“So, you didn’t lie? And were you also high as a kite? Or was that just my brother?”
“Not the marijuana!” Asher exclaims, rolling his eyes.
Maeve turns her attention to Asher. “This isn’t a joke.”
“No, Maeve.” Asher hugs me to his side. “This is our friend, a grown woman, who is allowed to do whatever she wants without running her decisions past any of us.”
“Thank you.”
Tears prick my eyes. Even though guilt remains heavy around my heart, Asher’s alliance offers an unexpected olive branch.
He pulls me into his arms for a hug, speaking loudly over my shoulder.
“But she should share with her friends. Because sharing is caring, and there’s nothing happening in my life. I need to live vicariously through your decisions.”
Everyone cheers and laughs.
“Nothing in your life?” I whisper to Asher before stepping out of his embrace. “Really?”
“Hey, now,” He raises an eyebrow and smirks. “No one likes a narc.”
The normal cacophony of book club resumes and I can’t believe that’s it. I built this up in my mind, but Asher is right—this isn’t the giant deal I’ve made it out to be. I glance around to find Val and Sarah unwrapping dishes at the serving table. Bernadette and Jamie pick up plates, filling them with delicious-smelling food. Asher leaves my side to join the line for dinner, and laughs at something Liv says. No one cares that I was with Jackson. No one’s paying me any attention. That is, except Maeve.
She makes a beeline to where I’m still standing, and shakes her head. Her words drip with more sadness than outrage.
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me you’re seeing my brother.”
“I’m not.”
Maeve frowns. “Because I thought we were better friends than that.”
She’s hurt. Not that I slept with her brother, but that I didn’t tell her. I don’t quite know what to do with this information.
“I can explain.”
“Okay, explain.”
The conversation around us quiets, and we definitely have an audience. I take a deep breath and tell her a version of the truth.
“I booked a place for my vacation. But the reservation was canceled before I left town, and your brother happened to find me having a minor crash out. You know I don’t leave Edward often, and I was emotional. He offered for me to stay with him instead. But—” I hold up my hand and look around the room before everyone draws their conclusions. “That’s all it was. Him taking pity on a single mom. He promised not to tell anyone because I asked him not to.”
“I’m sorry. I assumed. Shit.” Maeve’s brow furrows. “I am so sorry, Rosalie.”
“It’s okay.”
“So, you didn’t sleep with Maeve’s brother? Boring.” Asher calls out, drawing laughter from our crowd.
“Hey.” I shoot him a glare. “I’m not boring.”
“Well, I’m relieved to hear that,” Liv says. “Because I saw Jackson leave The Mud Lounge last Saturday night with Steph’s cousin.”
My heart drops into the pit of my stomach.
He’s already hooking up with someone else.Of course he is.
Somehow, I manage to keep the hurt and disappointment off my face.
“Your brother is a bit of a floozy,” Bernadette tells Maeve.
