Page 131 of Ruin The Friendship
“Lydia—”
“Are you going to apologize for this? For causing me pain?”
There’s silence before she lets out a heavy sigh, which I recognize as one of irritation, not of sorrow or acknowledgment of wrongdoing.
“I’m done. If you don’t see that the things you have done are wrong, please don’t contact me.” I hang up the phone and set it on the coffee table, turning my face into Fletcher’s chest. He holds me close, rubbing my back in soothing circles as I cry. It hurts knowing my mom couldn't get over her vision of my life and focus on her relationship with me.Knowing my daughter won’t have a relationship with her grandparents. But perhaps it’s for the better.
“I’m sorry,” Fletcher whispers in between gentle kisses to the top of my head. “I know how much you wanted her to change.”
“I did. But I don’t need her or my dad if I have you. You’re my family. Your parents, our friends. They’re the ones who have proven they’ll be there for me no matter what.”
“You’re right. We’re your family. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
Fletcher’s phone starts ringing, and he glances at it. “It’s my mom.”
“You can answer it. I feel kinda bad, I wasn’t exactly good company tonight.”
“Understandable.” He swipes his finger across the screen, and the moment he does, Dottie’s shrieks come through the line.
“Fletcher Graff, what is this article!”
“Mom, breathe.” He rubs an arm over my shoulder.
“No wonder Lydia was so off tonight,” Dottie continues, barely paying Fletcher any attention. “And her mother. Those are the photos she sent me! I can’t believe she sent those into the press and gave them a statement. Oh god, are you with Lydia?—”
“Mom,” Fletcher yells. “Yes, I’m with Lydia. We’ve talked it out. The video was taken out of context. I said more, but they cut the video to make it seem like she trapped me or something. And yeah, her mom is horrible.”
“I would love to smack her upside the head. I mean, what a piece of work!”
“I know.”
I hold my hand out for the phone, taking it from Fletcher’s hand. “I’m okay. It sucks, but I talked to my mom and told her I’m done. She crossed the line too many times.”
“Oh, honey.” Dottie’s voice softens. “I’m so sorry. I know how hard that must have been.”
“It is, but I have a better family by my side now.” I glance up at Fletcher.
There’s so much love in his gaze and in his mother’s voice that I know I’ve made the right decision for my daughter and me.
56
MUSTACHE RIDE
FLETCHER
After everything that happened, I don’t want to be more than a few feet from Lydia at all times. In bed, we lie side by side, our bodies as close as physically possible. Her bump rests between us, and I rub soothing circles over her tight skin. I can feel our little girl rolling around in there.
“Does it hurt when she does that?” I ask curiously.
“Sometimes. She tends to kick my ribs and my bladder, so that is definitely not comfortable. She’s running out of room in there, though.”
“You’re amazing.”
A flush creeps up her cheeks. “So are you.”
“I can’t believe we’re here. That this is my life. I’ve wanted you for so long, Lydia. I wanted more, but I couldn’t rock the boat, and I was content. Truly, I was. If all I ever got from you was a best friend, that’s all I needed. Now, though, I can’t imagine it any other way.”
