Chapter 57
“I appreciate the concern, really,” paused, letting the words hang in the air before I continued. “But you didn’t just call to check on my health, did you?”
He hesitated, and the silence seemed to stretch between us like a taut string. Finally, he broke it.
“How are things with the triplets?
The shift in his tone was more noticeable now, edged with something I couldn’t quite put my finger on.
“What’s it to you, Josh?”
friend, aren’t I? I have a right to be concerned.”
“Friends don’t pry, Josh. Friends trust.”
“Fine, fine. But answer me this, are you happy with them?”
“Happy is a big word, but I’m getting there. We’re taking baby steps. And before you ask, yes, I’m considering accepting the mate bond fully,” I said, laying my cards on the table.
There was another long pause on the other end of the line.
“Well, as long as you’re sure they’re the ones who can give you the life you deserve.”
“Why does it sound like you doubt that?” I pressed, growing increasingly irritated.
don’t doubt it. I just want you to be cautious, that’s all. I still care about you, Phera. Always will.”
“And I appreciate that, Josh, I really do. But my relationship with Damon, Axel, and Zane is my business. We’re figuring things out, in our own time, in our own way.””
“Fair enough,” he replied, but there was a heaviness to his words, a weighted silence that loomed over us.
“Is there anything else you wanted to talk about?” I asked, sensing that he was holding something back.
“No,” he sighed, “just take care of yourself, Phera.”
Despite the distance and time that had separated us and despite my newfound resolve with the triplets, talking to Josh had stirred old emotions and questions-questions that had no easy answers. But for now, I had more immediate matters to deal with.
As I lay back down, staring at the ceiling, I couldn’t shake the feeling that both my past and future were colliding in ways I couldn’t yet understand. And as comforting as it was to know people cared about me, I realized that ultimately, the decisions about my life and love rested squarely on my shoulders.
“Is there anything else you wanted to talk about?” I asked, sensing that he was holding something back.
For a moment, there was silence, making the atmosphere on the line thick with unsaid words. Then, Josh cleared his throat.
“Actually, yes,” he finally spoke, the tone of his voice changing yet again, becoming softer, more tentative. “I was thinking of visiting, of coming to see you.”
My hearts pueda bostat
visit? Why now?
bust to catch up, you know?i’stsepsea awhile, Phera, and I’ve sssed our friendship.
siis josest the friendship you’ve missed,dostah?”cbcouldn’t keep ehskskepticism cut of my voice. e.
shanthatallaloexed?! He replied, a trace of defensiveness eepening.in.
is,ist slaid icacaiolosly, but a visit would complicated things, shs Especiallaliyavow, with everything going onorthehatttack, the pletsts.
h, yes, the triplets,shehe murmered the words tingedewiwith
“That’s not an answer!
“No, it desen’t net in the way you think I just don’t want y hurt again”
