Page 61 of Secret Crush

Jennifer's grin grew wider. "Yes, let's talk about you and John."

Alice wouldn't run away from more sly insults. She took a step forward. "We could talk about you and Peter."

Jennifer shrugged. "Old news."

Vicki then tilted her head and stood next to Alice. "No. I want to know, too. Whatisgoing on between you and Peter?"

Jennifer's grin fell and she shifted toward both of them. "Peter and I arenotin a relationship."

Alice had assumed they were. At the funeral, Jennifer had been on Peter's arm. "You're not?"

Jennifer's perfectly formed nose on her flawless skin gave off an effervescent air that her long dark hair silhouetted with her angelic face. "No. We're friends with benefits."

Vicki's face went white. "And you're okay with that?"

Jennifer flicked her hair behind her ears. "Of course. It was my idea."

Alice didn't believe a word. She'd never agree to that with John. She'd die if another woman entered the picture. Maybe Jennifer never worried about that. On the outside, no one competed in looks with her.

It was strange John hadn't texted her back right away. The tower hopefully sent her signal through as it read ‘sent.'

Vicki asked, "Does he not want a relationship?"

Poor Vicki had no idea what her brothers were like, since she'd been "dead" for the past six years. It was time to ask what happened.

Jennifer took Vicki's hands. "As I said, I don't want one so it doesn't matter."

Part of Alice liked that Jennifer's life wasn't perfect. It might be wrong to say that out loud, so she kept her lips sealed. Jennifer continued. "I'm not the one who walked out of your brother's bed today without a word. Why don't we ask Alice what's wrong with her relationship with John?"

"Nothing's wrong." Alice hugged her waist. She had answered too fast. Then she tried to spin out of it. "My life isn't working as it is right now. I've not solved one of my problems. I have to help my parents, and I've always wanted to be independent."

Vicki stared at Jennifer for a moment longer and then she turned all her attention to Alice. Her calmness yet attentiveness were new characteristics. Alice's skin prickled as Vicki said, "There is a time for independence and a time for your heart. What is it you want?"

Alice decided the latest bestseller needed to be held and she read the back blurb. "I want both. For years, I've told myself everything will be better when I move out on my own. It's time I do that. Today my condo is ready for me to move in. I ordered the furniture and the moving trucks months ago. All I have to do is pick up my key and walk in the door."

Jennifer tapped her foot. Then she stared down her nose. "So how does John factor in?"

Alice turned toward Vicki, but she had no sympathy from her either. She put the book back on the shelf. "I'd like to see him."

Jennifer rolled her eyes. "That's it?"

Guilt iced down her back, though she hadn't done anything wrong. She stared into Vicki's eyes. "John doesn't love me."

Vicki smiled and the brightness caused a chain reaction inside of Alice. Her insides quaked as Vicki said, "I don't believe it."

Alice's body heated again, even if John hadn't called her immediately. "You are saying that because he's your brother."

Vicki took both of her hands in hers and waited for Alice to gaze into her pretty blue eyes. "Exactly. Who knows him better than me? Alice, I have never seen John look at another woman the same way he looks at you."

Her heart hammered in her chest. "Then maybe he'll want to date, but for today, I have to do this."

Jennifer's sigh interrupted the moment. "What about me and Peter, Victoria?"

Vicki dropped Alice's hand, and her best friend's face flushed. "Jennifer, I love my brother, and I want you both to find your happiness."

Jennifer rapid voice sharpened as she spun on her heels. "You don't know anything."

The bookstore had customers in their aisle. It was more than time to go. Alice said, "I thought we came here today to see this store Vicki wants to open."

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