“I’m freaking out right now,” I say quietly into the phone. I’m in the guest room getting ready to go while on a three-way call with Lily and Poppy. If anyone can talk me through this, they can.
“You should pretend you’re seeing someone too,” Poppy suggests.
“Oooh, I like that. It would definitely make it easier,” I agree.
“Cici, you don’t have a lying bone in your body,” Lily points out.
Damn. She’s right—frustratingly so. Not that lying is a good trait, but it sure would come in handy today.
“What if he bringsher?” I ask.
Poppy gasps. “He wouldn’t.”
“He better not or I’ll murder him,” Lily agrees.
“Lily! He’s your brother-in-law. You can’t say things like that.”
“Well, you’re my sister, so I can.”
“I fucking love you guys.”
“You’ll do great. Just remember how far you’ve come. And whatever you do, don’t ask him how he’s doing,” Poppy instructs.
“Why?”
“Because it’s a no-win question. He either says something like ‘he’s hanging in there,’ which will make you feel bad, or he’ll say he’s great and make you feel even worse.”
“You’re right. Anything else?”
“You have everything you need, Cici. You’ve got this. Plus, you’ll be home tomorrow, and everything will go back to normal.”
“Okay, this is good. And exactly what I needed. Thanks, guys.”
“Stay strong. And remember you’re coming here afterward so you can relax. Aaah! I can’t wait to see you.”
“Oh my gosh. Me too. All right, I better get out of here and tell Jackson I’m ready to go. Wish me luck.” My final words are whispered as I hang up and prepare for what lies ahead.
After being wound up all day, my body sags in relief when I knock on Lily’s door.
She throws it open, and I practically fall into her arms, letting everything pour out.
“Oh, sweetie,” she croons while rubbing my back.
It seems like a full five minutes have passed by the time I peel myself away.
“Hi,” I say, then start laughing, causing her to do the same, and before we know it, we’re both doubled over, wiping tears away, while standing in the entry.
“Well, on that note, I’ll leave you ladies to it,” Sebastian says, coming up behind Lily and kissing her neck, then stepping to the side with his arm wrapped around her waist. “Hi, Cici. I’m glad you’re here. Lily’s been impatiently waiting all day.” He smiles fondly and kisses the top of her head. “I’m heading out so you two can catch up. Call me if you need anything, sweetheart.”
He kisses her goodbye and walks out, leaving us alone. It didn’t go unnoticed that he didn’t mention where he was going, which means he’s probably going to Eli’s or at least meeting up with him somewhere.
I groan, imagining what he thinks of me. “How much does he know?”
“They’re brothersandbest friends. He knows everything. Come on, let’s pour some wine, get comfortable, and then we’ll talk.”
When we’ve settled on the couch with glasses in hand and Ebony purring on my lap, I jump right in, asking the question that’s been weighing on my mind since yesterday.
“Why didn’t you tell me that Eli was dating Rebecca?”
