Invisible to My First Love (Harper and Maddox) novel Chapter 24

Harper 

Apart from calling me everyday, Grayson had come to see me three times in one week and I just couldn’t escape him. Except for the one time he had surprised me in the previous week, he always asked if it was okay to come over. I could’ve easily told him I wasn’t home so I could stop him from coming to my place, but I never did. How could I when I now looked forward to seeing him every chance I could get? 

I had begun to live with the fact that I wouldn’t always rush to Maddox to numb my feelings for Grayson. While I missed the way my body came alive during those moments, it did nothing for me long–term. 

Ella and Zoey came early to my place so we’d have enough time for home beauty treatments before heading to Maddox’s birthday party that would start at 7 PM. 

The three of us sat on the couch, our faces green with an avocado mask and eyes covered by cucumber slices. 

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Ella asked. 

“Do what?” I turned my head in her direction like I could see her. 

“You know, going to Maddox’s birthday party? Isn’t it going to be awkward? He’s been ghosting you lately.” 

Zoey huffed. “As much as I hate to say this, I agree with Ella. He hasn’t spoken to you all week. Last week was awful, but this week’s been worse. He didn’t reply even when you texted first. Will you be okay over there?” 

“I’ll be fine.” My voice was low. While Maddox was free to do as he pleased, it hurt a little that he just shut me out. 

“That should be a relief, but Tiffany will be there, too.” 

“I’m not scared of her.” My voice was firm as I assured Zoey. 

“Even when Grayson told you that Tiffany blames you for losing all those clients? I bet even Ella would be scared. To be honest, I’m glad you’re still going. You’re the only reason Maddox invited us. Imagine us showing up there without you.” 

“You fucked the guy twice. Any regrets?” Ella bluntly asked. 

I wanted to smile but the avocado mask had begun to dry. “No regrets at all and I mean it.” 

“We were actually rooting for you to make things official with him.” Zoey clicked her tongue. 

“Official?” I scoffed. “Look, Maddox and I weren’t even close.” 

“Hello?” Ella nudged my shoulder. “You were so close that you were fucking. Remember that part? It’s just so crazy to me that you’re not talking anymore and you still want to go and see him one last time? I can only imagine what it’ll be like in person.” 

“OMG! Imagine if he barely acknowledges you.” Zoey gasped. 

“Damn, you two are being so negative.” I sighed. “Whatever happens, I’m still going. I won’t let what’s going on stop me from having a good time. I also want to personally hand him his gift.” 

“Your gift still makes me laugh when I think about it.” Ella snorted. “Do you think he’ll like it?” 

“It’s the thought that counts,” I said. 

I was just about to add on to my statement when my phone buzzed on the table. I peeled off one cucumber slice and reached for my phone, my heart skipping a beat at the sender’s name. 

“Maddox just texted me.” 

They both gasped and sat up more to peel off their cucumber slices. 

“Is he coming to pick you up?” Ella hopefully brought her hands together. 

“What? No. There’s been a slight change. The party starts at 8 PM. I suggest we still arrive early.” I casually put the phone back down and leaned back as I placed the slices over my eyes again. 

“So…” Zoey trailed off. “What was the rest of the message?” 

“Nothing.” 

“After a whole week, that’s all he had to say?” 

“It doesn’t matter.” I sighed dismissively. 

“That was so cold of him and you know what? Apart from Kate, I bet some of the other girls he’s fucked in the past will be at the party. Won’t that bother you?” 

I wanted to furrow my eyebrows so badly. “Damn, Zoey, you just had to put that image in my head. Like I said, I knew what I was getting myself into when I decided to sleep with him. That’s why I’ll be just fine.” 

“I’ve been wondering why you’ve been acting too calm about this and I just figured it out. It’s Dean, isn’t it?” Ella snickered. 

They both began to tease me and I let out a short laugh. There was nothing going on between Dean and I. Not once had he tried to cross boundaries. I made sure to tell them that. 

A few minutes had passed since we had arrived at Maddox’s residence but I was the only one checking myself out one last time while still in my seat. I had my hair in a sleek ponytail, a few hair stands falling on the sides of my face and styled in loose curls. For my face, I only had some mascara and red lipstick. My skin was so clear and dewy that I didn’t feel like adding any foundation. 

“Will you two keep looking all around you or finally do what you have to do so we can get to the party?” I said, smoothing my short nude dress. 

“Damn, give us a chance. This place is so huge,” Ella said quietly. 

When they finally focused on themselves and we all grabbed our purses, we stepped out of my car, walking past a few luxury cars parked in the front yard. 

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify