“Hey, pretty,” I say, glancing at her from my phone. “Where did you go?”
She smiles and shuts the door behind her. “Errands,” she says. “Thought you were safe enough here for a couple of hours, especially on the phone with the band. Your dad just left to get more groceries now that I’m back.”
I eye the bag. “You got me a gift?” I ask, brows lifted.
Gemma’s smile widens, though she doesn’t answer. “Kade said they were already asking about coming here tomorrow,” she says.
“Yeah, I have a feeling they’ll be here in the morning,” I say. “Hey—he knows, doesn’t he?” I ask, remembering the way Mads was watching her. “Mads. He figured it out?”
Her gaze narrows on me. “How do you know that?”
“The way he stared at you. It was like he was trying to send you a telepathic threat.”
Her eyes linger on the floor, and she sighs. “Yeah. He figured it out. He saw me threaten Rad at Radio Eleven. So, that was fun.”
“Oh shit,” I say, face faltering. “He doesn’t know—”
“No,” she answers fast. “No, I didn’t tell him any of that. I told him he needed to ask you. It’s totally up to you whether you tell them anything. It’s always up to you.”
I nod and stare at the drumsticks in my hands for a minute, letting that news settle within me. The way Reed reacted when I told him warms my chest, and I know… I know each of them should hear it. They were there. They’re my best friends, my family.
They should know.
I take my phone out to text Mads and make sure he knows I’m okay with all of this.
Hey. I know about Gemma.
I know who she is.
Mads
Are you okay?
Yeah. We’re figuring it out.
Really. It’s a good thing.
I trust you.
Kade and Liam got your headboard and bed frame in, and some personal boxes and clothes, but he didn’t bring anything for the living room, your mattress, or any other furniture. I’m not sure why. Andi wants to know if you have a particular style you like.
I chuckle.
Is she decorating for me?
I think she just wants you to feel like you’re at home here.
Thanks.
Tell her to have fun with it. I’ll send her whatever money she needs.
Nah. Treat from your brothers.
We have you, Bed.
See you soon.
Waking up the next morning hits a little differently.
