The Widows Harem

Chapter 8 - Are We Okay

Jocelyn

"I really didn't think that plan through, did I?" Vincent muttered under his breath. "I understand your concerns and understand I mis-stepped when it came to my handling of this situation. I apologize for placing you in such a position. If there is ever a time something like this arises again, I will consult all parties and find a different and better way to approach it. I was just feeling desperate," he admitted, his shoulders falling a bit. "I spoke to Riley yesterday, and he said talk was cheap and that you had played the victim. He wasn't hearing me and I felt he would only respond if he spoke with you directly. I'm very worried about him, Jo," he admitted seriously, pushing his plate away as if he was no longer hungry. "He isn't doing well mentally, and I have this feeling that this issue in particular is a large part of his unstable mentality. I was worried he might... Take his own life. With how everything has spiraled out of control in his life, it wouldn't be a far reach for him to possibly do something so rash."

It broke my heart hearing this, and I understood what Vincent had done was a bit of a Hail Mary in order to save his friend. I couldn't fault him for that.

"I just wanted to help. I got desperate and did not think my plan through entirely. I was more focused on saving my brother in arms rather than the safety of the situation. And in doing so, I put your life at risk. I am sorry."

"I forgive you." I reached over and took his hand, trying to convey my sincerity. "I can see your point of view and understand why you made the decisions you did."

There was a pregnant pause before I asked, "So is it too early to ask where we stand in all of this?"

"I'm sorry I have kept you at a distance. I've been trying to work out my own thoughts separate from Riley's constant, demonizing chatter about your character. I believe you when you say it was not on purpose. Based on how you acted around me and the other friends Caleb and I had always hanging around us, I can see your point of view. I also believe you told Caleb. I remember a time back in his first year of college when he was moody and unsure if you two would work out. I thought it was some type of jitters when it came to committing to your high school sweetheart and not being able to engage and date with other women. However, I can make the correlation between what happened with you and Riley and how he was acting and feeling."

I was glad he believed me. Even if Riley never came around, at least someone else in our circle knew and understood my side of things.

"And I agree that high school is a place where mistakes happen, as well as growth of character and learning from such mistakes," he added.

"So, then, are we okay?" I pressed, needing to know if I had lost my shot with this man or not.

"Yes."

It felt as though a huge weight had been lifted off of my chest. My sigh of relief was not lost on him. Vincent got up and walked over to me, pulling me out of my chair so he could give me a huge, healing hug. "I was so scared I'd lost you," I admitted to him, forcing the tears to stay at bay.

"I was scared too," he breathed into the crook of my neck. We stayed there in each other's arms for a while, breathing each other in and just reveling in each other's presence. After a few minutes, Vincent's hands started to roam and massage my back, shoulders and waist. He trailed a path of kisses up my neck and jawline until he fused his lips with mine. The kiss fairly stole my breath away.

Before they could go any further, there was a knock at the door.

Vince pulled away, a look of apologetic exasperation taking over his face as he said, "I need to answer that."

"Okay," I smiled, not in the least bit worried about it. I was sure it was Riley. And whatever baggage he brought with him, it didn't matter. Vince and I could traverse the storm together.

As Vince went to answer the door, I started working on the dishes. I was trying to give them some space and privacy.

I wasn't sure how much time had passed. Right as I was placing the last dish on the drying rack, I heard a throat clear behind me. Turning around, I found Riley standing in the middle of the kitchen looking uncertain and downright miserable. Behind him, standing at the entrance to the kitchen was Vincent. He was leaning against the doorjamb, his arms crossed as he gave Riley some space without leaving us alone.

My gaze moved back to Riley and I took a closer look at him and saw that the chip on his shoulder was missing. His entire demeanor had changed. Had our heart-to-heart hit home?

Riley's gaze finally moved up to meet mine as he said, "I accept your apology and would like to ask for forgiveness for how I handled the situation in high school, and how I continued to hold onto, and spread my own toxic anger over the situation. Reflecting back to my high school days, there were some pretty big and stupid mistakes I made all on my own. So, I understand and accept what you said and explained in regard to high school being a place of mistakes and learning. I guess what stings the most, though, is knowing you are right about the other relationships. It was easier to blame you than to face myself," he admitted, his whole countenance drooping from the weight of that revelation alone.

"I am proud of you for accepting your part in this fiasco. It is hard to admit to our own wrongdoing." I praised him gently. "And, I accept your apology and forgive you."

I saw some of the tension leave his shoulders at my words. I watched as he shifted nervously, gearing up to ask a question. "I know I don't deserve what I'm about to ask for. I've been an ass, for lack of a better term, but... Could I get a hug?" He met my gaze briefly, as if he was afraid to look at me, afraid he would see the rejection there first before I denied him this small act.

I contemplated his question for a moment. It was within my right to say no, and I doubted anyone would blame me if I denied him this. However, taking into consideration what Vincent had told me, and recognizing the guts it took for Riley to accept and admit his fault in this situation, I decided to extend grace. I didn't give him my answer. Rather, I made my way towards him slowly until I was standing just before him. Without saying a word, I reached out and took him into my arms.

Hugs, for him, had been something he demanded from me back in high school. They were something he cherished, something he took advantage of multiple times a day. He once admitted his parents never really showed affection, in any form, towards him. Which was why I gave them freely.

I refused to withhold them from him now, even after everything that had been said and done. There was no reason to deny him this small act.

In my embrace, I felt the rest of the tension melt away. His arms banded around my waist, and he pulled me close, burying his head in the crook of my shoulder. "Thank you," he breathed, his voice thick with unshed tears. "God, how I've missed this." He whispered, sinking further into my arms. "You don't know how many times I needed this. You have always given the best hugs," he complimented, making my heart go patter-patter.

His knowing chuckle pulled me back down to earth. He had always been able to feel the increase in my heart rate whenever he was near and usually called me on it. I couldn't deny there was something about his proximity that did things to me.

I did not rush him. I held him until he was ready to end the embrace. Once he pulled away, Vincent led us into the living room. I took a seat next to him on the couch. Riley was about to take a seat on a chair when Vincent motioned for him to join us. Riley couldn't contain his eagerness and quickly plopped down on the other side of me, not giving anyone a chance to change their mind.

Even after all of the drama, I had to admit to myself that this felt right, stuck between the two of them.