Torn (Connections #2)(94)

Before I even get to the door, River opens it. His arms circle me and hold me tight. He kisses my head and whispers, "What's going on?"

I am not sure how he's going to take this, but at the same time I have to go and he can't come with me. Even before I can tell him anything Aerie says, "I'll drive you to Grace's."

I nod okay.

River and Aerie say hello to each other and she steps inside.

"Do you want me to take you?" River asks me reaching his hands to cradle my face.

My determination falters as I contemplate letting him drive me. But I know I can't because if Ben is there they'll just go at it again. And I can't do that to Serena. "I think I should go alone. Please understand."

His body stiffens, but relaxes when I lean into his touch and slide my mouth to kiss his hand. He then presses his forehead against mine, silently acknowledging his acceptance.

As we enter the house the rest of the guys are just walking inside. Bell is in the kitchen taking the trays out of the oven and Nix and Garrett start shoving each other to get the first plate. Xander is helping to set the rest of the food out as Aerie instructs him how to do it. He snaps at her and she doesn't hesitate to give it right back to him. Everything looks back to normal. 

I grab River's hand. "Come with me. I'm going to change my clothes before I go." Then pulling him down the hall with me I ask, "Will you be okay here?"

A small chuckle escapes him, "Yeah, I'll be fine, Dahlia. I'm a big boy."

He flops himself on the bed, kicks his feet up, and leans back against the headboard.

"That's not what I mean. How did your conversation with Xander go?"

He smiles and pulls me onto the bed with him. "It went much better than the last time. We didn't yell or argue. It started out rough but Xander surprised me. It was like it somehow clicked, like he finally understood that life wasn't for me."

Staring into his tranquil green eyes, I'm relieved that he and his brother are talking again. "What about the other guys?"

His smile grows even wider. "We talked and they aren't happy that I won't be with them, but they've accepted my decision. They told me our friendship is more important than anything else."

I close my eyes in gratitude for a second, so happy his brother finally understood and he had his friends back.

"Ellie agreed to Jack's suggestion for a potential new lead singer. They're going to meet tomorrow."

I sit up and glare at him. Rolling my eyes I mutter, "Yeah, I bet she did."

Reaching for my hands, he sits up, too, and pulls me onto his lap.

Cradling his face in my hands, I examine his expression before kissing him hard, making sure to suck on his bottom lip before stopping. Shrugging, I joke, "Sorry, I just needed to get her name off your lips."

Shaking his head, he grabs my T-shirt and pulls me back to him. Our mouths meet with such intensity that I almost forget for a moment about everything that has happened. He pulls back and both of us are breathless. He takes my face between his palms, his eyes beaming with the same emotion I feel when I'm with him-pure happiness. And I know what we have will never be torn apart.


***

The light at the intersection turns green and cars drive past us as horns behind us relentlessly honk. Aerie sits in the driver's seat, gripping the steering wheel in utter shock. "That f-ing son of a bitch."

As she's never one to really swear, I'm used to hearing her curse in abbreviations.

I wasn't going to say anything to her, but one thing led to the next when I thanked her for driving me since my car was still in Santa Barbara.

"That f-ing son of a bitch. Wait until I see him," she repeats as she swings the steering wheel to head down the street leading to Grace's house. Silence fills the air and I can see the gears turning in her head.

"Aerie, not now, not today. Please," I tell her as she parks the car.

Looking around, I don't see Ben's car anywhere. Serena must be alone and I know she needs me-only me. "Do you think I can call you when I'm ready to head back?"

She nods her head and draws me in for a hug. When she lets go she says, "Make sure you call me if you need anything at all."

"You know it. And thanks again for the ride." Then I'm opening the car door and walking slowly toward the house. "Serena, I'm here," I call as I enter the family room. Sadness hits me as I look around the room that still feels like it's filled with her presence. Climbing the stairs, I head to Grace's room. I knock and slowly walk in. All of Grace's clothes are thrown on the bed and Serena's pulling shoes off the rack in the closet and tossing them to the ground. "Serena," I call but she doesn't answer. I reach her and pull her to me in a hug that I hope will offer some comfort. My heart aches for her as words pour out of my mouth. "Serena, look at me. I know how hard this is. But I'm here. Let me help you."