Now, how do I get more people to follow suit?
“Enjoy your treats,” I say to the couple and head to the back where Grace is still waiting for me. The others must have left during the show.
“That was awkward for me, and I was just watching,” Grace says when I step into the office, just past the kitchen.
“Yeah.” I flop back into my chair. “Some people really like to hold a grudge.”
Grace nods slowly. “Are you sure there isn’t anything else going on?”
I pause for the slightest moment. I want to tell her the truth, but I don’t know how she’ll take it.
But I also can’t imagine losing her as a friend, so I’ll tell her as much of the truth as I can without breaking Dutton’s trust.
“Dutton thinks if he can turn the opinions some people in this town have about him, it will help your dad pick him to take over the lodge.”
For obvious reasons, I don’t share that this is the only reason we are currently becoming friends.
“Oh.” She lets that sink in for a moment. “And you’re helping him?”
“I …”
I nod.
I've hurt her. My eyes start to well with tears, which Grace spots right away.
“Hey, hey, don’t cry, it’s okay. Honestly, I’m conflicted. I want my dad to pick me, but … it’s time that this town forgave Dutton for the things he did as a kid. He’s a good man. Stubborn as hell,” she says, and we both laugh because she’s right. “But he’s not the same person anymore. If anyone in this town can help them see that, it’s going to be you.”
I wipe away the tears that managed to fall and look my best friend in the eyes.
“Do you mean that?”
“Yeah, I do.”
“So, you’re not mad at me?”
“For being you and helping someone when they need it? Never.”
“Even though it’s your brother?”
She lets out a laugh. “All right, so that part is still weird to me. Are you really friends with my brother?”
I laugh, too.
“It looks like it. I mean, last night, he was alldelete the app, Brooke,” I say in my best Dutton impression.
Grace lets out a laugh so hard, she snorts, only causing us to laugh more.
“Man, if he cares already, you two must have connected really quickly.”
My lips part to respond, but my phone dings, lighting up between us with a text from Dutton.
Dutton
What just happened at the bakery? Are you okay? Should I come there?
I look to his sister, who is still reading it. When she looks up, she’s beaming a sly grin.
“Are you sure you're just friends with my brother?”
