Page 137 of Always Us

“Are you serious? Did they sign the papers?”

“Yes. It’s official. He is no longer married to Katherine. But they’re not going to tell Lilly until after the holidays, so unfortunately Katherine will be living at the house through the end of the year.”

“That sucks.”

“I know, but it’s probably best for Lilly.” He pulls me down to sit on the couch with him. “I have some other news.” His face has that serious expression I don’t like.

I sigh. “What now? More bad news?”

“I’m not sure yet.”

I roll my eyes. “You need to explain what that means. And hurry up. You’re freaking me out here.”

“Kiefer called. He’s going to tell them he’s not accepting their membership offer. Actually, he’s probably already told them. He called me earlier today and was going to tell them right after he hung up with me.”

“You haven’t heard back from him?”

“No. I told him to stop calling me.”

“So what does this mean? Harper won’t have to marry that guy?”

“I don’t know. I mean, if Harper was part of the deal and now Kiefer broke the deal, then she should be safe. But…”

“But what? You think that guy will still try to take her? He can’t do that.”

“If they abide by the rules of the deal, then no. But I get the feeling this Andrew guy doesn’t like following rules.” Garret sees the worry on my face and brings me in for a hug. “For now, let’s just go with the idea that she’s safe.”

As much as I’d like to believe that, I won’t until I know for sure. But I feel some relief knowing Kiefer’s not going to be part of the organization.

I sit back. “If he’s not going to be a member, then I can still be friends with Harper.” I wait for Garret to respond. He doesn’t, so I say it again. “I can still be friends with her, right?”

“I don’t want to say you can until we know for sure. And we won’t know that until we know Andrew’s going to leave her alone. For now, you should just try to act normal around her so she doesn’t suspect something’s wrong.”

“How long do you think it’ll be until we know about Andrew?”

“I have no idea. But, Jade, we’re not going to spend time worrying about it. We have to focus on finals and then it’s Christmas, and we’re not letting this ruin the holidays.”

My shoulders slump. “But I’m really worried about Harper.”

“We can’t do anything about it, Jade.”

“I know, but—” I can’t finish because he starts tickling my sides, pushing me back on the couch. I squirm, trying to get away from him. “What are you doing?”

“Distracting you from thinking about Harper. I’m going to keep tickling you until you stop worrying.”

“Okay, stop!” I’m laughing so hard my stomach hurts.

He stops, but keeps his hands close to the tickle zone. “Are you still worrying?”

“Nope.” I tense up, preparing for more tickling.

But instead he kisses me. “You’re lying, but I’ll let you rest a minute.” He sits back. “So how’d it go with Sara?”

“Great. That place was perfect for her.” I tell him about the apartment and about how excited she was and that Alex is getting her a bed.

“Oh—and get this! Sara loves Alex!” I say it in a higher-than-normal voice.

Garret laughs at me. “Are you taking credit for that?”

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