Wild Nights With My Brother’s Ex-Best Friend novel Chapter 21

NICOLE

Walking into the charity’s office makes me feel dizzy because it’s so strange.

For some reason, I feel like I don’t belong in this place anymore. It feels too small. Too unfamiliar. I realize that it’s because I’ve changed a hell of a lot in the last several days.

It might seem impossible to truly change in such a short time, but it’s happened.

I get started on sending the invitations Haley created to everyone who’s a part of Wings of Grace-people who have donated, participated in events before, and anyone else I can think of. Though the funds are still limited and practically nonexistent, I’m pretty confident and optimistic that I’ll manage to make something great for everyone involved.

And if this has to be the last event we ever host, then so be it. I’ve given this charity my all and I’m sure Ma would be proud of me. I’m sitting behind this laptop because of her-everything I’ve done so far is for her.

I’m proud of that.

Sometimes, I catch myself wondering what she’d think of me and Roman together. I remember that she used to like him a lot-he was practically family, and he had a lot of respect for her, too. Things were so perfect back then. My days were always bright because I knew I’d get to see him when Mason got back from school.

Why did Roman have to ruin things so completely?

Then again, would we have had a chance to be together if he and Mason were still friends? I don’t think so. Maybe everything happens for a reason.

As soon as I send the invitations, I receive a visitor. Only a handful of people know where the office is, and Katie Glennville is one of them. Her Chihuahua is tucked under her arm and he sniffs my neck when she and I embrace.

“It’s so good to see you,” I claim. It’s the truth-I love speaking with her. She and Ma were incredibly close, so she spent a lot of time in our house. “I’m sorry I haven’t had a chance to call.”

“It’s alright. You’ve clearly been busy. I received the invitation moments ago.”

“Yes. I’m looking forward to your presence there.” I give her my hair and lean against the desk with my arms folded. “This might just be our last meeting.”

“I’m so sad to hear that. I take it the gala didn’t help at all?”

I shake my head. Sending Roman’s money back felt like the right thing to do, even if it means this will all have to come to an end.

Sometimes I ask myself if I’m not the most selfish bitch I’ve known for doing such a thing, but when I had his money, I felt like I owed him something. In many ways, it felt like he gave it to me and not the charity.

And that’s not right at all.

“It’s alright. We gave it our best shot, didn’t we?” Katie asks as she strokes her little dog. “Your Ma is definitely proud of you for trying. We don’t expect more from you-I want you to know that.”

My eyes fill with tears which I blink away. “Thanks, Katic.”

“Oh, but you’re glowing!” she remarks. The compliment takes me by surprise. “I know exactly what that is.”

I arch a brow. “You do?” I know I sound doubtful. How can she possibly know?

Katie sighs. “I miss a good fuck.”

A laugh bursts out of me. I can’t even hold it back. “Oh my God, Katie.”

She appears thoughtful for a few beats before saying, “I guess I just haven’t had the time. This disease…it consumes you, Nicole. Let me tell you.” A beat of silence passes and she looks down at her dog and smiles. It’s sad, though. “You’ve lived while others didn’t. And some days? That feels heavier than dying ever could.”

After Katie leaves, I receive a notification from the bank. Ten thousand dollars. I don’t recognize the person who made the donation, and at first, I assume it’s Roman, but then Esmeralda calls directly after and asks me, “And? What do you think? Is that enough?”

“Oh, Esmeralda,” I say as tears fill my eyes. “You can’t begin to imagine how much this…Esmeralda.”

“Armand says hello,” she states. I can tell she’s smiling. “We’ll talk about this later if you want to, alright? I’m sure you have a lot to do.”

“Thank you,” I say, touching my chest.

“You know you don’t have to thank me for that. Love you.”

My whole body warms.

“I want to see you. Lunch?”

“Can’t. I have to plan for an event.”

“Huh. It’s still going to happen?”

I narrow my eyes and place a hand on my lip. “I have other people who donate to the charity, Roman.”

“Who?” he asks suspiciously. There’s a slight edge to his voice. “Garith?”

I scoff. “Of course, not.”

Roman sighs. “You’re putting me through hell.”

“You’re doing it to yourself. Look, I have to go.”

“When’s the event?”

“Day after tomorrow.”

Roman is silent for a few beats, then asks me, “If I send you the money again, will you be an idiot and send it back?”

“You already know the answer to that,” I reply before hanging up. I hide my smile before making it back inside and getting straight to work.