I actually could imagine that.
I sighed and looked at her as the seriousness returned to her face.
“What do you want to do?” I thought I should ask.
She looked surprised by my question. “What do you think I should do? Brad thinks I don’t love him.”
I raised my shoulder into a shrug. “Aria, I’m going to tell you something my dad told me once. Now, you know my dad was a captain in the Marines, and he died saving his men from an awful fate. He told me you have to rely on you. You have to rely on what you want and the goals you want. Do that and take charge. That way whatever decision you make, you know you’ll always be true to yourself.”
I would never, ever forget those words. Sometimes when I messed up or things went wrong, I thought of those same words and knew I hadn’t been true to myself.
My whole situation with Craig was an example of that. It was remembering those words that helped me get over him.
“I value that, Brooke.” She gave my hands a squeeze too, and somehow she seemed older.
“Good. Now, if you aren’t ready then Brad will wait if he loves you. I suspect he does, but you need to talk to him and tell him how you feel. Sex is not something that you should be pressured about.”
“What if he breaks up with me over this? Brooke, I do love him. I’ve never felt this way before. I haven’t had many boyfriends, but I don’t want to have to go through a sea of guys when I already know who I want to be with. It’s him.”
“Well, if he feels the same way about you, he’ll understand.” I nodded. She seemed to accept that. “Maybe give it a day or so to cool off and then talk. How about we order a pizza and watchFashion Police?”
Her face brightened at my offer. “I would love that.”
“Also, the new Dior dazzling gloss is out,” I cooed.
“Oh my God, yes. I forgot. I can’t believe I forgot. I saved up to get it.”
I released her hands and waved her off. “No, you will not spend a dime, young lady. We’re shopping buddies, remember?”
She laughed. “Doesn’t that mean we go shopping together and we each buy stuff?” She inclined her head to the side.
“It does, and that part is to come, but in our world, I get to spoil you when I want to. I never had a little sister.”
Her face was beaming now. “I would happily be your little sister.”
I clapped my hands three times and said, “Abracadabra, your wish is my command! From this day forward, we are sisters.”
She clapped her hands with delight and hugged me. “Thank you, Brooke. Thank you. I really appreciate you.”
I knew she did. “You are very welcome.”
As I held her, I couldn’t help but think about the day I’d had, another strange day that hadn’t ended just yet.
I knew no matter how late this girls night of ours went, I would have to speak to Ryan to put his mind at ease.
* * *
Ryan
* * *
It was official—I was going to waste away from all the worries and stress.
Three long hours had passed since I’d heard Aria tell Brooke Brad wanted totake things to the next level.
I swear I died twice in that moment, and a hundred years could have passed since.
It had been hard to leave, but I’d left, knowing it was the right thing to do. I had left and willed the voice in my head to shut up, the one that told me to find some way of sneaking around to get close so I could listen in on whatever Aria was telling Brooke. The voice had told me to do whatever I could to get the information I desperately craved to hear.
