It’s probably not dumb, but I’m on edge and easily irritable. Sue me.
“Alright, let’s backtrack a bit. I need more information, Cody. How did this happen? How did you justify it?”
“Blair’s different now. She changed. I know how it sounds, but it’s the truth. She had a fucked-up life. It still haunts her, but she’s working on herself...” I hide my face in my hands.
It’s not easy explaining how much she changed to someone who hasn’t spent time with Blair. How what she went through shaped her into the person she is now.
Even I don’t know exactly what her life looked like or what bodies she’s still hiding in the closet.
It’s not easy explaining how much sheer will and character she’s shown, never making excuses even though she’s got plenty of raw material for one.
How resigned she is to her deluded belief that she doesn’t deserve to be happy because she made mistakes.
Everyone makes mistakes. What we do about them proves who we are. Blair’s amazing. Strong, beautiful, kind... so fucking fragile. Filled with regret, careful, sweet.
I’m in fucking love with her for every one of those things.
“The point is,” I say, peering at Logan. “I get it. I understand her. She’s not a bad person.”
He mulls it over, scratching the stubble he’s growing out. “Does she know how you feel?”
“I haven’t told her I love her if that’s what you mean. I think it’s pretty damn obvious. We were casual for a while and—”
“Ah, ah, ah,” he tuts, wagging his fingers. “I’m not done yet. Do you want my blessing? You need assurance that your brothers will have your back?”
“No. I know what I want, Logan. She’s mine.”
He bobs his head up and down a few times. “Good answer. Means you’re serious. I didn’t wait for your blessing before I went after Cassidy. I wanted her, and nothing would’ve changed my mind.” He folds his arms across his chest. “So? What is it you want from me? Lay your cards down, Cody. I’m too old to play games.”
“Pointers. Advice. What do I tell Nico and Mia? How do I break the news? How do I explain that Blair’s not all fucking evil?”
“Well, for starters, don’t tell anyone this weekend. I love you, but if you fuck up my night, I will hit you. You waited however long, so wait a bit longer.”
“I wasn’t planning on telling anyone today. B asked for a few more days before we make it official. Once I’ve got the green light... what do I do? Call everybody in like you did or talk to Nico and Mia first? I’m pretty sure everyone will listen, but Nico—”
“Bring her to the wedding,” Logan cuts in.
“What?”
A small smirk curls his lips, soothing the furious look he’s had on for the past few minutes. Though furious might be an exaggeration. Logan’s unpredictable, hot-headed, and ruthless when the situation requires, but his face is soft. He doesn’t look intimidating. At least not as intimidating as he thinks he does.
“Bring her to the wedding,” he repeats much slower. “Shock therapy. Show her off and deal with the aftermath.”
“I don’t know... I don’t want to put her in the firing line.”
He pushes away from the counter, setting his empty cup in the sink. “You’re not avoiding that, bro. She’ll be on the spot one way or another. You want Nico to listen? Bring Blair to the wedding. He can’t leave or avoid you there. You’ll say what you want to say.” He snatches his keys from the breakfast bar, motioning for me to follow. “Besides, what kind of a fucking wedding would it be if someone didn’t get their ass kicked?”
This is the last way I’d plan this, but it’s not an entirely idiotic idea. If Logan thinks it’s good, I won’t question him. Not just because he went through the same thing and wouldn’t advise me to do something that could seriously backfire but because I’m selfish. I want my girl on my arm at his wedding.
Looks like it’s settled... I’m getting my ass kicked in a tuxedo.
TWENTY-NINE
Blair
WITH A POUNDING HEART, I inhale a deep breath before dialing my father’s number. It rings once, twice, and the call drops. My stomach twists with dread when my screen lights up with a message.
Dad: on holiday. Back Friday.
