DiAngelo pauses, his eyes lingering on mine before drifting to Isa and Bonny. “I have some things to do, but you make sure to drink some water, yeah?”
Heat radiates from my skin when his gaze finds mine again. I nod, my teeth grazing my bottom lip. Silence envelopes the balcony until he’s returned inside and no longer in sight.
“Girl, that tension’s so intense, it stole all the air from an open patio. How does that even happen?” Isa fans herself with her hand more for effect than the breeze.
“Oh, God. I don’t know. I don’t know what to do about any of it.” I open my water bottle and take a swig.
Isa does the same, but eyes me the entire time. “You know he’d do it, don’t you? He’d hold your hair back all night if that’s how long it took.”
I chew on my cheek while considering her comment. “I think you might be right,” I finally answer in a hushed tone.
Even if I think about all the ways he’s been a brute, there are just as many things he’s done purely for my benefit. Like the snake—he was under no obligation to be so sweet andreassuring. He’s given up his bed, bought a pantry full of food to my specifications, and despite my best efforts, he never even got all that upset when I painted Bonny’s nails. He easily could have kept me couped up in his apartment, no yoga or outings whatsoever, if he wanted to make this job as simple as possible.
When I think about it like that, I have to admit, he’s been pretty dang sweet.
Oh, crap. Is this acrush?
Do I have a crush on my brother’s best friend?
“It would be hypocritical of me to push you into a relationship when I’m equally unwilling,” Isa says gently, “but I know both of you, and I think you should keep an open mind. I just want you to be happy.”
“I’m not sure what happy looks like for me.” I whisper my admission, scared to acknowledge the truth to myself.
My friend lays her hand on mine. “I understand probably more than anyone, and I’m here for you. All you have to do is ask.”
“Thanks, Isa.” I squeeze her hand. “Same goes for you, babe.”
Our exchange is sweet, but the ugly truth is, neither of us is willing to take the plunge and actually lay ourselves bare. Maybe one day. But for now, it helps to know I’m not alone.
CHAPTER 29
DIANGELO
Present
“You sure do a fuck-ton of yoga.”I shouldn’t complain—it could have been worse. Terina could have been into dumpster diving or those creepy porcelain dolls.
“I told you I can practice from home.”
I grunt, my gaze scanning the schedule she’s put together for the following week. “I’m not complaining.”
“Kind of sounds like it,” she quips softly. “You could get more done on your phone during class if you went back to waiting in the lobby.”
It’s been two days since Isa was over, and we’ve been balanced on a knife’s edge ever since. Thoughtful and civil yet restrained. We’re both aware of how precariously we’re perched, and neither of us knows if it’s better to push or pull.
“Not happening. And if that man is there again and thinks he’s going to put his hands on you, you remember what I said.”
My bristling words are a figurative push. I didn’t anticipate rocking the boat, but the thought of another man touching her riles me beyond rational thought.
Time slows while Rina decides how to respond.
Will she choose to keep the balance of our tenuous status quo? Or will she resist?
She squares her shoulders and crosses her arms over her chest.
Excitement stirs in mine.
She’s made her choice.
