Page 40 of Embody

She inhales a huge breath of realization and her eyes fly wide open. “Oh my God, what have I done? I meddled in Bellamy’s life behind her back. She would never, ever do that to me. I wouldn’t be friends with someone who would. Ryder? I was willing to just drop him, no explanation, to get my own, stubborn way. And I hurt you, was terrible to you, my hero, always in my corner.”

I don’t speak, unable to argue, as she lets that all soak in.

After long minutes, she whispers, “Alright, I’m a terrible person, good to know. How do I fix it?”

“Stop,” I tug her closer and kiss her head. “You’re a great person, one of my favorites. You’re just a sheltered nineteen-year-old who acted off fear and inexperience with anything like this. You’ve never had a lot of friends before,” I laugh, then groan when she slugs me in the side. “You’ve also never had a boyfriend. Ryder will understand.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, pretty sure,” I grin. “Guys tend to forgive a helluva lot when they’re crazy about a girl. Trust me.”

“I love you so much,” she throws her arms around me and kisses my cheek. “Bellamy would be lucky to have you and I promise to never doubt you again. Now, seriously, tell me how to fix it.” She sits up and brushes the dampness off her cheeks, a focus and determination I recognize well written all over her face.

“First, I make absolutely positive that we really have fixed us. You’re my baby sister, gotta be back to perfect. And since you already promised to never doubt me again and professed your undying love for the greatest brother in the world” I grin, “now, you can have the back-up present I brought as insurance. Thanks Brynny, for reminding me we don’t ever really need insurance.”

I pull the concert tickets out of my back pocket and hand them to her, bracing myself for the tackle hug I know is coming.

“You got me Sam Hunt tickets?” She squeals and jumps me, squeezing me to the point of oxygen deprivation. “Oh my God, thank you, thank you!”

“You’re welcome,” I wheeze. “But let go. Can’t breathe.” Shit, she’s a strong lil’ thing; all that softball has made her a beast.

“There’s five,” she smiles conspiratorially. “Who should we take as our fifth?”

“Up to you,” I pop a shoulder, looking away as if unconcerned. “I don’t even know who you’re taking for the other three.”

“Yes you do,” she giggles and pokes my chest. “Presley can be the fifth. She’ll love it. This'll be great. Very clever, brother.”

“I do what I can. Now, pull out your phone. We’ll text them both together, me helping since you seem to suck at it,” I chuckle. “You only need to fix you and Bellamy, not me and Bellamy. I’ll take care of that, understand?”

“No,” she shakes her head. “Not at all.”

“Oh, Brynny. Something tells me Miss Bellamy has figured out our little game and is not happy about it. Ryder too. They’re both waiting for us to come to them, full force. Prove ourselves. And we’re fucking Kendricks. They want our all, they’re gonna get it. Won’t know what fucking hit ‘em.” The mere thought of my plan makes me grin bigger, a fire in my belly.

Here I come, sweet Bellamy.

“Just don’t maul her in front of me please.” Brynn shivers and laughs.

“Just don’t watch,” I cock a brow and counter.

“Jesus,” she huffs and pulls out her phone. “Okay, tell me what to say.”

I talk while she types, pausing a few times to ask me if I’m serious—which I am—until she’s sent them both the perfect, apologetic message.

“Now we wait.”

 

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