Page 81 of Crush
The wheels began to turn in bothour heads at once.
“Chloe,” we muttered at the same time.
Shea turned the key and drove us home.
Chapter 31
Brynn
The only light left on in the house was the chandelier that hung above the dinner table, casting a romantic light on the vase of roses. Next to it, Chloe had set out a bottle of wine with two glasses. Romantic jazz played, a whisper over the speakers. Next to the wine stood a folded note. Shea hurried over, unfolded the note and began to read.
“What's it say?” I asked.
Shea read aloud.“Hi Dad. Sorry to leave on such short notice. I made up with Mom and she came to pick me up. But I'll be back tomorrow with Nick and Cam. P.S. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone about our secret! I hope you and Brynn have a fun night to yourselves.”
“She played us,” I laughed as I set the unneeded box of tampons to the table. “I don't even know what to say.”
“Outfoxed by a fourteen-year-old.” Shea turned to me. “Well … should we have a glass of wine?”
“We're certainly supposed to.”
He poured two glasses of wine and the two of us sat on the couch. I sipped my wine and laughed.
“What? What is it?” Shea asked.
Truth be told, it was the whole scene: the ease and convenience at which we found ourselves home alone, the sudden closeness as I curled up next to the athlete on the couch, the mood-setting music, the smoky wine … it was almost too much.
“Are yousureyou didn't plan this?” I asked.
“I swear, Brynn.”
“So she did it all on her own,” I mused, taking another sip of wine. “That daughter of yours? She's a smart one.”
“Believe me, I know it. That's half the reason I've had problems with her. Too smart for her own good.”
“I'm so glad she's willing to give therapy a try,” I said. “That takes a lot of pressure off my back.”
“Yeah.” Shea nodded. “She said that you were in therapy for years, and you recommended it.”
“Oh. Yep. That's true.” I downed the rest of my wine.
Should I tell him now?
Shea refilled my glass. “You're so steady, Brynn. I never would've imagined it.”
“I guess therapy helped, then.”
He smiled. “Good. I hope it helps Chloe.”
Nervously, I fidgeted with my hands. I felt it building up inside me—it wanted to come out. Now was the time—before I'd allow myself to get my hopes up about Shea,I had to let him know. I had to give him the talk.
“Shea …”
“Yeah?”
Here goes.
“Remember when I told you that the boys in high school never asked me to a dance because I was a mess?”
