From “Clingy” to Gone My Independence Was His Biggest Regret novel Chapter 6

Chapter 6

After I hung up. Ezra kept calling back.

When I didn’t pick up, the texts started flying.

[I don’t agree to this breakup!]

[You’re just pissed about Nova, some kid?]

You’re not thinking straight. We’ll talk when you come home.]

Between his spam messages, a different profile pic popped up.

Alex Hamilton: (crying cat emoji]

The exact same emoji I’d sent him by mistake.

waited for him to delete it. Two minutes passed. Still there.

Maybe he’d realize he texted the wrong person and explain it was an accident.

Nope.

ince I hadn’t responded, Alex sent another text.

Alex: [You ignoring me now?]

was crafting some careful response when another message came through.

Jex: [Was that your way of asking for a raise?]

hen my phone buzzed with a Venmo notification that made my jaw drop.

lex Hamilton sent you $15,000

dex: [This isn’t charity.]

Need a date for a wedding this weekend.]

Some distant cousin of mine is getting married.]

Fardly’s going to hassle me about settling down. Rather avoid that circus. You’re single, right? Consider it hazard pay

But Autumn’s wedding was Saturday too…

My friendship was about to take a massive hitt

I stared at all those beautiful zeros, having a serious internal debate.

Finally, my conscience won out.

With trembling fingers, I typed back:

“Thanks Mr. Hamilton, but my best friend’s getting married Saturday. I have to be there.”

The second I sent it, I could hear money sprouting wings.

Along with the faint sound of “Auld Lang Syne playing in the background.

Chapter 6

y 3 AM alarm went off.

Cot for early study sessions this time, but for Autumn’s wedding.

Autumn looked exactly like she did in high school-

alf asleep at the makeup table, head bobbing.

[the makeup artist wasn’t propping up her chin, she would’ve crashed face first into the mirror.

unwrapped a candy and stuck it in her mouth.

yes still closed, she knew it was me immediately. “Reese!”

he spun around. face lighting up.

You’re here!”

hat smile was identical to the one she gave me at seventeen when I’d sneak treats onto her desk during breaks.

xcept for the wedding dress, it felt like we’d pull out homework any second and start cramming together.

ike yesterday we were panicking over calculus, and now she was getting married.

ly throat tightened, and everything went blurry.

That bouquet was supposed to be yours.”

utumn nodded toward the lily of the valley arrangement on her vanity, then sighed.

figured you’d bring someone so I could toss it right to you…”

D that’s why she kept pushing me to bring a date.

he gave me a look.

One of us diving into the marriage grave is plenty. You stay nice and safe out here.”

laughed despite my tears.

[er groom appeared beside her, eyes absolutely glowing.

Babe, you’re willing to jump in a grave just to be with me? Now that’s true love.”

They dissolved into giggles, leaning into each other,

That’s when it really sank in–my best friend was actually getting married.

The easy happiness I’d felt for her suddenly turned into this strange panic.

At the hotel, the feeling got worse.

I ducked outside to the covered patio to get some air.

Just as my breathing steadied,

I turned around and nearly collided with someone I definitely wasn’t expecting to see,

Chapter 6

My 5 AM alarm went off.

Not for early study sessions this time, but for Autumn’s wedding.

Autumn looked exactly like she did in high school-

alf asleep at the makeup table, head bobbing.

[the makeup artist wasn’t propping up her chin, she would’ve crashed face–first into the mirror.

unwrapped a candy and stuck it in her mouth.

yes still closed, she knew it was me immediately. “Reese!”

he spun around, face lighting up.

You’re here!”

hat smile was identical to the one she gave me at seventeen when I’d sneak treats onto her desk during breaks.

xcept for the wedding dress, it felt like we’d pull out homework any second and start cramming together.

ike yesterday we were panicking over calculus, and now she was getting married.

ly throat tightened, and everything went blurry.

That bouquet was supposed to be yours.”

utumn nodded toward the lily of the valley arrangement on her vanity, then sighed.

I figured you’d bring someone so I could toss it right to you…”

o that’s why she kept pushing me to bring a date.

he gave me a look.

One of us diving into the marriage grave is plenty. You stay nice and safe out here.”

laughed despite my tears.

ler groom appeared beside her, eyes absolutely glowing,

Babe, you’re willing to jump in a grave just to be with me? Now that’s true love.”

They dissolved into giggles, leaning into each other.

That’s when it really sank in–my best friend was actually getting married.

The easy happiness I’d felt for her suddenly turned into this strange panic.

At the hotel, the feeling got worse.

I ducked outside to the covered patio to get some air.

Just as my breathing steadied,

I turned around and nearly collided with someone I definitely wasn’t expecting to see