Page 233 of Nobody's Girl

TRIP!

Just like that, the man finds himself face first on the floor. He scrambles to his feet and turns to see us all smiling.

He walks faster towards the door, then shouts back, “Watch yourselves. I saw you drinking.”

I shout, “Apologize!”

He shoots the finger at me as he reaches for the door.

DOOR OPEN!

The door opens as if a gust of wind blew it, knocking the cop down. As he sits up, I see his lip has been busted. Bonnie runs to help him up, dabbing at the blood with a dirty bar rag.

Yeah, I think he’s had enough.

Kyle looks down at me with a giggle to his words, “Looks like he’s had a series of unfortunate events.”

“Karma’s a bitch,” I say.

CHAPTER 31

LAURA

Ally’s backyard looks beautiful. The stars fill the night sky, lending light to the dim surroundings. Ally and Eden almost glow with happiness. I can’t believe they’ll be married by this time tomorrow. I can’t believe I won’t be a part of it.

Graduation went well. We all cried when Tammy gave her Valedictorian speech.

Damn sappy girl!

Ally and Eden are leaving Eden’s mother and appear to be coming towards me. Kyle is making a plate. He loves how Ally’s dad makes a brisket. I love her mother’s apple pie.

Ally takes the chair next to mine and Eden sits across from me. It comes to my attention that once Kyle sits down, it’ll be the first time he and Eden will have been anywhere near civil to each other.

The touch of Ally’s hand on mine draws my attention to her. “Laura, I know this is sudden, but I have something I want to ask you before Kyle comes back.”

“Okay.”

“Our wedding tomorrow will be a bit different. Lots of people you and even I won’t know will be there. But Eden’s family, and apparently my parents, know them. They’ve told me there’s not to be bridesmaids or groomsmen, but I want you there. I know you won’t want to go alone, so you can bring Kyle or whoever you want,” Ally says, then looks back at Kyle who’s still filling his plate. “I’d like him there, but if he can’t be I’ll understand.”

Brushing back a long black curl from her face, I say, “I would love to, Ally. I think it would be a good thing for him to go. To see you move on.” I lean in to whisper to her, so Eden doesn’t hear. “He still loves you, you know.”

She nods and whispers back, “He is falling in love with you, you know.”

My eyes must’ve gone wide in surprise, because I haven’t felt like that at all. “Ally, you’re silly.”

Her hand strokes my cheek as she looks into my eyes. Something is so different about her. “Let him love you, Laura. You deserve it. He’s good. You can believe what he tells you. He’s not like your father. Let yourself love him. It’ll all be fine. He won’t hurt you like the others have. Please don’t hurt him.”

“I’m afraid,” I admit to her and myself.

“I know you are, but you don’t have to be. He’s meant for you. I know he is. Trust in him, Laura.”

Kyle sits on the other side of me. “Mmmm, Ally, your dad has outdone himself. I brought you a piece of her mom’s apple pie, sweetie,” he says as he pushes a small plate to me.

Damn, he’s sweet!

Ally gives me a smile and pats my hand under the table. I smile at Kyle. “Thank you, babe.”

Kyle looks over at Eden and asks, “You don’t like barbecue, Eden?”