Trouble With the Curve (Learning Curve #2)

by Felicia Lynn

  Pausing, he turns, directing his attention to Morgan with a glower, and she flinches. “You were hoping she’d fall from grace so you could finally be the center of attention and not just the best friend in her shadow. But she didn’t even stumble, did she? You know she’ll never be below you, yet you tell yourself differently. I understand why you’re jealous of her, Morgan. It’s tough to be sidelined to someone else and have to admit to yourself they’re better. I get it because I’d be lying if I told you I’m not disappointed to learn that Charlotte’s taken. Since she’s the only person from our superficial childhood who was ever real, I’d honestly hoped that someday she’d be interested in me the same way I was in her. But even if it means admitting to myself that someone better than me won her heart, I’m damn glad to see she hasn’t lost that light in her eyes and her pure heart. I’m okay to lose to someone else who has what it takes to make her happy because she deserves it.”

  Morgan listens in shock, visibly outraged by having Colby turn the tables on her. Instead, she is shaking her head aggressively as she sputters momentarily. “Are we kidding right now? Are you really kidding me, Colby Matthews? This had better be a joke because if it’s not, I will destroy you,” she mumbles angrily under her breath in what I’m sure was intended to be a whisper.

  I hear gasps coming from around the room and heavy footsteps approaching me from behind. I turn slightly to look over my shoulder only to find Tyler’s focus locked on me. He tosses his keys to Jackson in the booth as he’s passing without ever looking at him, still storming my direction with his now empty hands clenching open and closed to fists. He’s not angry. He’s well past that. Rage is lingering dangerously close.

  As soon as he’s able to reach out to me, he does so without ever taking his eyes from me. “You okay?” he asks but doesn’t wait for a response before turning my body and pulling me to his chest. He wraps his arms around me and holds tight while whispering in my ear, “I’m here, buttercup. I’m so fucking sorry it took me so long. I didn’t know.”

  I nod into his chest, immediately feeling comforted by his presence, but I really am okay and want him to believe that, so I pull back enough to look into his eyes. I smile timidly as he attempts to read my emotional state then lift up to kiss him on the cheek as an unspoken message. The questions in his eyes dissipate, but he watches me intently with possession filling his eyes. He knows me better than anyone does and sees the parts of me reserved for only him. I am just fine, and he knows it. I love this man without question.

  As much as I want to walk away from this situation wrapped in his arms, knowing I have everything I could every want or need, I can't. I want him to take me away and make me forget any of this happened tonight in the way only he can do, but it’s going to have to wait. It doesn’t matter anymore where he’s been. He’s here now, and that’s what counts. I turn back to the table with Ty’s arm protectively wrapped around my stomach, and my back pressed firmly against his front. I will say what I need to say and then be done and move on with my life.

  Colby looks intently at Tyler and me, watching our interaction, and reads Ty’s obvious protective posture and tight embrace and definitely gets the message. I glance at Morgan, her eyes glued to Ty’s arm wrapped around me in a daze, before bringing my attention back to Colby. My eyes soften as I look at him, feeling really grateful he’s here. “Colby, thank you,” I say, genuinely meaning it, wishing I could say more but hoping he’s able to understand the deeper meaning. What he said was so much more than simply defending me. My defense didn’t require that in-depth commentary, and it’s been somewhat shocking to hear, even from my point of view. I never realized he saw me that way, and a part of me wishes I’d known what a good guy he was back then. It would have been nice to have a genuine friend, but the past is in the past. Colby is a good guy, and it’s nice to know that now, but I can’t help thinking there’s a reason I didn’t know it sooner. Maybe Colby and I never developed any sort of friendship or relationship because I was unknowingly saving my heart for someone else. Is it possible my first relationship was intended to be my only all along, and Tyler and I really were destined to be together? I want to believe that’s true because no one else has ever made me feel the way he does.

