Page 113 of Someone You Deserve

“You deserve that too, you know.”

He rolls his eyes. “I don’t think the wife and kids thing is in the cards for me, sis. The peak of my life has already happened.”

“Don’t say that, Grady. You’re only thirty-five.”

“Then why most days do I feel ancient?”

I stand from my chair and rest my hand on his chest. “Because most days you act like a grumpy old man.”

We share a laugh and then he groans. “I’m sorry, Astrid. Truly.”

“It’s okay. It’s not like you meant to share my secret, but now I’m sure Penn is going to be pissed at me for keeping this from him.”

“You two will work it out. Your friendship is so solid, something like this won’t change that.”

“That’s what makes this scary though. He’s been my friend for so long that it feels like there’s more pressure on us now. And there’s definitely more at risk now that we’ve crossed that line.

Grady wrinkles his nose. “I don’t need you to remind me that the two of you have seen each other naked, okay?”

I shove at his chest playfully. “Well, spill my secrets again and I’m going to scar you for life.”

He points a finger at me. “That’s fair. Threat made and point taken. I shall keep my lips sealed for the rest of time.”

***

I wish I could say things got better after Grady left, but I’d be lying. As soon as I returned to the floor, chaos erupted. One of the mixers stopped working, which halted our frosting production. It was too late to call a repair service, so we finished cooking the cookies and cupcakes we could and I sent everyone home. I stayed and finished some paperwork, convincing myself that I wouldn’t have time for it tomorrow. But let’s be honest, I was avoiding going home—because going back to reality meant having to face Penn.

By the time I get home, my mother has fallen asleep on the couch.

She startles as I shut the front door. “Sorry,” I say quietly as she gets her bearings.

She glances back at the clock. “You’re late tonight.”

“Well, tonight was a dumpster fire of epic proportions.”

She stands from the couch, folding the blanket she was using before walking up to me. “Grady called me and told me that he messed up and told Penn about Brandon.”

“Yeah.” My eyelids feel heavy, I can feel my body wanting to give out, but a light knock on the door tells me my night isn’t over yet. “Shit.”

“Let me guess who that is…” Mom moves toward the door, and sure enough, on the other side is the man I know has plenty to say to me tonight. “Hi, Penn.”

“Hey, Melissa.” Penn nods at her and then his eyes meet mine. “Hey.”

“Hi.”

My mother reaches for her purse and swings it over her shoulder. “I’ll leave you two alone. See you in the morning, sweetie.”

“Thanks, Mom.” She shuts the door behind her, leaving the two of us in the living room with nothing but silence and regrets.

I know he wants to talk and I know that he deserves my honesty, but I’m so spent that my body drops to the couch, I close my eyes, and heave out a sigh. “It’s been a day, Penn.”

“Yeah, you’re telling me.” I hear his voice grow closer to me and then the couch dips.

“I know you have questions, but I can’t do this with you right now.”

“Seems to be a theme with you,” he says, spite in his tone.

I open my eyes, turn my head to the side to see him, and the hurt reflected back at me almost makes me want to cry again. But I have no more tears left to give. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

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