Chapter 14 Velyn
When I first agreed to help Dylan with Chase and Jordan, I’ll admit I was doubtful that he’d follow through. But as we make our way through the quad approaching the table where Chase, Jordan and Ava are seated, I will say that even with his apparent hesitation, I’m impressed that he’s still at my side.
“We’re almost at the table, so remember your filter, Dylan. Think about what you’re going to say before you shoot it out of your mouth,” I advise.
“I know, you told me the same thing about a thousand times on the way over here. Filter—check. What I want to know is if this is where you all go to have your daily bash on Dylan meetings?”
“Daily? Don’t be silly—it’s only on Tuesdays and Thursdays that we do that. Mondays and Wednesdays are our ‘Plot how to make Dylan pay meetings,” I reply with a snicker.
He stops in his tracks, causing me to stop as well, and he asks, “You left out Friday. What happens on that day?”
I give him a smile with a slight brow wiggle. “Wouldn’t you like to know.” I motion him forward. “Now get going they won’t be out here forever.”
Dylan moves ahead of me. It’s a slow step by step at first, but then when Jordan looks up, it’s like Dylan’s facade comes right back into play. His shoulders go back and his chest puffs out—great!
“Velyn, when did you stray to the dark side?” Jordan questions.
I let out a sigh realizing I may have been forgetting it wasn’t only Dylan’s ego that I was contending with. But to my surprise, Dylan takes it all in stride.
“Even Velyn has an animal clawing inside that needs to be set free from time to time,” Dylan replies. I let out a groan and he looks down to me. “Sorry, it just slipped out.”
I shake my head then urge him forward, but before moving, Dylan looks to me as if I should be able to read his thoughts. It’s funny though, because I almost can.
“It’ll be fine. Like I said, be yourself. And Dylan, by self, I don’t mean the one that you put out so that you’re not vulnerable.”
“You know you’re asking for the world here, Velyn?”
I take a step closer, lowering my voice so only he can hear. “I know I am, but I also know you’re not a jerk; however, those people think you are. Dylan, if you want to make amends, you have to man-up and admit you were wrong. You need to apologize.”
We’re standing almost nose to nose, and I can see his eyes scanning mine. “Just so you know, I hate apologizing.”
“It was never a secret, Dylan. But if you want your brother and best friend back, I suggest you bite the bullet and suck it up, princess,” I let out much to his amusement.
“Princess? Well, who’s the nasty one with hurtful names now?” he scolds playfully.
I let out a laugh, once again motioning him forward. “Stop stalling, Dylan. I promise once it’s all done, you’ll feel better.”
“We’ll see.”
He moves closer to the table, standing just at the end. “Look, I’m not one to admit when I’m wrong...ever. But as Velyn pointed out to me, I was this time; with both of you.”
“Whoa, hell hath frozen over,” Jordan lets out.
Ava’s quick to give him a swift slap to the arm. “Not another word out of you.”
Jordan’s shoulders slump, and he looks to Dylan. “Sorry, man.”
Dylan looks back to me quickly, then after taking a deep breath, turns back to the table, grabbing a seat just across from everyone. I follow, sitting beside him.
“Okay, here it goes. I’m sorry for being an ass to you guys; you too, Ava. I should never have said those things or even treated you the way I did. It was wrong, and I’m sorry.” He looks to Jordan. “I didn’t see it, man, I honestly thought she was just another fling. I should’ve known when to shut my mouth; realized that she did mean something to you. It’s just that I didn’t like thinking I was losing my wingman.”
Jordan looks back to Ava for her approval. She gives him a slight nod, and with that, he turns back to Dylan. “I can accept that. Dyl, man, it was never about you losing your wingman, it was about me growing up. All the partying and the constant revolving door of women—it was just getting old. And you can’t say you disagree. I know for a fact you were done with it all well before me. You were getting tired of that life too.”
Dylan nods. “Yeah, I guess. Look, I just want things to go back to how they were. Well, with Ava at your side now too. That is if she’s willing to forgive me.”
“Dylan, the fact that you’re even willing to admit you were wrong is enough for me. I never wanted to come between you and Jordan. Trust me, as hard as these past few weeks have been for you, let me tell you they’ve been just as hard for Jordan. He’s been miserable without you. And let me add that my weekly book club will be ecstatic that you’re back in the picture.”
Jordan looks to Ava. “Are you saying they didn’t like me in the group? I thought I shared some great insight.”
Ava shrugs. “Sorry, babe, but they kind of felt you monopolized the meetings. That, and a lot of the time, it was like you weren’t even reading the same book we were.”
He gives her a look. “What do you mean? Were we all supposed to be reading the same book?”
I let out a chuckle. “It’s all good, Jordan...you do you.”
Ava jumps in.
