Chapter 49

Celeste pushed the empty takeout container aside, her appetite gone even though she’d finished every bite just to quiet Naomi’s watchful eyes. She sat back in the chair, staring at the untouched coffee cup, her fingers twisting the edge of her robe.

Naomi moved around the table without a word and wrapped her arms around Celeste from the side, pulling her into a firm, grounding hug. Celeste resisted for half a second before sagging against her, her cheek pressed to Naomi’s shoulder.

“You’re the only one I could call,” Celeste whispered, her voice raw. “Lila is jealous of me, Simone makes everything a joke half the time… and Rowan” She broke off, swallowing hard. Her chest caved with the words she’d been avoiding. “Rowan doesn’t love me.”

Naomi tightened her hold, her hand rubbing small circles on Celeste’s back. “You don’t know that, Celeste.”

Celeste pulled back just enough to look at her, tears brimming in her eyes. “Yes, I do. I looked her right in the eyes, Naomi. I told her I loved her, and she didn’t say anything. Nothing. She just… stood there.” Her voice cracked, and she shook her head, covering her face with her hands.

Naomi pried one of her hands away gently, keeping her voice steady and calm. “I know. She told us what happened after you left.”

Celeste’s breath hitched, a tear slipping free. “Then what am I supposed to do? Naomi, what am I supposed to do if I gave her my heart and she can’t give me hers back?”

Naomi didn’t answer right away. She just pulled her closer, letting her cry into her shoulder, her calm presence saying more than any words could in that moment.

Naomi let Celeste cry for a moment, her steady hand smoothing over her back until the shudders softened. When Celeste finally pulled away, her eyes were red and glassy, her robe tugged tightly around her as if it was the only shield she had left.

Naomi cupped her face gently, making sure Celeste was looking at her. “Listen to me, Celeste,” she said softly but firmly. “You have one of the biggest hearts I’ve ever seen. When you love, you don’t do it halfway. You give every piece of yourself and that’s beautiful. But it’s also dangerous.”

Celeste sniffled, her lips trembling. “I know. But it feels like I can’t help it with her.”

“I get that,” Naomi said, brushing a tear from her cheek. “But until you know for sure that Rowan is serious, that she loves you the way you love her… you need to protect yourself. Don’t give her every part of you until she shows you she can carry it without breaking it. You hear me?”

Celeste nodded slowly, her gaze falling to her lap. “So just… hold back?”

“Not from being yourself,” Naomi corrected, tilting her chin up again. “But from letting her decide your worth. You don’t need to hand her all of you until she proves she’s ready. Guard your heart until you’re sure she wants to keep it safe.”

Celeste let out a shaky breath, some of the heaviness in her chest easing just a little. “You always know what to say.”

Naomi smiled faintly. “That’s what I’m here for. To remind you you’re worth more than half-love or hesitation.”

Celeste sat back against the headboard, clutching the robe tighter around her as Naomi reached for her phone.

“If you aren’t ready to talk to her, that’s okay,” Naomi said gently. “I can text Rowan for you, let her know you’re safe, but that you need a minute. I’ll also text the girls and tell them you’re okay, so they stop blowing up your phone.”

Celeste exhaled slowly, relief flickering across her face. “Yes… that works. Thank you, Naomi.”

Naomi typed quickly, her calm energy filling the silence in the room. When she looked up, her eyes softened. “I’ll handle it. Don’t stress about them right now. Focus on you.”

Celeste nodded, wiping at her face. “You don’t know how much I needed you to come.”

“I do know,” Naomi replied, standing and smoothing her clothes. “And I’ve got you. Always.”

Celeste watched her gather her things, guilt and gratitude warring in her chest. “Where are you going?”

Naomi offered a small, reassuring smile. “Back to your place. I’ll clean up everything, make sure it’s calm before you come back. I’ll tell everyone to clear out so no one bothers you. Then I’ll come back for you later.”

Celeste blinked, her throat tightening again but this time, from gratitude rather than pain. “You’d really do that?”

Naomi stepped over, brushing her hand across Celeste’s hair. “Of course. That’s what best friends do.”

For the first time since the night before, Celeste let out a small, fragile laugh. “You’re the best.”

Naomi squeezed her hand. “I’ll text you when the coast is clear. Until then… rest.”

And with that, Naomi headed for the door, leaving Celeste staring after her, torn between exhaustion and the faint flicker of hope.

[Phone Screen – Text Messages]

Naomi: Hey, just checking in.
Naomi: I handled it. The girls were still hanging around, but I forced them to leave.
Naomi: Rowan’s gone too.

Naomi: The house is clean, everything’s put back together. No sign of last night.
Naomi: I’m on my way back to you now. ❤️

Celeste stared at the screen, her chest tightening. Relief washed over her, but so did the ache at seeing Rowan’s name mentioned — gone, just like that. She typed slowly, thumbs hesitant.

Celeste: Thank you, Naomi. For everything.
Celeste: I don’t know what I’d do without you.

Naomi’s reply came instantly.

Naomi: You don’t have to know. You’ve got me. Always.

Celeste set the phone down, exhaling shakily. For the first time all day, she felt like maybe she could breathe again.