Page 38 of Rebel Secrets
Except everyone in my family thought I’d been the one at fault.Everyone except Granddad.
“I know that now.I should’ve known it when he got engaged to a friend of ours six weeks later.”
“Oh, he is a total dick.”
“Actually, he’s not.He runs an international charity for children, and he and his wife have adopted three kids.”
“Well, damn.Now I really hate him.”
I burst out laughing.“I know, right?It’s like the plot of a bad romcom, except I’m the sad side character who disappears into the background after the main characters get married and live happily ever after.”
“You’re not a side character, Erin.I really hope you don’t think that.”
“I did, for a while.That’s part of the reason I came here to help Granddad.Part of it was I wasn’t happy with myself or my life, and I needed a change.”
“Is that why you haven’t really dated?Because of the douchebag?”
I loved Rain for making me laugh.“No.Yes.Maybe a little.I mean, I have dated.”
She gave me a look.“When was the last time you went out with a guy?”
Monday night.With her brother.
“Oh wait.”Rain’s eyes narrowed.“I heard a rumor you and Rebel had dinner.But I can’t believe that.You would have told me if you were going out with my brother.”
“It wasn’t a date.It was just dinner.”
Rain’s brows couldn’t get any higher.“Why do you sound a little defensive?”
“I’m not.Rebel thought it would help us get rid of some our awkwardness during the wedding dance.”
“Huh.Okay.I’m kind of amazed to say my brother might have had a good idea.But don’t tell him I said that.So, did it?Help?”
I didn’t have to think about the answer.“Yeah.I think…Yeah.We know each other a little better now.I think we’ll be able to smile convincingly for the cameras on wedding day.”
“I don’t think anyone was worried you’d ruin the day, you know that, right?”
“I know.Rebel and I just don’t have the best track record.”
“And that’s his fault, not yours.”
I knew that wasn’t completely true.“I can be a little…extra.”
Rain huffed.“I wish you could see yourself the way I do.You’re only extra in the best ways.You’re kind to a fault.You genuinely love to talk to people, and you like to take care of them.That’s how I see you.”
I blinked, feeling the sting of tears.
“It’s nice that you do.But there are a lot of other people in town who still look at me like an outsider.And a weird one.”
“Stop that.You’re not weird.And if anyone out there thinks you are, that just makes them dicks.”
“Thanks, Rainy.I appreciate it.”
“Yeah, but you don’t believe me, do you?”
“I know you mean well, but I also know myself.It’s something I’ve been working on with my therapist for years.Learning to accept myself the way I am.”
“The way you are is what makes you who you are.I wouldn’t want you to be any other way.And Rebel and all those other people can go screw themselves sideways.”
