Page 19 of Cold Hard Truth

The most resilient person I know, so I have no choice but to believe that I mean what I’m saying.

“I know.” Her shoulders deflate. “But that’s also why I worry about him. Sage is always justfinebecause he’s so good at hiding when he’s not.”

“Your dad will keep an eye out. He’d never let anything happen.”

“I guess,” she agrees. “What aboutyou?”

“What about me?”

“Lyla, you’re practically a sister to me. Who’s going to look after you?” She purses her lips. “And don’t even try to say Brandon will because I know for a fact you stopped talking to him.”

“How do you know that?”

She quirks an eyebrow, and I hate that she can see through all my secrets because she’s right. I stopped talking to Brandon a few weeks ago.

He was nice, attractive, tattooed—everything I should probably want. I met him at Twisted Roses when he was getting work done on his back piece. We texted and he flirted, but something was missing.

“Fine, I’m not talking to him anymore. He’s too busy.”

“You ghosted him.”

“I always responded.” I cross my arms over my chest. “He’s the one who stopped texting.”

“Because you blew him off over and over again. Because you’re in love with someone else.”

My mouth falls open. “I am not in love.”

“Keep telling yourself that, but we both know what a big fat lie it is.” Reed rolls her eyes.

“Sage is like a brother to me.”

“Gross.” Reed shoves my shoulder. “He’s like a brother to me—because he is one. But you do not look at him like a brother.”

“Fine.” I roll my eyes.

Sage might have looked after me when we were younger, but I’ve never looked at him like a brother. And the older we got the more that fact was reinforced.

“Lyla, that’s not a bad thing.” Reed tugs my arms. “Someday he’s going to realize what a massive idiot he is.”

“He’s not an idiot.” And of course I’m always defending him. “Besides, it doesn’t matter. Nothing will ever come of Sage and me.”

“Whatever you say. But we both know he’s why you’re still here.” She pulls me in for a hug and I’m thankful because at least then I don’t have to face the truth in her eyes. “Send Ellie my love when you talk to her.”

“I will.” I hug her tighter.

For the second time this year, it feels like I’m saying goodbye to a sister.

This should be easier when I’m getting used to everyone leaving. But all it does is stretch the canyon wider.And when Reed pulls back and looks at me, I’m not sure how much longer I can stay, regardless of Sage.

I’m tired of how temporary it all feels. How everyone in my life is pursuing what they want, and I still don’t know what I want because that would require me to actually go out there and figure it out.

For all the grief I give the patch bunnies for allowing their lives to revolve around the men at the club, I’m no better. If anything, I’m probably more pathetic.

At least they have a reason to stick around.

Reed picks up the bag at her feet and throws it in the trunk, giving me a final wave before climbing into the car.

“Text when you get there,” I yell, and she gives me a thumbs up through the window.

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