Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 26232 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 131(@200wpm)___ 105(@250wpm)___ 87(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26232 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 131(@200wpm)___ 105(@250wpm)___ 87(@300wpm)
“Great!” Sophie’s voice is full of a bit more cheer than necessary.
“All good,” I agree.
“I need to run inside.” Sophie squeezes Alex’s arm on her way in the door.
My brother slides the door closed and shoves his hands in his pockets. Guilt crawls over his face. “I didn’t mean to ambush you but I’m glad you finally know.”
“You could’ve mentioned it.” I lean in and lightly punch his arm.
“Hey, your other friend got married,” he chuckles.
I stare at him, surprised he’d say something so stupid. “You better never say that to Sophie,” I warn.
I may have reservations about having Sophie back in my life, but that doesn’t mean I want my brother to treat her like she’s some second runner-up in the Alex’s affection contest.
“I’m kidding, Lilly.” He shakes his head. “You know we…it’s always been Sophie.”
No, I didn’t know that. “Well, I’m happy for both of you.”
“Thanks.” He stares at the ground for a few seconds. Either he’s about to say something profound or he’s thinking about digging up the patio stones and evening them out. Hard to tell with Alex. “I was a bit of an asshole to you about Z, so I guess I was worried you’d return the favor.”
“Oh, Alex, I’m not that petty.” I mean it as a joke, but it comes out a little harsh.
He blows out a breath. “I’m bringing her to Mom and Dad’s Sunday. I’d love if you were there too.”
That’s a hell-fucking-no. “I’ll check and see if we’re able to.”
His gaze slides to the door. “Z doesn’t have to come if he’s busy.”
“That’s never happening.” In a flash, I see how that dinner would go. Alex would use me to protect Sophie from their scrutiny and disapproval. I’d have the honor of being lectured and called names all night.
Been there. Done that.
“Well, let me know.”
We step back inside. Chance is sprawled out on the couch with his head in Z’s lap.
“Sugar crash?” I ask Z.
“Think so,” he whispers. “I’ll carry him out. He’ll probably wake up by the time we get there.”
After a few rounds of goodbyes, we head to Z’s truck. Relief washes over me as we turn onto the Northway, headed for Wrath’s gym.
“You okay?” Z asks.
“Sorry I left you with Alex. Did he behave?”
“Yeah, he was fine. Mostly talked to Chance. I asked him a few tree removal questions.”
“Oh, that probably made his day.” For someone who claims to enjoy being seen as a “scary biker,” Z’s awfully adept at socializing in any situation.
“Do you want to talk about Sophie?” he asks.
“It was quite a shock.”
“A heads-up from your brother would’ve been nice,” he grumbles, flicking on his blinker to pass a slow Cadillac.
“If they’re happy, I’m happy for them.” I bite my lip, considering how to put my thoughts into words. No one has ever understood or accepted me the way Z does, so I shouldn’t be afraid to voice my feelings.
“We were so close growing up,” I start. “But I’m in such a different place in my life now.” For some stupid reason my eyes and the back of my throat sting. “I realize a lot of those memories aren’t really happy ones.”
Z rests his hand over mine. “Some people come into your life for a short amount of time, and some for a lifetime. Friends—even good ones—can grow apart and that’s okay,” he says gently.
“She hurt me when I was in a bad place,” I say in a stronger voice. “I was always there for her when she was in a jam. The one time I really needed her, she blew me off.” I grab my water bottle and take a quick sip. “As much as it stung, I don’t think it was intentional. But I also don’t think it was one hundred percent the alcohol’s fault.”
“People can be addicts and shitty humans at the same time,” he says. “One doesn’t have to be the cause of the other.”
I understand Z’s firm feelings on this issue. “I want to be compassionate. People are capable of change and growth. But I also don’t have the space in my life for the drama and negativity she used to bring.”
“Lilly, you’re one of the most compassionate people I know.” He squeezes my hand. “Even though you were shocked to see her, you were kind.” His full lips twist into a wry smirk. “You were a lot nicer about Alex dating her than he was about you and me being together.”
Laughter tickles the back of my throat. “True.” I let out a sigh. “Alex mentioned that too. Almost sounded like an apology.”
He grunts a doubtful sound.
“He tried to rope me into dinner at my parents Sunday. He’s bringing Sophie and probably wants to use me as a buffer.”
His hands tighten on the steering wheel. “We can go if you want to.”