I know she said she was fine with me and her brother dating, but perhaps now that it’s turning into something more, she’s not sure she’s on board. Dutton and I haven’t exactly defined it, but it’s a given at this point that this thing between us is something more than friends.
She won’t look at me, and the more I sit here with her, themore I can sense that I’ve done something wrong. I just don’t know what it is.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
“Yep.”
“Grace, I feel like?—”
“What do you know that I don't?”
The look on my best friend's face is a mixture of frustration and sadness.
“I don't know anything,” I tell her. And I hate the way the lie fell from my lips so easily.
“You have to know something.”
“I don't.”
“Come on, Brooke. You're denying it without even asking the context.”
Shit, she’s right.
“I know you and my brother are … whatever you guys are now, but he’s hiding something, and I know you know what it is.”
I don't say anything; her head drops down in defeat. I give her a moment, but when she doesn't look up, I move my chair a little closer.
“When Dutton came to me for help, I told him I'd only agree to it if he gave me a deposit to buy the bakery.”
“What?” She finally looks up.
I nod.
“Brooke, if you were struggling to buy this place, I could have helped you.”
“I know that. I know any of you would have,” I say, since we have gained the attention of everyone. “But I didn't want you to feel obligated as my best friends to say yes.”
“Still … Dutton?”
“He came to me at a really low time in my life, and he seemed like an easier bet. If I was going to make a deal and hewas getting something in return, I wouldn't feel like I was taking advantage of anyone.”
“I would have helped you, you know.”
“I know, and I think about it all the time, but knowing what I know now and the outcome with your brother, I don't think I would have changed a thing.”
Grace's eyes glaze over. “But you do know you can come to me now, right? If you need anything. Or if you need to talk. I wasn't aware something was upsetting you.”
“I do.” My eyes start to tear up as well, my mind quickly shifting to my dad.
These are words he should be saying to me, too.
Thank God I have these women in my life.Theyare my family.
“No, don't do it.” Shay points at me and then at Grace. “Neither of you better cry or I’ll be triggered and—fuck.” She fans her eyes and then wipes the tears that have fallen.
“I’m telling you this because Dutton kept that secret for me,” I explain. “I didn’t want everyone to know that my mother stole my identity and ruined my credit and I can’t get a loan until it all clears.”
“Oh my god,” Grace says.