  As much as I want to glare daggers at Morgan and let out my anger, the will to overpower her with my newfound strength is just not in me anymore. I feel more sorry for her than anything. No matter what arrangement was in place for her to have willingly pretended to be my best friend for all those years, in my heart, she was a best friend. I may not understand why she did what she did, but I can’t seem to hate her or want her to hurt the way I have. But it’s time for this craziness to end.

  “Morgan has put on quite a show for everyone. You’ve always loved having all the eyes on you, and I never understood why, but you’ve had the stage since you walked in the door. I think it’s my turn now to talk,” I tell her without faltering, never taking my eyes off her. I don’t even care anymore that we have an audience. She looks to be too dumbfounded to respond, which is surprisingly out of character for her.

  “I know you don't want to believe it because you worked really hard conspiring with my mother to break me, but I’m actually fantastic and have never been better. I could be pissed about what you did. I could hate you for deceiving me. For years, I believed you were my best friend; I believed that you cared about me and were loyal. I naïvely thought nothing would ever separate us. I tried to be the same person I thought you were to me for you. You mattered to me, regardless of what you think or any words you want to put into my mouth. To me, you were more than just my best friend. You were more valuable to me than family. I trusted you. But it was all a lie. You selfishly took everything you could get out of a not-so-great situation, and there was no limit on what you’d do or how low you’d stoop. Sadly, I’m not sure you ever really were the person I gave you credit for being, though I can’t seem to hate you for that. Actually, I should thank you. Without realizing it, you stabbed me in the back more times than I can count. But you were my person, so I’m not sure I would have ever seen the truth without it slapping me in my face. But you did, and it hurt like you wouldn’t believe. You broke me, not my mother. You shattered my world in a way I knew I’d never be the same again. It was hard to recover from that, but you know what? I did. I did it without you and without my parents. What I found on my own was something I thought was reserved only for fairy tales, but I found it in real life. You’d never be able to recognize love in its purest form because I don’t think it exists in the world we’re from.” My voice hitches and my eyes fill, so I pause, looking down for a moment to try to gather myself.

  Ty gently takes my chin between his fingers and pulls my face to the side and tilts it up so he can look in my eyes as I peer over my shoulder. When a single tear escapes my eye, he turns me in his arms just in time to catch the drop with his kiss to my cheek. My eyes close briefly, soaking him in.

  When I open my eyes and look over his shoulder to the people behind him, I see Sue, George, Jamie, Mary, Bobby, Jackson, and Jason all standing close, watching us. Silently supporting us. George is studying me, but I see the pride in his eyes, and it gives me the boost of confidence I felt slipping just seconds ago. Wiping my tears, I pull away from Ty’s shoulder and turn back to face Morgan.

  “You helped them build that world of torture I lived in, knowing I resented it. You knew the expectations of that life were pushing me over the edge, but you did it anyway, regardless of the consequences. But Morgan, YOU were my wake-up call. I’m not sure I'd have ever figured out what was waiting for me on the other side of that shitty life had it not been for you. For that gift, I owe you. Now, I wake up every day with the love of my life, and I know what love is because you helped show me what it wasn’t. You can think Tyler and I will never make it. You can believe what we have isn’t real. Hell, you can even tell the world those lies, and I won’t care a bit. Because I love him more than I ever imagined was humanly possible,
and he loves me. We know the truth, and that’s all that matters. But in addition to Ty, I have a real family who will stand behind me without question. Those who support me because they genuinely care about ME and not just what I offer as an opportunity to them. I’m not just a pawn in a fake life anymore. So thank you. I'd never know how amazing life could be without living in that fake life of selfishness you helped me believe was real.” Through the emotions of everything I’ve said, I was somehow able to stay strong, but now as I’ve finished, the sprinklers behind my eyes have turned on, and the wetness coats my cheeks. Tyler pulls me tightly into his loving embrace as I fall apart.

