AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Come in.” I close the book.
“What’s up, Gemma?” Henrik walks in and closes the door behind him. “I’m planning a party for Harv tomorrow. I think he needs it, you know?”
“I don’t know... Why don’t we ask him?”
He sighs, rubbing his hand down his face. He’s had to grow up in the past six months since the accident, with taking on Harvey’s job as well as his own in the family business—all while finishing college. Harvey isn’t ready to go back to work, and he shouldn’t have to worry about that for now.
“Let’s wing it.”
I stare ahead, pondering his idea. “If he snaps, it’s on you.”
I should’ve known others could bring out his pretty smile and gorgeous dimples. I should’ve known he’d pretend and tuck away the darkness overshadowing his face daily.
I watch Harv from my corner as he drinks a beer. Technically, you shouldn’t mix drugs and alcohol, but a drink or two is usually fine to consume.
“Why’re you hiding?” Gia sits next to me. She pats my bare leg and sips on her virgin wine while I’ve already tossed back two beers. She was excited to have a night out for the first time since having a baby.
I mindlessly rip off the paper on the beer bottle, needingsomething to take my mind off the girls surrounding Harvey. I rub my hands up and down my arms, feeling a chill that has nothing to do with the room temperature. In my black camisole and leather skirt, it doesn’t help.
“I’m not—”
“Yes, you are. He’s your boyfriend; you should go to him. Oh my God, does that girl not learn? She’s all over him... Gemmadosomething!”
I chuckle, and Gia’s eyes grow wide and suspicious.
What good would it do for me to march there and stake my claim? He wants nothing to do with me.
“Thanks for coming,” I tell her instead. It was nice of Hen to invite her and James. Harvey’s friends were chill, but we weren’t that close.
Eventually, the party moves outside to the backyard. I’m wearing a winter coat by now, and it’s so nice that we have ramps all around the house to make it easy for Harvey to move around freely. Even if he never hangs out in the yard.
People are sitting on the deck, passing joints, when I notice Henrik hand a roll to his brother. I stand up quickly, apologizing to James for interrupting him while he talks about his work.
“Hen, what’re you doing?” I ask once I reach him. Harvey’s brow shoots up, and I eye the joint like it physically repulses me. I silently beg Harv not to do this. His injuries are too new; just because he’s been free of complications doesn’t mean he has to tempt the respiratory card anytime soon.
Alcoholandweed. I wish he’d stick to one.
I don’t care if I’m being paranoid and that weed could do him some good—a part of me is worried about him mixing drugs with his meds.
“Relax, Gemma. He’s been a good boy. He deserves to have some fun.”
“He drank two beers. I think that’s enough.” I look down toHarv, whose jaw is locked tight. He cocks his head to the side, taking the now-lit joint to his lips.
Henrik gives us a minute alone, and I wish I wasn’t this type of girlfriend. The one who’s neck-deep buried in fear, unable to appreciate life’s most precious moments.
“Sit on me.” Harvey pats his lap, and I don’t hesitate for a second, finding comfort being in his arms again. We barely exchange words during the week except for the necessary.
He tilts my head up with his cold hand, and I take a drag, wishing to inhale the poison for him.
When he takes the joint back, my face finds comfort in the crook of his neck. His arm rubs my back while I listen to him talk to his friends. His coat is zipped halfway, so I slip my hand beneath it, allowing the beating of his heart to bring a calmness to me.
This might not happen again soon, so I better goddamn enjoy the closeness.
Once everyone leaves for the night, Gia, James, and Henrik help us clean the house. I’m getting rid of the red cups in the living room when I hear Harvey raise his voice.
“What the fuck is her bike doing in the backyard, Hen?”
“Calm down... it’s not like she’ll be riding tonight. Besides how do you know it was me—”
