Georgie's home was spectacular. The bride-to-be certainly had money, though you couldn't tell just by looking at her. She wasn't the type to broadcast her financial state by wearing the latest fashion trends. She was modest and I liked that.
"I'm so glad you called, Ebony," she expressed, handing me my tea. "I wasn't sure you would, to be honest."
I nodded, braving a sip of the boiling hot concoction. "Of course."
She sat herself down next to me, accompanied by a plate of fancy-looking biscuits.
"Things have been a little strained with Alex and I lately. I suppose you know all about his ex?"
I nodded. "Yeah."
"And that he can't bring himself to be around me much anymore."
I watched her expression visibly crumble.
"It breaks my heart that we're not as close."
I put my hand on top of hers, desperate to initiate comfort. "He's still hurting. Just give him time."
She sniffed, squeezing my fingers. "Do you think he'll ever get over what they did? The cheating was bad enough but to take Teddy away from himâ"
I shrugged. "Alex puts on a brave face. I think he tries to bury of his feelings most of the time."
"Does he open up to you?" she asked, looking at me with pleading eyes.
"A little but honestly, I think he finds it too painful."
"Hmm."
She removed her hand from mine to drink from her own mug.
"He does love you, Georgie. He's going to your wedding knowing they'll be there."
She nodded, letting slip a frustrated groan. "I hate that I'm putting him in that position. If I had it my way, I wouldn't invite them but Lucas is Tom's familyâ"
"He understands," I ensured. "And I actually happen to think it'll help. He hasn't seen them since it all happened. Perhaps it'll offer him closure."
At this, she perked up. "Ya think?"
I nodded.
"Maybe then, him and I can go back to the way things used to be. Before Chloe."
I shot her a smile. "I'm sure of it."
Her smile was insufferable by this point and I loved that she was genuinely happy to have been given hope. She loved Alex. I could see that and I was glad he had someone like her looking out for him.
"So, wedding talk!" I began, clapping my hands together. "Tell me all about how you and Tom met..."
****
By the time Georgie documented her entire life with Tom to me, I was sure I knew the pair of them inside, out. They met during their first year of college and had pretty much been inseparable ever since.
"He proposed to me when we were skiing in the Rockies. So, we decided to have the wedding there."
"It'll be lovely."
She grinned. "I'm so glad you're coming. You'll love my maid of honour. She's a child physiologist. You guys will have loads to talk about."
"I can't wait," I shared, finishing off the last of the biscuits. "Although, I'm slightly nervous. I've never skied before."
She laughed. "Don't worry. Alex will look after you and teach you the basics."
"If not, you can find me at the bar," I ensured, making us both laugh.
She left her chair to place the empty plate in the sink and upon doing so, snagged her top on the counter. It pulled slightly and stretched across her stomach, showcasing a definite bump. She caught me looking and blushed instantly.
"I've not told Alex yet."
I simply smiled.
"Truth be told, I'm nervous about telling him."
"Don't be. He'll be over the moon for you both. How far gone are you?"
"Twelve weeks. I'll tell him before the wedding."
"I'll be sure to keep it to myself until you do," I insisted, helping her out by bringing our mugs over. "Congratulations by the way. This is an exciting time for you."
"I can barely contain my excitement. Mine and Tom's parents are the only ones who know. And now you."
"Damn my eagle eye!"
We both laughed.
"I like you, Ebony.
I bumped my hip with hers. "I like you, Georgie."
And just like that, I'd made a new friend.
****
"I just don't understand you sometimes. There's no urgency at all. You're unenthusiastic about everything lately, Jason!"
Anna sounded strained in her declaration, if not somewhat exhausted.
"Babe, you need to chill. I'll pack my bag soon. This trip is supposed to be enjoyable. You're sucking the fun out of it."
I stayed in my room, keen to avoid the confrontation. In all honesty, I didn't think either of them knew I was even here. Alex left an hour ago for work and I currently had twenty minutes to get to my final lecture before spring break.
Kiss and make up, already!
"Well if it's no fun, don't bother coming!"
Slam!
The door shutting signalled the end of the argument and my chance to escape. I slowly opened my door and caught Jason with his head in his hands. His posture was slumped, perhaps even deflated.
"Jason?"
He shot up in an instant. "Shit, Ebony I didn't know you were home."
"It's okay. Are you and Anna alright?"
He shrugged. "I honestly don't know anymore. We've been arguing a lot lately."
His depressing tone prompted me to move forward with my arms open for him, offering up a hug. "You'll be fine. You're one of the strongest couples I know. Just apologise and move on."
"Yeah." He squeezed my shoulder and pulled away, smiling thereafter.
"I gotta go to class," I explained, grabbing my books. "But we'll hangout tonight. Get Alex to order take-out!"
"Okay."
"And, Jase?"
"Yeah?"
"Pack your fucking bag!"
The last thing I saw before shutting the door was his smiling face.
****
Everything seems to be going well.
Time to add in some dramaaaa. Y'all ready?