  Sue comes up beside me, taking my hand in hers and looking at me with eyes filled to the brim with love, gratification, and pride. She squeezes my hand as the others walk up, offering pats on the back and words of praise. I feel each of them there with me, surrounding me, caring about me, and supporting me unconditionally.

  Jamie’s voice booms into the restaurant. “Show’s over. Eat, drink, and get the hell back to your own business now.”

  “Or get the hell out,” George adds. We all laugh, and most of the patrons laugh with us, as well.

  The group at the table with Morgan all glance at each other uncomfortably, not sure what to do, but not Morgan. She’s still staring at me disbelievingly with her own tears streaming her face.

  “Charlotte, I’m so sorry. I never wanted this. You are my best friend,” she pleads. The so-called friends she came with distance themselves from her, including her evil accomplice, Christine.

  I just shake my head and offer no response. It’s too late for apologies. I wish I could believe it’s real, but I know real, and this isn’t it. Morgan is only sorry she got caught, and I can’t find it in me to care or want anything genuine from her. What’s done is done, and I’m ready to move on. So instead of listening to her empty apologies and pleas, I turn and walk away.

  Over my shoulder, I hear Sue talking to those at the table. “I think it’s about time for you all to pay your check and find some place else to spend your evening. I think we’ve had about as much as we’re going to take from your little party. Jamie, get them their check and kindly ask them not to come back.”

  Tyler leads me to the booth with the guys. Sitting down, he pulls me onto his lap. As things resume to normalcy around the pub, he holds me close. Typical pub chatter fills the airspace, and I’m thankful not to have every eye on me. I notice Colby standing at the bar with Jamie, paying the tab for his table. He pauses before signing his ticket and looks our direction. Our eyes meet. I give him a fainthearted smile, and he reluctantly returns the expression. I watch as he signs the receipt then confidently strides toward us.

  Ty tenses when he notices Colby approaching and the three other guys at the table do as well. Holding his hands up, Colby says, “I come in peace. I swear. Just wanted to apologize again for what went down and then be on my way.”

  Tyler’s hold on me tightens, but I don’t complain because I know he needs it. He watches Colby, closely inventorying his body language but making no attempt to engage in conversation or invite Colby to join us. I’m pretty sure it’ll be a cold day in hell before that ever happens since he doesn’t even respond to Colby’s attempt to wave the white flag.

  I reply since no one else does. “It’s not your fault, Colby. You have nothing to be sorry for. But thanks again for standing up for me. I’m sorry I never realized what a good friend you could’ve been all those years ago. Since I didn’t really have any, I probably could’ve used a friend like you.”

  He looks remorseful when he responds. “Believe me, Charlotte, it was my loss. Be well. You deserve it more than most.” Looking at Ty, he finishes. “You’re one lucky guy, but it looks like you already know that. Take good care of her, man.”

  “Until I take my last breath,” Ty says, his eyes searching mine and not giving Colby or anyone else that gift with his promise. Colby strides away, and I know that will likely be the last I ever see him since we no longer socialize in the same circles. Even though Colby turned out to be a good guy, I’m okay with him being a part of the past. I want to put that life behind me, and I don’t want any reminders tainting what I have now.

  I notice George taking over the servicing of my tables, which is good because I don’t think I’m ready to leave Ty’s arms quite yet. While the guys resume their own normalcy of talking about a play in the baseball game on the screen, Ty and I quietly process what’s happened tonight, and I feel the tension ease as we hold on to each other.

  I DON’T WANT TO ask what else can happen or could go wrong at this point because I’m afraid of the answer. Charlie says she’s okay, but she’s quiet—too quiet. I don’t like it.

