Page 4 of A Game Of Love

“Heard you there a moment ago. Everything okay?”

“No,” I say again. “Not unless finding your best friend with the girl you’re madly in love with counts as okay.”

“Ahh,” she says, letting out a little sigh.

My eyes snap to Rain, narrowing them as I see no surprise on her face. “You knew?” A pang of hurt hits me.

“I knew they felt something for one another, yes.” She nods.

“And you didn’t tell me?”

She raises a brow. “You're kidding me, right?” she laughs. “Toby, I love you. But you do know you’ve been a bit of a ticking time bomb these past few months, right?”

“Fuck,” I groan, leaning forward to press my forehead to the steering wheel. “I know. I fucking know.”

“How are you doing with all this? What ended up happening?”

“I didn’t lose my shit if that's what you're asking.” Grumbling, I roll my head to the side to look at her.

“Can you blame me for wondering?”

“No,” I sigh, leaning back into my chair again. “This is all fucked up.”

“What is? The fact that Lilly doesn’t just want you anymore? That she can open her heart to another man. A man who’s been there for her, who’s loved her for a long time. Maybe not as long as you have. But he’s wanted her for years.”

“I know. I know. I know.” I sigh again. “I know all of that. I just chose not to believe it. Not to see it. But fuck, trust me, I know.” I move my head to look at her. “How are you not losing your shit about all of this?”

“Of you being in love with Lilly?” she asks, and I nod my head. She grins in amusement. “Honey, I knew since you two were little kids. I’m pretty sure all the parents have.”

“Really?” My eyes widen in surprise. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Because it was your life, your feelings, and you all have the right to choose when and how you figured it all out. We didn’t want to interfere.”

“And you’re not mad?”

“Why would we be mad?” she asks, genuinely sounding curious.

“Because she’s my sister.”

“No, she’s not.” Rain laughs. “Sure, your dad is with her mom. And Ellie is your mother. But she’s not your sister. Never has been. Never will be. You two have always meant something more to one another, always destined to be something greater. We all knew it. When you guys hit teenage years, we sat down and talked about it, you know.”

My brows furrow. “Talked about what?”

“The possibility of the two of you becoming something more someday.”

“What?” I move to angle my body towards her. “Okay.” I let out a breath. “And what did you all decide?”

“That it's your life. Your hearts. If you wanted to be together, we wouldn’t keep you two apart. If anyone would know that you can’t help who you love, it’s this family.” She laughs.

“But she’s my stepsister.” I blink, a little stunned at her words.

“It seems you're the only one who is hung up on that part, Toby. Now it’s up to you to decide if that’s going to be the defining factor that keeps the two of you apart.” She pats my knee. “Just know, when you’re ready to tell us, if you choose to take that step, we’re going to love you both. So don’t let fear of what others might think keep you from being happy. Because at the end of the day, they don’t matter. What matters is what’s in your heart, who is by your side, and who makes you happy.”

She gives me a smile before sliding out of the car. Before closing the door, she peeks her head back inside. “Just remember, no one is against you, Toby. We love you. We want you happy. That's it.”

Then she closes it, leaving me sitting there, stunned as I’m forced to sit in my own thoughts.Well, shit. Have I been overthinking everything this whole time?

No. Not everything. There’s more than one reason why I’ve stayed away from Lilly, and being her stepbrother is just one of them. This town, thisschoolcan be savage. It makes me fucking terrified of what they might say or do to Lilly if they find out.

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