“What do you mean?” she asks.
I look up at her and say, “I like someone else, and I thought that maybe if I just ignored it, I wouldn’t think about it. But it’s become more and more clear that I like this person, and I don’t want to lead you on.”
“Oh,” she says, looking down at her hands and making me feel like the absolute shithead that I am. “I’m guessing it’s Lia, isn’t it?”
I could deny it, but what’s the point in lying?
“Yeah,” I say softly. “Like I said, it’s really fucked up, and I can’t pretend the feelings aren’t there while I try to date you at the same time. It wouldn’t be fair.”
“I appreciate that,” she says softly and then asks, “Does she know?”
“No,” I say quickly. “Not even a clue.”
“Are you going to go for it?” When her eyes connect with mine, I realize at that moment who I’m talking to, who set me up with her. Brian. Fuck.
“Uh . . . no,” I answer, but the lie even sounds stupid to my ears.
“I won’t say anything,” she says. “I don’t care for Brian all that much. I think he’s a tool, and honestly, I think Lia could do better. I don’t know what she sees in him.”
“Me either,” I say softly.
“You should go for it,” Birdy says. “You two have such a strong connection.”
“That’s nice of you, but you don’t have to talk about this. I know it’s got to be weird.”
“Sure, it’s weird, and am I disappointed? Of course. I think you’re amazing, Breaker, and if you asked me out on a date, I would one hundred percent go, but I also know when a guy isn’t interested or is hung up on someone else. I had a feeling that might be the case. I could just tell by the way you two interacted and the way you spoke about her. Something is there, and I really think you should try to figure it out.”
“But she’s getting married in four weeks. Doesn’t that make me look like a giant ass? Like I couldn’t have figured this out sooner? Now I’m going to come swooping in and tell her how I feel? It doesn’t seem appropriate.”
“Not sure there is a standard for an appropriate time to tell someone you love them. But the last thing you want to do is not tell her and regret it forever.”
“That’s what my brothers said.”
“Did they also say I told you so? Seems like something they would pick up on.”
“Yeah, pretty sure everyone picked up on it besides Lia and me.” I sigh heavily. “Jesus, Birdy, I’m just so sorry.”
“Don’t be.” She takes my hand in hers. “I’d rather you tell me the truth. Frankly, this might be the most real conversation I’ve ever had, and I appreciate it.”
“Well, thanks for being so cool about it.”
“Do you still want to go on a hike? Maybe we can talk about Lia, and I can help you.”
“You don’t want to do that.”
“I do,” she says convincingly. “I’m all about true love, and I think you and Lia have that. She just needs to see it too. Plus, I can’t waste this outfit.”
“True,” I say as I hop off the back of the trunk. I hold my hand out to her and help her down. “Can I give you a hug?”
“Of course,” she says as she pulls me in.
“Thank you for understanding.”
“Thank you for being honest.” When we push away, she says, “Now, if you happen to have a single friend who is kind, sweet, doesn’t hurt to have some looks, and can be as honest as you, then I would love to meet him.”
“You know . . . I just might have someone in mind for you.”
Her eyes light up. “Really?”
