Love You Always

I shove the bag back under the sink before grabbing my phone and heading into the living room, where I fall back onto the sofa. Alyssa buzzes about the apartment, trying to make sure she has everything she needs for the night. She might be telling herself she’s not dressing up in case she runs into Sean, but I know she is.

I don’t believe for one second that she isn't going to go out with the man she went home with last night. She’d kinda sorta stalked him for a month. There was no way she was tossing in the towel already but I’ll let her figure that out on her own. Since she has been the one doing the watching, I think it’s Sean’s turn to do a little stalking of his own.

With the way he stood outside the bakery all day after Alyssa had cancelled their plans, I think he’s up for the challenge. He’d looked like someone had kicked his puppy while standing there. Although Alyssa kept herself busy, I could tell it was eating at her that she cancelled her plans with him. I might have to push her back towards him.

“I think I’m ready.” Alyssa comes strolling into the room. I roll off the sofa, landing on all fours and pushing up from the ground.

“Let’s do this.” I grab my bag and a hoodie from next to the front door.

“You going to tell me about that hickey yet?” She elbows me in the side as we head out together.

“I think we should worry about your love life,” I push back. I’m not only avoiding Tomas, I am avoiding everything when it comes to him. There’s nothing really to talk about. We had a little tryst and now it's over. Those words weigh heavy on my heart for some strange reason. They shouldn't. This is what I do. I’m into something for a second and then I’m on to something new. Is this how I will be with men? The thought is unsettling. I might not be cut out for this dating thing then.

“Let’s not.” She lets out a long sigh. I get why she’s running scared from Sean. He’s been seen out with a lot of girls. In all the articles we looked up about him, though, I didn't see him actually in a relationship. He was only pictured with women and none of the pics were couple pictures. They were all group shots. There just happened to be women in them.

“Fine.” She huffs next to me, blowing one of her blond curls out of her face. It doesn't take us long to make it over to the bridal shower where we are dropping off the order and setting up. It’s no surprise to me when I see Sean there. It is, after all, his sister-in-law’s bridal shower. The man is pulling no stops to make sure Alyssa isn't going to slip away from him. I have to respect him for his effort and his judgment. He obviously knows a good thing when he sees it.

She might think he’s some bigshot player but I’m not buying it. The man is not hard on the eyes and he’s filthy rich. A combination that guarantees that he doesn't have to chase women down if he is only looking to get laid. I can’t blame him for getting hooked on Alyssa. She’s the whole package. I am lucky to have her as my best friend. It’s why I’m about to bail on her when they ask us both to stay for the bridal shower and hang out. She needs a small push and I am more than willing to give it to her.

“I have a date.” I pull out my phone, pretending to check it. A few people turn to look my way.

“You have a date?” Alyssa looks surprised. It was the one thing I could say I had to do so that she couldn't tag along. She needs to stay here and work things out with Sean.

“Yep. Gotta go.” I turn, taking off down the hallway before Alyssa can ask more questions. I should have known she would chase me down. She grabs me around the arm, stopping me from escaping.

“Date? You’re leaving me?” She looks over her shoulder back to Sean.

“Yeah, I have a date.” I wiggle my eyebrows at her. “You should stay. Have fun.”

“You’re supposed to be on my team. Not his,” she reminds me. Of course I am on her team. That’s why I am doing this. I would do anything for this girl. We may not be related by blood, but I consider her to be my sister. I want only the best for her and I believe that to be Sean.

“Stay.” I grab her hand, giving it a squeeze. Her shoulders drop and I know I’ve got her. She leans in, kissing my cheek. She wants to spend more time with Sean. She is only fighting herself.