Page 25 of What I Should Have Known

“Kat, have you ever had a boyfriend before? Been even remotely involved in flirting and the whole dating world? Maybe a girlfriend? Am I just barking up a tree that doesn’t swing toward men?” he asked.

“I’m into men, and I’ve had a boyfriend before. It’s been a while, but what does that have to do with what you said and then what I asked?”

I heard a heavy sigh come from Bernie, followed by a light chuckle. “Never mind. I’ll see you tomorrow night, Kit Kat.”

And the line went dead.

I plopped my phone into my lap, ignoring the rumbling of my stomach as our conversation tumbled through my mind.

And no matter how much I replayed the words, nothing became any clearer. I needed to call my best friend; she’d help me figure out what I should have known.

Chapter 9

BERNIE

Beneath the hum of conversation, hooves pranced, tractors rumbled, and the scent of greasy fried foods wafted heavy in the evening air. Sand and dust that had been kicked up beneath boots and tires rested like the morning fog within the arena. The rising bleachers surrounding the oval-shaped stadium blocked the escape of most of the lights. Amongst the outer ring on the far side, away from the crowd that steadily flowed into their seats, waited rows and rows of trucks hitched to trailers. The yellow glow of lights weaved amongst the flood of cowboy hats.

My mom slipped her arm out of the crook of my elbow. “I’ll go find some seats.”

“You want something to eat?” I asked, pausing off the edge of the sidewalk that encircled the outside of the bleachers.

“Some fries might be nice,” she answered and glanced at my little brother.

His eyes darted around like a pinball machine, ignoringthe two of us.

“Raiden, are you all right?” my mom asked.

His frenzied gaze snapped to her. “Yes, why do you ask?”

“Looking for someone?” I muttered and raised a brow.

He rolled his eyes and resumed his frantic scan around us.

“It’s Charlotte, right?” Mom quickly said.

Every muscle in Raiden’s body stiffened. Freezing with the realization he’d hid nothing, he slowly focused on our mom. “Is… Is that okay?”

“Of course. She could come sit with us, if you’d like?” She smiled and he sucked his bottom lip between his teeth.

“Thanks, Mom!” He waved and darted away, off to find his girl.

“So.” I inhaled deeply and smiled at my mom. “You sure you just want some fries?”

“Mrs. Phillips!” A gentle voice called out for my mom before she’d had time to answer.

My heart jumped in my chest as I glanced over her shoulder at the woman I knew the voice belonged to.

“Oh, Kat, how are you?” my mom replied, turning to face Kat as she approached.

“I’m great. Emma’s supposed to get here at any moment, and she’ll be in town for a bit before her next work trip takes her away.” Kat stopped beside my mom.

Her hair was braided back with a gray cowboy hat pulled low over her head. A purple button-up hugged her curves and was tucked into jeans that made her ass something I struggled to look away from. The only thing helping me be semi-respectful was the massive buckle she wore.

I could’ve sworn a woman like her only existed in fiction.

My mom smiled gently and tossed a thumb in my direction. “Kat, this is my oldest son, Bernie. He’s—”

“Oh, we’ve already met,” she said, her gaze slipping to me.

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