Page 17 of The Lie
Grady. My brother, my flesh. The asshole who kissed the girl I wanted to marry. That I dreamed of kissing every day for the rest of my life. He knew what he was doing to me when he kissed her. How could he not?
Hunter and Roman weren’t the only ones I hadn’t spoken to. I haven’t spoken to my own brother since I found out. He did this. Started it all and destroyed everything I built.
They all did. They all took her side.
“You couldn’t just keep your mouth to yourself. You knew how much she meant to me, how long I’d been in love with her, and you kissed her,” I scream at him, my heart beating rapidly. I don’t look away from Grady, but he gives me nothing, just like Hunter and Roman.
Britney squeals from behind me. “I didn’t kiss your brother!” I turn to her, her hand on her throat as she looks at me then back at Grady.
“I didn’t kiss Grady,” she repeats, as if I didn’t hear her the first time.
I throw my hands up at her. Why is she even talking right now? “What the fuck are you talking about?”
Her eyes widen and tears track her cheeks. Great, just what I need. Emotional Britney.
“Jace. Do not speak to Britney that way,” Dad scolds me like I’m five years old again.
I throw my head back and scream at the sky until my throat is raw. I’m so over this shit. Hunter and Roman made their choice. Grady can join them, and they can all fuck Mila together.
“I didn’t kiss Grady. I’m not his type.”
I let out a deep breath and slowly look down at Britney, who won’t shut up. Seriously? What the fuck is she talking about kissing Grady? That’s not what I said. Is she not even listening to me?
“Mila. I’m talking about Grady kissing Mila,” I scream, my voice hoarse as I watch her expression change, and I suddenly realize the mistake I just made. I did have one person on my side, and I just fucked that up too. Not that I care, I’m better off alone if she is all I have left.
“You’re angry at your brother for kissing Mila? The girl who means so much and you love isn’t me”—she points at her chest—“your girlfriend, but theskanknext door?”
My hands thread through my hair, and I just don’t have anything left in me to care. This night has been one big clusterfuck, and I just want it to end. The audience has grown larger, and I know Britney won’t come back after this.Like I care.
“Don’t call her a skank.”
I hear Grady defending Mila and, in some ways, I want to as well. But also, fuck Mila. Fuck them all. I snatch up my bag and turn to my dad. I’ve never seen that look on his face—the one that’s directed right at me.Disappointment.
Turning to Britney, I find that her mascara has started to run down her face with her tears. Grady just shakes his head at me. But I don’t care. I’ve already hit bottom tonight, might as well make it worth it.
“Britney, I’d like to say it’s been fun, but…” I shrug. “I’m a dick. I never said I wasn’t. You are the worst girlfriend I ever had, I literally can’t stand to be around you.”
“Fuck you, Jace. Fuck you and your brother.”
I shrug, not giving one shit, and wave my hand at Grady. “Fuck him all you want,Stink-ney. We’re not together anymore, so you can have him. I’m sure he will fuck you; he likes to take what was once mine.”
Her mouth drops open, then she straightens and I wait for the slap and comeback to that. Hell, I know Grady would touch Britney. She isn’t Mila.
“Yeah? That won’t happen because Grady’s gay.”
Everyone grows really quiet; I freeze and slowly spin around on my heel to look at her. What the hell is she going on about? Grady gay? I didn’t say that. I said he kissed Mila. Hell, pretty sure half the team who have decided to linger here heard me say that. Britney’s gone batshit crazy.
With a smirk on her face, she cocks her hip and points behind me, where Grady stands with Dad.
“Grady isgay,” she says again, louder now for everyone to hear.
What?No, he’s not. I would know if my brother was gay. I turn to Grady, waiting for him to blow up at Britney, but he’s standing there, frozen. Staring straight at her, his face has fallen and paled. Dad is grabbing his hand and urging him to go with him. But Grady just stands there and stares at Britney…not speaking a word.
When his eyes meet mine, I can see the unshed tears there. He turns away from me, from the crowd. Dad and Mom follow after him, calling out his name as he begins running.
It’s true? I swallow the lump in my throat. Why didn’t he tell me? I’m his brother. Why would he kiss Mila if he’s gay? So many questions. How did I not know? How didsheknow?
“Britney, you’re such a bitch.” Hunter shakes his head. “Jace is an asshole but Grady’s never uttered a nasty word about you. And you out him like that?”
