When she finally gets control of herself, she turns her attention back to me. “Remind me again why you aren’t in Miami?”
“I can’t afford it, and I don’t want Brady paying my way.”
She snorts. “So, basically money and pride.”
It sounds far less noble when she puts it like that. “Yes.”
“Giiirl.”
The way she drags the word out lets me know I’m in for it. “What?”
“Sometimes you are so clueless it’s scary.”
“I am not clueless.” About most things, anyway.
“Why do you think Brady offered to buy your plane ticket?” Jenna asks, using her patient classroom voice.
“Because I couldn’t afford it and he felt bad for me.”
“Uh, huh.” The way she says it makes it clear she thinks I’m way off base. “You’re looking at this all wrong.”
“I am not—”
“And before you go getting all defensive,” she says, cutting me off. “Can we please acknowledge that he didn’t invite you as some sort of favor, but because he wants you there for emotional support?”
“I—”Could that be true?Brady’s played more games than I can count, and he’s done just fine without me. “Do you really think that’s why he invited me?”
She doesn’t miss a beat. “I know. High school volleyball player, remember?”
Okay, so Jenna has more experience in this area than me. I was too busy working to be a joiner, and even if I had played a sport, Nora never would have shown up to cheer me on.
“I’m sure he’s fine.” I am nothing if not stubborn and I refuse to believe I’m really this clueless when it comes to guys. After all, I read my online fans just fine. “His mom and grandmother will be there.”
“That’s great, hon, but he’s in love with you and he wants you there, too.”
“Technically, he hasn’t actually said he loves me.”
He always stops just short of saying the words.
Jenna groans. “He doesn’t have to. He’s shown you. Hello,” she says, barely pausing to breathe. “The man got a tattoo for you. He’s probably just waiting for you to catch up. And if you love him, which I think you do, you need to tell him.”
I shake my head, though she can’t possibly see it. “I can’t.”
“You can.”
“It’s…” What’s the easiest way to say coward? “My mom and her myriad of sleazy boyfriends threw the word love around like confetti, but it never lasted.”
“Based on what you’ve told me, they didn’t know the meaning of the word,” she says gently. “I hate that your mom has screwed up your perception of relationships so badly, but if there’s anyone who can help you heal from the trauma, it’s Brady. He’s a good guy, Piper, and he loves you.”
She’s right. The man is patient beyond belief and for everything he gives me—love, support,orgasms—he asks for nothing in return.
“Sweetie, I’m saying this with love because I know you don’t have a lot of experience with relationships, but get your ass to Miami and tell that man how you feel!”
I pick at a loose thread on the couch, considering. “It’s not that simple.”
“Yes, it is. You guys can figure out the rest later. Together.”
Could it really be that easy?
