Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(54)

“You . . .” I pause, not knowing what I want to say. My mouth feels dry like a desert and I try to regain even a little bit of moisture by swallowing hard once before continuing. “You, what?”

Wincing at my words, Maggie repeats herself, “I told Henry about us. Please don’t be mad at me.”

An uncontrollable giggle leaves my mouth before I repeat her. “You . . . told Henry . . . Wh . . . Wh . . . .”

“We’re serious, Emma. And, if he’s the one. He needs to know me, accept me and love all of me,” Maggie announces with a dignified manner.

I completely agree with her. Any man that deserves her must love and accept her unconditionally. I’ve told her that since we became friends and she started dating.

“He knows it stays between us. He’s not to say anything to anyone.”

“I . . . would . . . hope . . . so,” I mutter, still trying to wrap my head around what’s occurring.

Cheerfully, Maggie adds, “He’s completely accepting. He’s even said that if you or I ever need to, that we have his full support. He’s not looking to interact with you . . . .”

Cutting her off, I reply, “I would hope not.”


I would never sleep with any man she has dated, is dating, and now possibly, dare I say, eventually marrying. My body shivers at the thought. The last thing I would want to do is make our friendship awkward in any way.

“You’re funny. You know I would never ask that of you. I know where we stand, Emma. And, I love you for that,” she pauses for a brief second and then continues. “He’s willing to do whatever we, you and I, feel comfortable with.”

“I can’t believe you are telling me this,” I profess still dazed.

A little surprised, she replies, “Why wouldn’t I tell you this? We are family and of course I would tell you. I wanted to tell you first that I was planning on telling him, but it just came out the other day.”

I take a deep breath before continuing, “I’m just surprised that you’re telling me about this . . . now . . . just before we are supposed to go have lunch with him and Joe.”

“Oh,” she bashfully states as her eyes widen. “I thought it would be weirder if he knew and you didn’t during lunch. And, if I waited, you’d kill me.”

Another giggle escapes my mouth as I reply, “I just might kill you anyway.”

“Emma. Come on,” she pleas.

I hear the worried strain in her voice.

Pinching the skin at the top of my nose between my eyes, I shake my head. Fear and dread surround me. I understand why she told Henry and I truly appreciate that she informed me. But seriously? Now? Right before we’re supposed to have lunch. Couldn’t she have given me some time to process all of this?

“What’s done is done,” I express while trying to compose myself.

Maggie hesitantly moves towards me. I know she wants to hug me, console me and herself, so I let her. Stepping towards her, I lean in to let her know that I’m not mad or hurt. I knew this day would eventually come, but I was just hoping to have more time. Patting her on the back reassuringly, I provide comfort as she sighs with relief.

Standing, holding each other warmly for another few seconds, we release each other and she kisses me on the cheek. Grabbing Sadie’s leash, I keep taking in deep breaths, trying to prepare my mind and body for seeing Henry. I think it would be a lot easier if Joe wasn’t going to be there, but then again, maybe he’ll be a nice distraction and keep any conversation from going in any awkward direction.

As we walk toward Colorado Boulevard to one of my favorite restaurants, La Pain Quotidien, Maggie texts Henry that we’re leaving a little early. Seconds later, her phones chirps. Henry and Joe apparently have been in Pasadena for the last fifteen minutes and are heading over to meet us.

The four of us and Sadie meet in front of the restaurant at the same time and exchange greetings. Luckily, since we are early, we’re able to get a seat outside on the patio. I watch and listen to Henry closely, but I don’t notice any odd behavior from him. This is comforting. Curiously, I watch Joe as well. If he and Henry are such good friends, even though Maggie told Henry not to say anything, that doesn’t mean he won’t necessarily tell his best friend. That’s how Maggie operates and I know that she’s already informed Henry of her habits.

After ordering drinks and meals, our conversations remain light and friendly as usual for us at this point. Maggie opens up a new topic for discussion eagerly, “So, Henry and I have made arrangements for a trip for all of us next month for our three month anniversary.”

I look to Henry when she makes this statement and he doesn’t flinch. If anything, he’s just as excited at the announcement as Maggie. Creepy. Most guys would be running by this point.

“We’re all going to . . .” she pauses temporarily for a dramatic affect. “Hawaii!” Maggie’s bouncing in her seat as both her’s and Henry’s eyes sparkle with elation.

“Awesome,” I respond animatedly, though a little disturbed by their equaled enthusiasm.

“I know, right,” Maggie eagerly adds. “It’s going to be so much fun. We can hike, swim, sail, jet ski, and so much more . . . .” Her voice trails off as her eyes glaze over dreamily.

I try really hard not to smirk at her comment and Henry’s equally enthusiastic stare. Good thing, Henry and her have their attention on each other. Bad thing, Joe catches me and restrains himself from snickering as well.