Page 55 of Inked Obsession

“I don’t like that I was almost killed, either.”

“We’re going to be okay. I promise. I just need to think about a few things. And it really has nothing to do with you. It’s sort of just a catalyst, pushing me in the direction of where my life is going.”

“I’ll always be your sounding board, Brenna.”

“I know.”

“There’s something else I need to tell you. We promised no secrets.”

She let out a hollow laugh. “That doesn’t sound ominous at all.”

“When I went on vacation, someone else was there.”

“You met somebody?” she asked, happiness and warmth filling her tone. That was my Brenna. The one who was always there for me. Why had I been hiding a big part of myself and pushing her away since the shooting?

“No, it was someone I already knew. Someone we both know.”

“What are you talking about?” Then she cursed. “Oh my God, it was Eliza, wasn’t it?”

“How did you know?”

“Who do we both know that happened to be on a trip at the same time as you? Oh. You were there. On the weekend she went away. When her brothers sent her off so she had time on her own for the anniversary. Wow. I’m glad you were there for her.”

I swallowed hard, not sure what to say.

“You were there for her, weren’t you?” she asked.

“Yes. Brenna? Eliza and I, well…”

Brenna laughed. “Well, then. That’s a secret I’m glad you told me.”

I shook my head, though I knew she couldn’t see me. “I didn’t even actually tell you.”

“Because you’re like a teenage boy, stammering over what you want to tell me over the phone. This is what you wanted to tell me when I was at your house, wasn’t it?”

“Yes. And I’m sorry. I’m an idiot.”

“You’re not. I promise. You know, I kind of like the idea of the two of you together. And, hey? She could be that person you can talk to.”

“I want it to be you.” I paused. “Just not in the way that sounded. I meant the talking, not the…whatever.”

“Thewhateveris not something I need the details on, although I am really good friends with Eliza, so she’ll probably tell me.”

I cringed, even though she couldn’t see me. “This is where it gets weird.”

“Oh, Beckett Montgomery. It’s been weird for a long time. However, I’m glad you told me. And I’ll let Eliza tell me, as well. Because we’re friends, we’re girls, and that’s what we do. It seems like that trip was good for you. And I hope it was good for her.”

“So do I,” I grumbled, and she laughed. It didn’t sound like her normal laugh; it was just a bit off. I knew something else was wrong, but I wouldn’t push. Not until she needed me. Because I knew she wasn’t keeping secrets, not like I had. She was just going through something. At least, that’s what she’d told me. And I trusted her.

“I’m sorry, Brenna.”

“Stop being sorry. Just be the Beckett I know and love. And be kind. I really cannot wait to see what this thing with you and Eliza does. Because, wow.”

“I should probably go,” I said quickly as the guys started banging on the door.

“Is Archer drinking tequila?” Brenna asked with a laugh.

“Maybe.” She knew us so well. I wished I could help her with whatever was going on.

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