  I always suspected Morgan fucking Chambers had a vicious side. I saw the evil she tried to hide as plain as day, simmering just below the surface. I never understood the connection between Charlotte and Morgan and questioned it from the moment I found out. They’re nothing alike, but they were as close as sisters. Morgan, unfortunately, came as a package deal with Charlie. No matter how much I didn’t like having Morgan as part of the deal, it was Charlie. From the start, I knew Charlie was special. There’s not much I wouldn’t have endured to win my girl. I would’ve moved mountains for her if necessary, so I thought for sure I could tolerate her bitchy best friend. My mistake was miscalculating the darkness of the evil and the level of hatred consuming Morgan. I’d never considered physically attacking a chick until Morgan Chambers, and it physically took every ounce of my control to rein that in.

  Charlie saying what she did to Morgan tonight was a little sliver of sweet revenge. Had it not come at the expense of re-opening a wound for my buttercup, I’d be happier about it. Charlotte was great tonight, and I was so damn proud of her, but I know that task didn’t come easily or without another gash to her heart.

  Before walking into George’s, I had no idea what to expect. I was fairly sure we’d come far enough that I wouldn’t find my girl curled up and hiding in a dark corner, but I never considered the possibility I’d find my buttercup standing in the middle of a showdown. I was seriously un-fucking-happy about it initially. I didn’t understand why the people I trusted, who cared about Charlie, were all standing just within arm’s reach, allowing her to go head to head with the person who betrayed her and tried to break her.

  My instinct was to grab her and run. I wanted to keep her safe more than I wanted to take Morgan down myself, but I saw the look in her eye and knew. Charlie needed to fight her demons, and she needed to do it on her own. The Taylors seemed to know that as well and let it play out while staying close. My girl was ready to battle and take back the piece of herself that Morgan stole, but I didn’t want to admit it was time. No matter how far she’s come, the risks were too great for me. It felt like sending her to the lion’s den at feeding time alone smelling like a juicy cut of filet mignon. I hated it. I had to fight the almost constant urge to step in front of her and tuck her into my back. It hurt me not to shield her from the evil glares and hateful words she didn’t deserve, but I knew I couldn’t. I may not have been ready, but Charlie was. She was so strong, even with the few tears she shed in the process.

  Now it’s over, we’re home, and it’s time to put this behind us. I know that discussing the situation with her father is definitely not on the agenda for tonight, if for no other reason than I personally cannot handle one more thing right now. New rule—there’s a one shit storm a day policy from now on. We’re over the maximum for today, so I’ll talk to her about her dad tomorrow over breakfast. Tonight, I just want to lie in this bed, holding her in my arms as tight as possible until the sun comes up.

  When I hear the shower finally shut off, I watch, waiting for her to exit the bathroom. Despite my attempts, she refused to let me join her in the shower since I showered in the locker room before going to George’s. I didn’t want her out of my sight, even for just a shower. She knows I’m observing and dissecting her every move. I can try to
pretend I’m not worried, but she knows me better than that. I suspect she’s feeling the same way about me as well.

  The door to the bathroom opens, and Charlie steps out. Her eyes shift to the bed, meeting mine. She easily disarms me with her soft smile, offering me an immediate sense of relief. With a towel wrapping her hair in a twist on top of her head, she approaches, looking more relaxed and refreshed, but as she closes the distance between us, I notice the glassy pink tint of her eyes. The relief I felt was short lived as it becomes evident she was crying in the shower, and that was likely why she wanted to be alone. She skirts my side of the bed without coming too close, going instead to her dresser and busying herself and avoiding further eye contact with me. This isn’t going to work. I don’t want her to feel like she needs to pretend things are good when they aren’t.

  “Charlie . . . come here, babe,” I ask, holding my arms open when she turns back toward me.

  Our eyes meet before she bends her head and studies her hands for a few seconds. She timidly moves toward me in our bed, but when she’s within my reach, I pull her to my chest and hold her there securely. She relaxes, sinking into my embrace naturally without any prompting. It takes a few more intentional deep breaths to calm myself enough to ease some of the ache in my heart. I don’t need her explanation to know she’s hurting and frustrated that her past has come back to get her.