Page 63 of Hers to Kiss
Chapter 22
Keke saw Bertie behind her in the mirror.
“What time did you get back last night?” Bertie asked hesitantly. She occupied the sink beside Keke, placing her toiletries on the ledge between them.
They hadn’t spoken since their fight, keeping the conversation solely about camp business. Keke didn’t want to leave things the way they were, but wasn’t sure what to say that wouldn’t end in a fight. She twisted her hair up into her signature bun. “About ten.”
“I was already asleep.”
“The whole room was. I thought that was strange.”
“The kids are exhausted. Their schedule was packed. I’m going to suggest we cut a couple of activities to give the next group more breathing room.”
“That’s probably best.”
Keke glanced at her friend, who met her gaze. They both looked away.
“I saw your bunk was packed.” Bertie brushed her teeth.
Keke smoothed her edges with control gel. “I got a text last night. My audition was moved up to tomorrow. Someone dropped. I have to fly out today. I’ve already told your dad. He just grunted, so I think he’s good with it.”
Bertie nodded. She spit out the toothpaste and swished water in her mouth before speaking. “Keke, I want to apologize.”
“No, it’s my fault.”
They spoke at once. Keke continued. “We made a pact and—”
“That stupid pact.” Bertie flicked her hand. “We did that in middle school. It…it no longer matters. My brother likes you, and I know you like him. You’re my best friend, Keighly and he’s my brother. My two favorite people getting together. It’s not as bad as I once thought.” She gave a lopsided smile.
Keke’s heart lifted, but only briefly. She bit her lip. “I’ve already told him it can’t happen.”
Bertie’s brows rose. “Because of me?”
“Well, not just you. But, yeah. It’s okay. I think…it’ll be okay.” Keke packed her toiletries. “I appreciate you thinking I’m good enough for your brother, but I think this is all for the best. I’m going to slip out before breakfast.”
Bertie placed a hand on her arm. “Well, I am sorry. I hereby dissolve the pact. Only one rule and that’s we always tell each other the truth.”
“That’s it?”
“You were right. Mom and I should’ve told him. She’s in the hospital and will be moved to hospice soon.”
“Oh, Bertie!” Keke wrapped her friend in a fierce hug. “I’m so, so sorry.” A tremor tore through her heart for her friend. Keke was getting her mother back and Bertie was losing hers. Life wasn’t fair, and they had barely lived theirs.
Bertie cried softly. “It was so hard to see her there. She probably only has a couple of weeks left.”
Keke’s heart hurt for her friend. “I’ll come back for…”
Bertie pulled back. She wiped her cheeks. “Don’t, please. When you nail that audition, your schedule will probably be hectic. I don’t want you to worry about me. I’ll be fine. We’ll take care of it.”
“How’s Peter?”
“He’s going to pursue his dreams.” Bertie smiled. “He was mad at first, about Mom, but he stood up to our dad at the hospital. He’s going to meet with the entertainment company. He’ll probably be worth millions by next week.”
Keke covered her mouth and then giggled. “Bertie, that’s amazing. Tell him I said so? I…I don’t want to say goodbye. He probably doesn’t want to see me anyway.”
“I will. We’ll be spending a lot of time with our mom.”
“And your father?”
