Page 45 of Coming Up Roses

My words must shock them as much as they do me because Simon all but drops me from where he had me pinned, and Drake is doubled over laughing so hard that he sounds like he's howling.

"What makes you think you're good enough?" Simon says, pushing me back into the wall.

"Honestly? I'm not. But I can't explain it . . . they say when you know, you know. I swear to y'all, I wasn't trying to hurt her. My brother's an asshole and thought he was being funny."

“Well, as entertaining as that was, let’s all settle down, yeah?” Drake says once he's composed himself.

Shit’s twisted when he’s the voice of reason. Simon, however, doesn’t budge.

“Gotta make sure he knows,” Simon clips out. I can tell he isn't sure whether he should believe me or not.

“Listen, I know she’s like a sister to you. I get that shit, and I respect it. But I also respect her. Hence, the flowers. I know those texts hurt her, and I want to apologize. I'm just not sure how.” I let my words settle. His grip on my collar slowly loosens before his hand falls away completely, releasing me.

“I, for one, think y’all are perfect for each other,” Drake says.

“How you figure?” Simon spits back.

“Cash has always wanted a family. He’s good with kids. I know he’ll treat her right. Steady income . . .” I tune them out as they discuss me like I’m not standing right fucking here. It’s like I’m in the Twilight Zone.

"I'd say I'm sorry, but I'm not." Simon shrugs his shoulders.

“Yeah, no problem, man,” I tell him, because honestly? I get it. If I had a sister, I’d go to bat for her too. Not to mention, that’s more emotion than I’ve ever seen from Simon. Dude can go from Bruce Banner to Hulk in 5.2 seconds. “I need to find a way to say sorry for this shit. Got any ideas?”

They bend their heads together, whispering back and forth, once again like I’m not even there. After what feels like an eternity, Drake pops his head up and says, “Sure do. You’re gonna build that baby of hers a crib.”

“Y’all really think that’ll work?” I question, my skepticism heavy.

“Know it will,” Drake replies. Simon nods his agreement.

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