Always You

SAVANNAH

The past two days have been a whirlwind, but at last, it’s Friday.

I step into my apartment and kick off my shoes.

I head to the refrigerator and grab a cold beer.

I’ve been laying low, but I couldn’t help but spot Elijah at the café across from my shop yesterday. I made sure he didn’t see me.

I hid in the back, only emerging when necessary, which wasn’t often.

I let out a sigh and took a gulp of my beer. It was just what I needed.

My eyes land on the little black dress. I was set on wearing it for tonight’s girls’ night out.

I contemplate calling it off.

Ever since Danny and I split, everything’s been a struggle, even though I never really wanted to be with him. Everyone seemed to take his side.

I never admitted to cheating, but does it count as cheating if you have feelings for someone else?

I wouldn’t say feelings, more like a lifelong love.

I’ve loved Elijah since we were kids, but I didn’t recognize it as love until Megan and Alex’s wedding a few years ago.

Everyone thought we made a good pair. That is, until his date arrived. I didn’t have a date. I had planned to confess my feelings to him if we had a moment alone, but that moment never came.

I walk over to the bedroom area of my small apartment and sigh. I better start getting ready.

I strip down and head straight for the shower. I take a quick one. I know I’m running late, but I’m not in a hurry.

Meg is always late anyway, and besides, she probably shared a cab with the guys, so I plan to be fifteen minutes late to avoid running into Alex and Elijah.

Once I’m out of the shower, I quickly wrap a towel around me and head back to the bedroom. I dry off and slip into my black lace thong.

The black dress has a slit down the back, so a bra isn’t necessary. I’m practically going commando.

I step into the dress and take a look at myself in the mirror. The past six months have been stressful due to the shop and the rumors about me.

I’ve lost a lot of weight. I try to hide it, especially when I know I’m seeing Meg. I haven’t told her anything because I know she’d tell Alex.

I know she’ll notice and worry.

I let out another sigh.

Everyone has their own ideas about the cheating scandal, but no one has ever asked me for my side of the story, especially not at the beginning.

I know why Alex despises cheaters. His dad cheated on his mom when he was a teenager and left them when his mom found out.

His dad never came back.

The guys did ask me about it once, but they were drunk, and I didn’t want to tell them only for them to forget everything I said.

I shake my head and adjust the straps of my dress.

I quickly curl my hair and glance at the clock. 5:45 p.m.

Once my hair is done, I apply some makeup, but not too much. I never wear a lot because I don’t need it.

I step aside and slip into my six-inch heels. I’m only five foot two, so I need the extra height when I go out. Without them, I’m a shorty.

I give myself a once-over before grabbing my purse. I put my money, phone, and keys inside. I’m not feeling very confident, so I’ll let Meg compliment me. Maybe she can lie to me.

I head to the door and open it. I descend the stairs of my shop.

I exit the shop and lock the door behind me. I put the keys back in my purse.

Jolly’s is just around the corner from my shop, and it’s halfway between the guys’ gym. I try to avoid walking past there so I don’t run into them.

As I reach the corner, I freeze and quickly step back, hiding behind a wall. I close my eyes.

Of course, they’re here.

There’s a taxi parked in front of Jolly’s. Meg is getting out, but Alex and Elijah are there too. I glance over my shoulder and see both men exiting the cab.

Meg looks gorgeous as always in a silver dress and heels. Her blonde hair is straight and pulled up into a high ponytail. Alex is wearing light jeans and a blue shirt.

I only see them, but then the back door opens, and Elijah steps out.

My heart races at the sight of him.

He looks incredibly handsome in dark jeans and a black shirt. He’s the kind of man every woman dreams of being with.

I step back, trying to steady my breath. No one's asked me anything yet, but I feel like I need to explain myself.

Inhaling deeply, I straighten my posture.

You've got this, I tell myself.

I step out from behind the wall, approaching the two guys like I've done countless times before. This is something I need to do—for me, and for Meg. I need to reclaim my friendships.

I'm ready to lay it all out there, just hoping they won't ask about my drunken escapades.

I know Alex will have his snarky comments, but I need to face this head-on.

Taking another deep breath, I move closer to them.

They're all engaged in conversation, even the taxi driver.

Meg is the first to notice me. Her eyes light up and she exclaims, “SAV!” She gives me a once-over before pulling me into a hug.

I maintain the smile I've been wearing since I left my hiding spot. It might look forced, but I need to project happiness.

As Meg steps back, I see the guys watching us. She keeps her hands on my arm, looking me over.

“You look amazing, Sav,” she says, taking in my appearance.

She turns to the guys. “Doesn't Sav look great, Alex?” she asks.

I glance at the guys. They're both standing there, mouths agape. Alex recovers first, clearing his throat.

“Yeah, she does,” he says, smiling at me. “It's really good to see you, Sav.”

I return the smile and nod, not trusting my voice to hide my emotions.

I turn to Elijah and catch him checking me out. His gaze travels from my feet to my face.

A spark ignites within me as his chocolate-brown eyes meet mine.

He grins.

“You look fantastic, Sav,” he says, his voice low and husky.

“So, are we heading to that new place, or are we staying here?” Meg asks.

I glance at all three of them. I don't want to make this decision.

“I'm going inside; I need a drink,” I say, leaving them to figure it out.

As I turn to leave, a large hand on my arm stops me. I look over my shoulder to see Elijah.

“Please don't go, Sav,” he says. “How about we have a night out like we used to?”

Elijah smiles at me. I stare back, unable to respond.

The idea of spending time with all three of them again, like old times, is appealing. But I need to set some boundaries. I don't want to discuss anything that could ruin the night.

I look at Elijah, then at Meg and Alex. Meg's eyes are pleading with me.

“I think that's a good idea, but,” I say, turning to face them, “we can't talk about the past. I mean, what happened.”

I look at Alex, who's staring at me. Meg nudges him, and he grunts.

“Okay, that's fine with me,” he says, smiling. “The past should stay in the past. We need to move forward.”

“I couldn't agree more,” I say, giving him a sincere smile.

“YES,” Meg squeals. “The gang's back together.”

Elijah laughs, while Alex and I share a smirk.

I turn to go inside, Meg trailing behind me.

This is going to be an interesting night.