Page 20 of Not A Whisper

“Briella,” Grant says my name clearly, though twisted with heavy exasperation, before turning to give me his full attention. “I more thanlikeit. I’ve never been so thoroughly impressed by such attention to detail. Though I can’t say I’m surprised, it’s one of the many things I love about you. I want to hear your thoughts on it all.”

One of the many things I love about you. That’s the second time he’s said something like this to me. The first being on the way home from the airport after I’d come back from visiting Pianna. It’s also the second time that I’m floored by these words. There are things he loves about me, but does that mean he lovesme? Or is this just a turn of phrase for him?

Why is it suddenly so hot in my apartment?

I blink away my surprise and try to tamp down my rapidly beating heart. “Really?”

He smiles at me. It’s a Grant smile, one with edges and secrets, but it’s handsome nonetheless.

“Really.” He points to the board by the door. “But that’s what I want to talk about right now. This could be exactly what I need to get the fuck out from beneath my father’s hold sooner rather than later.”

I glance down at the vision board.

“You’ve managed to create a temporary housing situation for the Nani’s and Carlos while we work toward what we want. It’s really… it’s perfect.” Out of the corner of my eye, I can see him shake his head slowly. “I don’t understand why you didn’t tell any of us about this. Don’t give me that bullshit that we weren’t around. You saw Jay and Trip the other night. You could’ve said something then or any of the few times before then. All this meticulous detail… it tooktime, dollface. You’ve been purposely keeping your mouth shut about all this. Why?”

I stare at the mini project at my feet, uncertainty clogging my throat.

“Did you think we wouldn’t appreciate this?” He pushes when I don’t answer. “That we don’t value your opinion? Bri, we bought the ranch because ofyourinsight and input. That was an investment that will shape the course of our future, and we allowed you to guide us down which path to take. Why wouldn’t you think we’d want to see?—”

“Because I didn’t want to take over the dream the three of you shared.” The words tumble out of my mouth before I can stop them. “This is your future, not mine. I was doing this for fun to pass the time when you’re not around. I didn’t know if this would be something you’d like or if I was even going in the right direction. So I kept it as my own little hobby.”

This is your future, not mine.

The words ring so clear and true that it hurts. I didn’t realize I even felt that way until just now. I’m nowhere in these pages, notes, or designs. The reality strikes an uncomfortable chord. Why wouldn’t I have thought of myself in this?

It’s something I’ll have to look into later. Not when Grant is watching me so closely.

I take a step back. “I need to get to work. Do whatever you want with this. We’ll talk later, ok?”

Before he can respond, I turn and leave the room. Grabbing my lunch from the refrigerator, I decide to skip breakfast and coffee. All I want to do is try to put space between myself and my uncertain future.

Five

I’m not sure why, but anxiety riddles me for most of the day. Staying seated is too difficult, so while Jonathan manages the desk, I walk around making sure students have what they need and offer help whenever I can.

When I stop for lunch, I don’t even take the entire half hour. I eat my salad quickly as I check my phone. There’s a text from Jason waiting for me.

Jason: What are you doing tomorrow morning?

Excitement momentarily pushes aside my anxiety.

Me: Nothing, why?

Jason responds quickly, as if he’s been waiting for my answer.

Jason: I’m taking yousomewhere.

Jason: I’ll be over bright and early.

Me: Can I ask what we’re doing?

Jason: You can. Doesn’t mean I’ll tell you.

Me: Fine. I rather it be a surprise anyway.

Jason: See you tomorrow, dollie.

Grinning ear to ear, I leave the break room and get back to work.

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