Chasing His Kickass Luna Back

“I know I've broken Abby's heart.” I pause, my tone somber and low as I stare down at my lap. “But I thought we had an understanding, Chloe. I don’t want to hurt Abby ever again. I thought you knew that.”

“Why, then, did she come here to hide from the city and didn't even tell her two best friends?” Chloe retorts.

“Because,” Abby says, her voice raising slightly, “I was afraid that you would freak out, just like you're doing right now.”

Abby's words are met with abject silence. Chloe and Leah both look at her incredulously; it's clear that they didn't expect her to say that, and neither did I. But I have to admit that I'm proud of her for speaking her mind.

The tension between Chloe and Abby has been palpable for a long time now. I've always appreciated Chloe's candor, but sometimes she can be incredibly overbearing. Not that I can complain, because I've been the overbearing type myself. But I'm working on it.

We've all got something to work on, right?

“Touche,” Chloe says quietly, leaning back in her chair. It's clear she’s at a loss for words

Leah shifts uncomfortably in her seat. “I'd like to hear the full story now,” she says, always the more reserved one out of the bunch.

I exchange a glance with Abby before taking a deep breath. It's time. “Abby and I are in a fake relationship,” I admit, my gaze fixed on Chloe.

Chloe's eyes widen in disbelief, and she shoots Abby a searching look. “Is this true?” she demands. Abby hesitates for a moment, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. But before Chloe can jump to conclusions, Abby speaks, her voice genuine and resolute. “Yes,” she says, her voice unwavering. “It's true. We just decided to do it this weekend.”

A heavy silence descends upon the room. Chloe's face is turning a deep shade of red, and it's as if she’s not even breathing.

“Listen,” 1 say, “it was all my idea. I'll admit that I announced it at a party this weekend without discussing it with her first, and that's on me.” I pause then, turning to look at Abby. “And Abby, if you ever want to pull out, I hope you know that I won't stop you. There's nothing holding you to this. It's your decision.”

Another silence falls over the room. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest, and it's as if a bomb is about to explode. Finally, Chloe croaks out, “Are you sure you're okay with something like this, Abby?”

My gaze shifts over to Abby. She's standing there, her fingers curling and uncurling into fists at her sides. For a moment, I almost expect her to say no, that she’s not okay with it, and that she wants to go home. And honestly, I wouldn't blame her. Hell, I wouldn't even stop her. I know what sort of position she’s in here, and I know it's not fair. How could I blame her for wanting out?

But she doesn't. Instead, she levels her gaze with her friends, and nods.

“I'm more than okay with it,” she says. “In fact, it's a brilliant idea; it's going to be good for both me and Karl, and it'll help us achieve what we want. I'm completely on board with it.”

I almost let out a sigh of relief. I know that Abby has been pissed at me ever since the impromptu announcement, but to hear her express her support of this arrangement fills me with ease. It makes me just want to work even harder to ensure that this deal of ours ends in a win-win situation for both of us, even if we don’t wind up getting back together in the end.

I glance over at Chloe and Leah then. Chloe is still fuming, her eyes burning with frustration as she looks at Abby. But Leah is a different story. Her eyebrows are raised, intrigue written across her face. Then, she speaks. “I support you,” she says, standing. “I support you all the way, Abby.”

Abby's shoulders slump with relief. “Thank you, Leah,” she murmurs. “That means more than you know.”

Leah then turns to Chloe. “Well?” she asks. “What do you think, Chlo?”