bury my head in her hair, and both our knees give out as we collapse in a heap.
“I missed you,” she sobs.
I’m trying not to squeeze her too tight, but having her back, well, I just don’t ever want to let her go. This girl is my person. Not Luke. Not my parents. This tiny little thing who lived through something unimaginable, and all she cares about is that I didn’t come straight to see her.
“I wanna have a double wedding. You know once they both ask us.”
I can’t help the snort, followed by a barking laugh that escapes my mouth at her declaration.
Totally random, and her name is Ash.
***
ANNA
Ash and I had spent last night cuddled together in the General’s room while she told me everything that had happened to her. I’ll have nightmares for years myself, so I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like for her. She’d said he stopped just short of raping her, but nothing else was off the table. She’d even told me about how Tara had watched, and we’d agreed if we ever saw her again, she was more than dead. She was toast.
We’d cried most of the night, but we’d also laughed. A lot. I don’t think I have ever been so happy and so sad at the same time. Chase had come in late and brought both of us some peach cobbler, and then Luke had shown up a while later with bacon. That’s right, her boyfriend only brings her cobbler, mine brings bacon. Ask me which one is better.
This morning when we woke up, Cody had brought us breakfast in bed, and after we were done, I’d left her with Chase to rest so I could go see my parents. They both looked much better after getting cleaned up, having a few meals, and a good night’s rest. We had talked for about an hour about everything that’s happened, and then I left and headed back to The Castle.
The General had stopped me on the way back to ask me how I was, and after I confirmed I was fine, he snapped to attention and barked out that I had better be at training bright and early tomorrow morning. Glad to see he’s back to normal.
Since Ash and I had slept in and had a late breakfast, it was already lunch time, and when I walked in the back door, I could already here multiple footsteps filing down the stairs headed to the dining room. People in this place would disappear for hours on end, but the minute the smell of food started to waft through the house, it was like a freaking dinner bell, followed by a herd of elephants.
I’m not that hungry, but I also don’t really want to be alone right now, so I decide to at least join them, even if I don’t eat. As I turn the corner, arms sneak around my waist, and I look to Luke as he draws me in close for a kiss.
“Well, aren’t you in a good mood,” I laugh, pulling away before taking his offered elbow and letting him lead me to my seat.
“I’ve been pouting and I’ve been a dick, and I’m sorry. I’m just really happy you are okay, and Ash is back with us.” His words are sweet, and a little surprising as everyone witnesses his apology.
As he pulls out my chair and motions for me to sit, his face says he doesn’t care who heard. I like that. That when he is wrong, he isn’t too prideful to admit it, even in a room full of people.
Waiting for lunch to be served, I scan the faces in the room. Mateo sits at the head of the table with Brea on his right. At the opposite end is Daniel, and similarly his wife Camila, sits on his right. I’m next to Brea, with Luke on my right, and there are two empty seats on his other side. Across the table from me is Cody, and then Easton and Tommy on his right and left. Lastly, the General sits on Mateo’s left, eyeing his surroundings like the paranoid psycho he is.
Three men and one woman enter the room carrying trays of food, while another woman pushes a cart in behind them. The cart is filled to the brim with every drink imaginable. Several bottles of wine sit aerating on the top, and just below I see a bottle filled with yellow liquid.
Freaking tequila. Never again.
While everyone in this house drinks a lot, it isn’t usually until dinner time, so I’m not certain what we are celebrating for so early in the day. That is until Mateo begins clinking his spoon on the wine glass next to his plate.
Every head in the room turns to give him their attention, and then he speaks. “Once everyone is served, I have some announcements to make, so I’m glad almost everyone is here.”
He gives the room a friendly smile, and then waits for everyone to be served food and drink. I don’t think I could possibly get away with day drinking, so I decline and instead receive lemonade. Looking around it seems I’m the only one though, but I will not give in to peer pressure.
Once the servers leave the room, Mateo stands and raises his glass, and everyone else follows suit with me being last.