Page 106 of Only You

Twenty-Nine

Since she’d left Jack’s house, Kayla vacillated between hating him and missing him so badly it hurt. A dull, heavy ache resided in her chest, and it wouldn’t go away no matter what she did. Josie had become her constant companion, until, at one point, Kayla called Ryan and demanded he take Josie out, so she could have a few moments of peace. That night, Kayla felt lonelier than ever before. She’d almost called Jack, but talked herself out of it. What good will it do? He made his decision.

When Josie came home, she took one look at Kayla’s bloodshot eyes and said, “That’s it! We’re going out on Friday night, and you’re going to have a fun time.”

It seemed impossible. “No thanks,” Kayla replied.

“I’m not taking no for an answer. If Jack was stupid enough to let you go, then you need to move on.”

“It’s only been a few days,” Kayla argued.

“A few days of wallowing is enough. It’s almost Christmas. If it weren’t for Jack’s stupidity, you’d be happy right now.”

Usually, Kayla loved the holidays. “I’ll go out with you on one condition.”

“What is it?” Josie asked.

“Don’t try to force me on some stranger.”

“I would never do that,” Josie insisted.

Kayla raised her eyebrows. “What about that time you went up to some guy and told him I thought he was hot? He wouldn’t leave me alone the rest of the night.”

Josie laughed. “Well, he was hot.”

“He was also drunk and kept blowing his bad breath in my face.”

“So that one didn’t work out, but you never know when you might meet the one.”

“I’m not interested in meeting anyone right now,” Kayla said firmly. Besides, she’d believed Jack was the one, and look how that had turned out.

“Just come out with us, and try to have some fun,” Josie pleaded with her.

“What does Ryan think about this?”

“He vowed to stay neutral.”

Kayla narrowed her eyes at Josie. “How is that even possible?”

“Ryan agreed that Jack was a jerk for kicking you out, but they’re still friends.”

It was nice to have so many people on her side, but it didn’t ease the ache in her chest. “I still miss him.”

Josie sighed. “I know.”

“Has Ryan seen Jack?”

“No, but they’ve talked on the phone.”

“How’s he doing?”

“He feels bad for what he did, and his parents are still mad at him.”

She shouldn’t feel sorry for Jack, but she did. “I hope they’ll forgive him.” Kayla’s parents weren’t too happy with Jack, either. She’d told them she’d moved back in with Josie and explained what had transpired with Jack’s parents.

“I hate to say it, but I’m not surprised,” Sue said. “He never should have lied like that.”

“I’m partially to blame too,” Kayla reminded her.