Page 103 of Keep Me Safe

“And she’s what you’ve needed since mom.”

His words hit deep, and my mind struggles to reconcile them with his anger when he found out. Is this some kind of fucked up blessing he’s giving me?

“I guess what I’m trying to say is…I’m not mad at you. Yeah, I’m still a little hurt that you guys didn’t tell me, but I understand it now. Seeing the way she reacted after that fire...She’s in love with you,” he tells me. “Now, as her best friend, if you break her heart, so help me god—”

I can’t help but laugh at his threat.

“Oh, I know. You don’t have to warn me,” I tell him with a grin.

“Good,” he says, his lips turning up at one side.

Seeing that hint of happiness slip onto his face dissolves the weight resting on my chest. He’s okay. I didn’t fuck him up completely, and he doesn’t hate me.

“You want a ride to the gala?” I ask, gesturing to the Nova.

“Are you kidding me?” Jared deadpans, and my heart drops out of my chest for a full minute until he adds, “Hell, yeah.”

We approach the gallery in style, with the windows down and the music blaring. It’s been a long time since we’ve donesomething like this together, and it’s refreshing. Only a couple of spots are left in the parking lot, and I take the one closest to the building, which still leaves us a decent walk away.

I hold the glass door open for Jared, who enters. The large room is full of people. Some hold glasses of champagne as they analyze the artwork, while others are in small groups, talking amongst themselves. I scan the room, looking for Kira.

My eyes land on her right as she looks up and sees Jared and me. Her eyes widen the slightest bit, and her lips curve into a smile.

The warm glow of the lights illuminates her exposed skin in the deep-cut emerald dress she’s wearing. She looks exquisite, with her honey-brown hair falling over her shoulders.

“Kira!” Jared calls as he runs up to her.

She giggles as he lifts her into the air. I can’t help but laugh. This is how it should be between them. It’s how it’s always been. I let them have their space, looking at all the artwork. The walls are filled with intricate paintings. There is a grouping of landscapes, and I recognize all of the exact locations. They’re of Traverse City. My favorite is the peninsula, a view from one of the wineries.

As I wander, I take in more of the pieces. They’re all made with different materials and have different subjects. I’ve never been a big art guy, but I’m starting to think there is something to this. I stop when I see what looks like the piece Kira was working on all those months ago. It’s an outstretched hand, and in its palm is a beautifully colored goldfinch. Only one claw is touching the hand, the other frozen in the air as the bird takes flight.

I stare at the finished sculpture, and all I see is her and the confidence and freedom she’s found for herself. She’s come a long way from the scared girl she was when she first moved in,and I’m so fucking proud of her. My eyes find her again. She’s still talking to Jared, and their conversation looks so easy.

“Hey, big guy,” a voice from beside me says.

I turn to face Maddie as she hands me a glass of champagne.

“Do you have artwork here?”

“God, no. I’m just here to support our girl,” she explains, following my gaze over her shoulder to Kira.

I nod, watching as Kira moves on to talk to a couple looking at a large portrait.

“I wanted to thank you,” Maddie says softly.

“For what?” I ask, wondering if I’m forgetting something.

“For taking care of her,” she rolls her eyes as she looks at me.

I laugh, shaking my head. “You don’t have to thank me for that.”

She opens her mouth to respond but is interrupted by a girl, who I assume is Lucy, wrapping her arms around her waist.

“Come here, my mom wants to show you something,” she says as she pulls her away. Maddie looks at me, an apology on her face as she follows Lucy.

Unable to wait any longer, I make my way to Kira. She’s facing away from me, looking up at the landscapes I admired earlier. Silently, I slip my hand around her waist, pulling her back into me.

“Hey, princess,” I say, loud enough for only her to hear.

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