Crushed (Torn #7)(4)

Trista was one wild, crazy ride before. It was a miracle the chick had turned herself around. I was proud of her for battling her own demons the way she had. I probably wouldn’t have survived had it been me in her shoes. I was sure of it.

“Hey, it was a rough time. Don’t judge.”

Her usually bright self could sometimes be uplifting to be around. She seemed so positive these days, and I couldn’t help being the same whenever she was happy. It was infectious. I supposed that could also be a good thing.

“Admit it; you had fun…”

There was something about her teasing tone that made me give in, rolling my eyes and reluctantly beaming as I did so. “Okay, okay, maybe only a little.”

“High school was a blast, wasn’t it?” She was sounding a bit nostalgic, seeming far away. “And look at Lindsey now, the blushing bride. I really thought she’d be the last to go since she hated every man on sight.”

“Except for one,” I murmured lightly. She never loathed Brody, not even when she’d tried. I knew she was just as crazy for him as I was.

“Yeah…” she echoed my sentiment. “All but one.” She released a lingering sigh before curiosity caught her, and she gave me an intriguing look. “What’s the deal, really? Is he dynamite in bed?”

Blushing, I instantly became shy. Whenever he was in question, I always seemed be off and awkward about it.

“Seriously? Are you really asking me this question?” I scoffed, hoping she would leave it alone.

“Uh, yeah! This guy ruined friendships, and as best friends to both women, I’m entitled to know.”

f*uk. Might as well answer her, or she wouldn’t leave the damn subject alone.

“Well, I guess he’s good … yeah.”

She playfully wiggled her brow. “That doesn’t sound too convincing to me.”

My, this woman was on a roll. First it was Emma and then me. Who was next? Lindsey? Carter? Even if it was Lindsey’s wedding day, I doubted it would stop Trista.

Throwing her a steady gaze, I waited a beat or two before responding. “He’s just different, Tris. I can’t explain it.” Though I could try, I didn’t want to sound like a forlorn, lovesick fool.

“You poor thing. You’re just so in love with him.”

“Story of my life.”

“It won’t be long if you go after Carter Mason.” She immediately perked up, pushing the issue again. “From what I heard and remember, that man is packin’.”

I think everyone had investigated that particular subject, but the very thought of Carter in that sense … Well, it just didn’t seem right to me.

“You’re insane.”

“Do everyone a favor and sleep with him. I think Bass will even owe you for life if you do.”

Was she serious? Carter was Brody’s best friend. If I had to move on to another man, I would love for that person to not be connected with Brody. Besides, Carter was battling his own demons. I felt for him because, in some ways, he and I were on the same boat—the outcast boat. The unrequited love boat.

“Are you about done, Trista? ‘Cause you seriously need to shut the f*uk up and just enjoy this time. Lindsey might only get married once.”

“This is the second time, duh!”

Second marriage. Right.

Lindsey got married, got divorced, and got hitched again, all with the same man.

Lucky her.





Chapter Two





“What are you doing all alone here?” A male voice came from behind me.

Needing space from the crowd and Trista’s all-up-in-your-business attitude, I simply craved to be alone, minding my thoughts as I reflected on how my life had been and how far off I was from what I had intended to begin with.

Barely glancing at the newcomer, I wasn’t surprised to find Carter in this less lively corner of the yacht. I was sure seeing Emma moving on with her life and content without him was too much to bear.

“I needed some alone time,” I finally said before sending him a small smile, noting how off he seemed. “There’s just too much happiness everywhere. I needed to sort of get away from it.”

Recalling the day’s events, I felt a burst of happiness and pride as I remembered Lindsey’s beaming face, filled with mad love for her husband. What they felt for each other was genuine, and I couldn’t be happier she was finally at peace with herself. It was Dimitris who gradually cured her from her personal battles with the past. Love did conquer all.

Carter peered at me, thoughtful. “Too suffocating, isn’t it?”

I nodded, thinking the very same thing. “Something like that.” Shifting to my side so I was partially facing him, I sent him a worried frown. “Are you okay with her being here and all?” He obviously wasn’t fine, but someone had to ask. He and I weren’t considered close, despite growing up together, but we cared for each other’s wellbeing.

Carter let out a long sigh before popping his head from side to side like he normally did on the soccer field, making a cracking sound. “I’ve been better, but it’s my baby sister’s wedding; I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Anyone with eyes knew how much he doted on his sister. Though Lindsey could be a mighty bitch towards him, he always seemed to have a gentle way of reeling her in. It was rather sweet to see them interact with each other. They would bicker then laugh in the span of five minutes. It was endearing, really.