Page 65 of Pick Me

“Yeah, I met a few people when I was out having coffee.”

“Oh, yeah?” And this was why I hated lying to Tanner. He was the biggest golden retriever I’d ever met. Always wanting the best for me, thinking that having friends might make me less… combative.

Who knew all I needed to do was kiss the ever-loving shit out of Jackson for that to happen. Would Tanner care? I doubted it. Jackson wasn’t from back home, but something stopped me from telling him. I think it came down to the fact that I didn’t really know what we were doing. How was I supposed to explain it to Tanner when I couldn’t explain it to myself?

“Yeah, just a couple of gals, you know.” I continued with the lie because it was better than the truth. “How’s everything going there?”

“Good,” he drawled out, that softness in his voice wavering.

“Doesn’t sound good,” I stated. My brother could hide his emotions from a lot of people but not his big sister. I knew him better than anyone, and there was something else going on, I just didn’t know what.

“Nothing that you have to worry about.”

“I always worry. I’m your twin. That’s what we do.”

“Yeah, I guess so.”

“Come on, Tan Tan. Tell me.”

“Please don’t call me Tan Tan. I hate it on my best day, and this is by far one of the worst.”

“Well, that’s not great to hear.”

“Aster found the ring in my bag.”

I took in a sharp breath. “The ring? Why’d you bring it with you?”

“You think I trust either of you enough to leave it in the apartment?”

“Hey! I resent that.”

“I don’t. You literally set your sorority on fire because you left your curling iron on.”

“Straightener.”

“What?”

“It was a straightener, not a curling iron.”

“Do you think that makes that sound any better, and is that your way of finally admitting it was you?”

“No, but we’re not talking about me. We’re talking about you. So, she found the ring, what did she think?”

“She thought I was going to propose to her and basically told me she’s too young and not ready for that kind of commitment. Both things I agree with.”

“Did you explain to her why you had a precious heirloom with you?”

“I didn’t get the chance. Her dad walked in and then she skipped out, changing the subject as though it never happened. We aren’t sleeping in the same room, so it’s not like I can ask her in private either. Now she’s doing everything in her power to make sure we aren’t left alone together.”

“I’m sorry, T, but honestly, this feels like an avoidable fuckup. I can see why she freaked out. You need to explain it to her.”

“I’ll try.” He sighed. “I’m not trying to tie her down. I love her, and I feel like this is just an overreaction, but I don’t know what to do.”

“It’ll be fine. It’s notthatbig of a deal.” I was lying. It was a huge deal, but pointing that out to him wouldn’t do me or us any favors. “When you get a minute alone with Aster, just explain it. She’s a smart girl. She’ll understand, and hey, at least this has given you a sign over where she stands with the entire engagement thing.”

“I wasn’t planning on asking her to marry me soon.”

“Yeah, but you weren’t going to wait long, were you?” When I was met with a beat of silence, I knew I’d hit a nerve.

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