“No.” I nibbled on my thumb as she drove to The Coffee Shop.
“I seriously hate Gerald. He’s not a good person and I don’t know why Eve is still hanging around him.”
“Gerald is the first guy she’s given a chance since Flynn. She’s probably trying to hold onto the idea of a perfect relationship.”
She pulled into a parking spot. “Well, it’s not perfect. She needs to kick his ass to the curb!”
I nodded. “I think so too but it’s important we support her and not grill her tonight.”
She blew out a breath. “You’re right.” She turned to me and smiled before she hopped out of the car.
We walked in and found Eve in a booth in the back. Her head was down and she was tapping away at her phone.
“Hey bitch!” Mags dropped into the seat next to her and I slid in the other side.
“H-Hi!” she squeaked. “It’s good to see you guys.”
“Yeah, it is. I’ve missed you. How’re you doing?” I smiled.
She shook her head. “I’m totally fine. Great! How about you two?” The waitress came over with three drinks. “I ordered us all our favorite soda. I hope you guys don’t mind.”
I shook my head. “I am forever in your debt.” I placed the straw in my orange soda and gulped some down.
Mags did the same. “I’m surprised you remember what we like since your head's so far up Gerald’s—” I cut her off by kicking her under the table. She shot me a glare. “Since you have been busy with Gerald.” She corrected and sent me a sickly sweet smile.
Eve glanced between us before nodding. “Yeah, sorry. He’s very… clingy.”
“Why do you put up with that?” Mags asked.
Eve shrugged. “It’s good to just feel wanted, I guess. So...” She turned toward me. “How’s work going?”
I let out a sarcastic laugh. “Well, Preston is seeing Linda. You know, my nosy coworker?”
Mags’ mouth dropped and Eve gasped.
“No fucking way!” Mags shouted.
I nodded. “She told me a couple of days ago. But, plus side is, she left Asher alone.”
“I can’t believe women like that are out there.” Eve shook her head.
“Ditto, girl.” Mags took a swing of her grape soda. “Alright, I have a confession.”
“What’s that?” Eve looked at her hesitantly.
“I slept with Luca that night that we were all together.” She slapped her hand on her forehead.
I straightened. “What the fuck! On my couch?”
“Of course not. On your floor.”
Eve giggled beside her.
“Because that makes it so much better.” I rolled my eyes. “So, wait. Why are you hating on Luca now?”
“Haven’t you noticed?”
I shook my head.
“The asshole fucked me and then promptly ignored me! He’s still ignoring me!” She slammed her empty glass down.
The waitress came over with refills. We thanked her and she left, eying Mags.
“I didn’t realize that. I’m so sorry. Do you want me to talk to him?” I reached out and grabbed her hand.
She shook her head. “No, please don’t. Just leave it be.”
I nodded. “Whatever you want.”
Eve cursed under her breath.
“What’s wrong?”
“Gerald’s here. He wants me to come home.”
“Home? You’re living with him?” My mouth dropped.
She shook her head. “No, but I have been staying over a lot. He seems to think we are.”
“Tell him no. We haven’t had a chance to catch up in forever.” Mags pouted.
I nodded. “Yeah, come on. It’s only tonight.”
She bit her lip and glanced at the door. Gerald had just stormed in. “I know, but we will do it again soon.”
Mags shook her head as Gerald stalked over to our table. “Let’s go,” he said.
“What? No hello?” Mags retorted.
He ignored her and kept his eyes on Eve who smiled at us. “I really should be going.”
“Gerald, why don’t you join us?” I asked, patting the spot next to me. “We miss Eve.”
He rolled his eyes and grunted.
“Or not,” I mumbled.
“I love you guys. We’ll do this again soon.” Eve got up and Gerald grabbed her hand and walked her out within mere seconds.
“You don’t think,” I lowered my voice to a whisper. “He could be hurting her?”
She shook her head. “Not physically. But I can fucking bank on the fact that he’s mentally abusing her.”
I sank into my seat. Poor Eve. If only Flynn didn’t high tail it out of here. She would’ve been with him, happy as she used to be.
After a few more minutes of a worrisome conversation over Eve, we headed back to my house. Surprisingly, all of the mess that was in the living room was cleaned up. Asher smothered me in kisses when we walked in and Luca stood by the couch.
“How was your night?” I asked.
“We lost the game, but also indulged in the finer foods.” He laughed.
“Pizza and wings aren’t the finer foods, dude.” Luca put his shoes on.
Asher hummed. “We also had cheesy bread.”
“Oh, yes. The cheesy bread is what did it.” Luca snorted before heading to the door. “I gotta go, great catching up. Later!”
The door slammed behind him.
Mags crossed her arms. “I told you!”
“Wow. Okay, yeah. That was cold.” I shook my head. “I’m sorry.”
She huffed. “It’s not a big deal. He can be a douche if he wants. I’m heading home though. See you guys later!”
Mags left quick. My heart ached for her. What was Luca thinking?
“Can you fill me in?” Asher puffed out his bottom lip.
I pressed a chaste kiss to his lips and nodded. “Luca and Mags slept together that night we were all here. Now, he’s totally ghosting her.”
Asher snapped his fingers. “Of course! I knew something like that had happened.”
I frowned. “Why is he being like that to her?”
He wrapped his arms around me. “You know Luca. He’s probably caught feelings or some shit and instead of dealing with them, he’s running away.”
I sighed. “You’re probably right. Mags will call him out on it though.”
He laughed. “I can’t wait for that. How was Eve?”
I groaned. “I don’t know how to help her, Asher. I think she’s seriously in trouble. Gerald is a manipulative twerp.”
“Well, yeah. I could’ve
