Against All Odds - Angel's Story(45)

“Fine. I’m sorry. If having him here makes you happy, then I’m happy. If he screws you over again though, I won’t be so understanding.”

“Thank you,” is all I say as I lead her out onto the back deck.

“Chase,” I say once we’re outside, “this is my best friend Dana.” He sits up in his chair and turns to face us. The first thing I see on his face is shock, then he breaks out into a huge smile. He stands from his chair and walks towards us. He extends his hand to her.

“It’s nice to officially meet you, Dana,” he says with a cheeky smirk.

“Hmmm,” is her reply. It doesn’t go unnoticed how she narrows her eyes slightly. I have no idea what is going on between these two, but I get the feeling I’m missing something. “I believe this is the way you like your coffee,” she says with a huge fake smile, passing it to him. Yep I’m definitely missing something.

“If it tastes anything like the last one you made me then I’m sure it’s delicious.” I can tell he’s trying to hold back a laugh. I can also see it’s pissing Dana off.

What the hell is going on?

••••



Dana ended up staying until late. We ordered pizza and sat out on the back deck, talking and laughing. The distraction was good. In a way, I kind of felt like the old me again. I knew it was only because having them both here was stopping me from thinking about last night, but it still felt good. Thankfully, Riley wasn’t mentioned once.

Things remained weird between Dana and Chase. Well, with Dana they did anyway. Chase was as funny and charming as ever, but nothing he said or did seemed to impress her. Boy, she can hold a grudge when she wants.

When it’s time for Dana to leave, I walk her to the door. “What the hell is going on between you two?” is the first thing she asks once we step onto the front porch.

“I was going to ask you the same thing.”

“What? Why?” she says with a screwed up face.

“Come on, Dana. It’s quite obvious you have a problem with him.”

“Oh. I’m sorry if you think being used and abused is okay, because frankly I don’t. He screwed you over once, Angel. What makes you think he won’t do it again?”

“Because we’re just friends, nothing more. Been there done that. I won’t make the same mistake.”

“Okay. Keep telling yourself that. I’m not stupid. I’ve seen the way you two look at each other with bedroom eyes. Trust me. You want to fuck him just as much as he wants to fuck you.”

“That’s—” is all I get to say before she cuts me off.

“Deny it all you want. Eyes don’t lie. Just be careful, and know, if he hurts you again, I’m gonna kick him in the nuts so damn hard, they’ll be lodged in his throat.” I have to laugh at what she says. Her face is so serious I don’t doubt her for a minute.

“Anyway, I didn’t want to mention anything in front of stud muffin in there, but what the hell happened last night with you and Riley?”

My first thought is she’s heard something. My heart starts to beat out of my chest. “What? Nothing. Why?” I lie. Her eyes narrow. I know she knows I’m not telling the truth.

“Why, you ask, because you go on a date and said date ends up in hospital in a coma, that’s fucking why.” I have a sinking feeling she’s not going to let this go, then her face drops. “My God, the colour just drained from your face, Angel.” She grabs hold of me, wrapping me in her arms. “You’re shaking too.” She pulls back, studying my face. Tears burn my eyes. “Oh babe. Something happened last night, didn’t it?” I nod my head, reaching up to wipe a stray tear that has escaped. “With Riley?” I nod again. I’m not game enough to speak. “Is that why Chase is here?”

“Yes,” I whisper, looking down at the ground as shame consumes me.

“Do you want to talk about it?” she asks as she rubs her hand down my arm. I shake my head as a few more tears break free.

“Jesus, babe,” she exhales as she wraps her arms around me again. “It’s okay. I understand if you’re not ready to talk. Just know I’m here whenever you’re ready.”

“Thank you,” I whisper as I hug her and let the tears flow. I’ve been holding them back all day, so it’s a good release.

“I love you.”

“I love you to, Dana.” And I do. Although she’s quite headstrong sometimes, not to mention overprotective, I couldn’t ask for a better friend.

••••



Chase



My little run-in with the fiery redhead in the coffee shop, finally makes sense. Angel must’ve told her what happened between us. Although she doesn’t seem too keen on me, I’m glad she has a friend who has her back. Angel’s too sweet and needs someone like her in her life.