Finn says nothing, but his gaze flickers, sharp and assessing.
Brax clears his throat, almost defensive. "She has us now."
Brenna smiles faintly. "Yes, she does."
I blink hard, not expecting the emotions welling in my chest. Before I can stop myself, I blurt out, "I'm sorry. I just lied and you deserve better than that. Zara's my cousin. She and I have gotten really close. Luca used to love me but now…" I turn away and blink hard.
Brax slides his thumb over my thigh.
I look back at Brenna, adding, "Luca won't have anything to do with me anymore because of my father. It's complicated."
Silence electrifies the room.
Crap. Why did I just admit all that?
I don't dare look at Finn. I glance down at my plate.
Brenna says, "Luca's missing out. I'm sorry to hear that."
I meet her gaze.
She smiles then stands. She chirps, "Dessert time. I made a dark chocolate tart with cherry glaze. Valentina, want to help me?"
"Yes," I say instantly, grateful for the escape.
We carry plates into the kitchen. The moment we're alone, Brenna places a hand on my arm. "You're doing great."
I blink, unsure how to respond.
She adds, "Finn's protective. He's slow to trust, but when he does, it's permanent."
"Permanent in the good way?" I ask lightly.
Brenna laughs. "Yes, in the good way. And deep down, he wants to get things back to where they were with Brax. It's killing him, but he's so damn stubborn."
"I can see that," I comment.
She winces. "Sorry."
A genuine laugh escapes me. Tension drains from my shoulders.
She adds, "We should probably get back." She picks up the tart.
We return to the table, serve dessert, and finish the night with lighter conversation. It's nothing deep or sharp, just small bridges forming where cliffs once stood.
When we finally leave, Brax slides his hand along my back as we step onto the porch. The night is quiet and the air's cool.
He exhales when he gets to the car. "Thank you for going."
"That wasn't bad," I say.
"You mean Brenna wasn't."
I shrug, unable to hide my smile. "Finn didn't slice me to pieces. And she likes me. That's a start."
"Miracle one accomplished," he states in his sarcastic voice.
But it is. And I don't take it lightly.
