Page 113 of Tell Me It’s Right

“Have you ever considered there’s more to his side of the story?”

He frowns but says nothing.

“This isn’t going away.” I push up from the table. “I love you, Leo. I’m grateful that you’re trying to look out for me. But I’m not going to stop seeing him. And I hope you can come to accept that. For me, but also for him. He’s your best friend, for Christ’s sake. Youknowhe’s a good person. Can’t you give him a little more credit?”

More anger seeps into my words than I’d been intending, but the more I think about it, the angrier I get. Leo’s his best friend. They’ve known each other for most of their lives. Liam has had no one to talk to about everything he’s been through, and no wonder he didn’t feel like he could go to Leo if Leo was going to be as judgmental as this.

Leo’s eyebrows lower in confusion.

“Talk to him, Leo,” I call as I head for the stairs. “Make this right.”

“Where are you going?”

“On tour!”

The girls are staying at Mom and Dad’s house in my old bedroom and the guest room. I feel even worse than I already did when I show up and realize there’s an extra air mattress set out, like they were expecting me to sleep over with them.

Last night was one of the best nights of my life.

And it was one of the most selfish, thoughtless things I’ve ever done.

Everyone’s already awake and finished with breakfast—pancakes, courtesy of Mom—when I show up. I cringe at the thought of whoever filled my parents in when they got back last night.

Oh, Gracie? The guest of honor? The entire reason we’re all here? She ditched us to be with her boyfriend. Who happens to be Leo’s best friend. Who she didn’t tell anyone about. Also, she’s a big lying liar who lied about everything she’s been up to this summer.

Mom smiles at me from the kitchen as she loads the dishwasher, and laughter pulls my attention outside. My friendsare huddled together with cups of coffee in the seating that was set up for the movie last night. Carson’s still here too, nestled in close to the others as if she’s been part of the group all along. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised they all hit it off.

“There’s some leftovers, if you want some,” offers Mom.

“I’m not hungry. Here, let me help with those.” I reach for the remaining dirty plates, but she waves me off.

“I think you have something more important to take care of.” She raises her eyebrows and looks pointedly at the sliding door.

I wince. “What did you hear?”

“Enough,” she says lightly. “Are you all right?”

I nod.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

I grimace. “I just saw Leo.”

She adds another plate to the dishwasher. “He’ll come around. You know how he is.”

My eyes flick between hers. “So you don’t agree with him? That this is a bad idea? Me and Liam.”

She shrugs. “I think you’re old enough to make that choice for yourself.” A small smile grows on her face. “Can’t say I’m that surprised. Now, those girls came a long way to celebrate you. I think you should be spending your time talking to them, not me.”

My throat tightens. “I know.”

She grabs my wrist before I can leave. “I’m happy for you, sweetheart. But you can’t let the rest of your life disappear for a relationship. You can’t let that be the only thing that matters.”

I nod, kind of wishing she’d yell instead of this kind, calm voice she’s using. The anger would be a lot easier to take than the clear disappointment in her eyes.

The girls all look up as I step onto the deck.

Marti’s the first to speak. She offers a sleepy smile and lifts her coffee in the air. “She’s returned!”

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