Page 42 of The Lies Always Told

“No buts. I’m just trying to figure out what that means for the rest of the world. Are we dating just for us? Are we letting our families know? How public is this?”

“Gus—” I cock my head sideways and beam at him, “— are you nervous?”

“I just don’t want this to be an issue.”

“Who the fuck cares what other people think?” I ask, crossing my arms over my breasts.

“It’s not that I care about others’ opinions, but I’m worried how our moms are going to react, and if I’m being honest, I’m terrified of Allie too.” Allie—his sister and my sister’s best friend— is a sweetheart, but I can imagine she can be a little mean too…just like Cara. She recently moved back to Baker Oaks as well. I can see how it can be a touchy subject.

“Okay,” I say, my voice softening. I take his hand in mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I get it. You don’t want to rock the boat with everyone, but listen, we’ve talked about this, and we want this, right? We’re not rushing into anything, and I’m not asking you to make any big declarations until we’re ready. But I’m here.”

He looks at me for a long moment, like he’s weighing what I said. Then, he takes a deep breath, nodding. “So what do you suggest we do? Keep it low-key, see how everything pans out?”

I nod. “Exactly. I think we should keep it quiet for now, just let it breathe a bit, and when we feel like it’s time, we’ll tell them.”

“Allie’s boyfriend, Jake, asked me to participate in his proposal next week.” I smile as he says that. “I know, I’m excited too. He has this whole thing planned that Manny is helping execute. They will all be in Nashville. I would ask you to come with me, but it would be highly suspicious if you do. How about I go and see if I can talk to Manny and Cara, and we can go from there?”

“But until then, let’s keep this between us,” I add, and he nods. Gus leans back, rubbing his forehead, looking like he’s thinking it through before nodding again.

“You know what that means, though, right?” I ask.

“What?” his head tilts to the side so he’s looking at me, and when I smile, he returns it.

“We have some time to sneak around like teenagers afraid of getting caught.” For the first time in my life, I’m willing to be selfish and do something for myself. I didn’t get to sneak around and have some fun when I should have, so I might as well enjoy it now. He’s giving me the space I need to figure this out, and I’m willing to take it.

THIRTEEN

MINDING MY OWN BUSINESS

JUNE— A WEEK LATER

Fantasias by Rauw Alejandro& Farruko&Risk by Gracie Abrams

Gus

My big sisis about to get engaged. Yeah, yeah, a proposal needs to happen first, but I know she’ll say yes. She’s been in love with this man for longer than she cares to admit. They had a falling out a few years ago, but once she sat us all down and explained everything that happened, I was pissed, but it made sense. Now, I’m excited to see her live her happily ever after or whatever it is that she likes to read about.

Manny is bringing Allie and her best friends—Cara, Roe, and Natalie—up to this vineyard we were able to reserve for this occasion. None of Allie’s friends know; Cara didn’t even know Allie and the other girls were coming. Jake wanted to keep it all a secret from them to help make the moment more magical for her. Manny and Cara have also been on a road trip for two weeks, and apparently all the girls have wanted tovisit Nashville forever together. It was one of the stops on the trip, so Manny and Jake made it happen. They also made Allie think it was her idea so she wouldn’t suspect that all along, Jake was going to propose to her.

For the past week, Nellie and I have seen each other nearly every day. She’s spent the night a few times too. We had a routine going. We went swimming and then ate breakfast. Afterward, I ate her for dessert, and then we continued with our day. This went on for almost the entire week until she needed to do some training and state tests for her counselor certification. Now, I’ve decided that after Allie and Jake have their moment, I’ll talk to Manny and see where his mind is at.

Manny and I have a connection that’s hard to explain. We’re brothers and twins but also best friends. We’ve been through everything together, and we were also thick as thieves growing up. It was us against the world. When my first diagnosis came, it was like that connection was severed. He thought he would feel there was something wrong with me. He started feeling like it should have been his responsibility to notice the slow progression of HAE. It affected him way more than we both like to admit.

Sometimes, I can’t help but worry about him. It’s hard not to when all he does is work. He shows up at events or family dinners, but that’s it. He needs a break, and seeing how much this trip has helped him realize that has me happy and grateful—grateful to Allie for forcing him to go and to Cara for needing him.

I watch Jake show that cocky grin of his, his eyes practically glowing with excitement as Allie walks up, the girls trailing behind her, hands over her mouth as she reaches him.

We all step closer but still give them the space they need. Something about the way Jake turns serious when they reach the perfect spot—right between the rows of vines—makes me pause. The whole scene feels almost like it’s happening in slow motion, but before I can think too much on it, he has droppedto one knee, shared with her why he wants to marry her, and then, it’s over. Allie says yes, all the girls squeal, and all the men clap. A good moment, and I’m so happy I got to be a part of it.

I watch from afar as everyone congratulates them before I take the space to do so too.

“Felicidades, hermanita. Te lo mereces?1.” I pull Allie in my arms for a hug and wipe her tears away from her face. This girl is always crying—happy tears, sad tears, angry tears, all the tears.

“Gracias, Gusti. I can’t believe you’re here,” she replies, sniffling and smiling at me.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Felicidades, bro, y bienvenido a la familia?2,” I tell Jake as I pull him for a hug too. “I’ll give you two another moment alone.” I walk back to where I was standing, grab my glass of water, and enjoy the moment. These two finally are getting their happily ever after. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.

I look around the vineyard, and I spot Manny and Cara talking, so I walk their way. This would be a great opportunity for me to maybe ask about Nellie or something, to see how Cara reacts, see if Manny can tell where my head is at. Maybe his twin sixth sense will pick on the message, and then we can talk.

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