Page 64 of My Brother's Forbidden Friend

That leaves Cade and Fisher. Fisher doesn’t look happy, but then he stands too. “If she says yes, then I’ll change the twins’ poopy diapers for a month. Sorry, buddy, but I think you’re reading mixed signals. But if by some fucking miracle she agrees, you’d better show her the respect she deserves and if you hurt her… we got a problem, am I clear?”

“Speaking from experience,” Xavier says through the phone, “I know what it’s like to go from friends to enemies to lovers, so I hope it works out the way you want it to. I think we can all agree that we just want them both to be happy.”

There’s a murmur of agreement from the rest of the guys.

Cade remains sitting on the bucket. He’s the only one who hasn’t given his opinion yet. He’s the eldest of the family, besides Jed, but Jed is from Marla’s side. “I’ve always appreciated how much you protect Chevelle, but let me give you a little advice when it comes to her. I think where you go wrong is that Chevelle doesn’t want someone to protect her. She lives her life how she wants and doesn’t want anyone’s opinion on it. I’m cool if you ask her out because I’m sure she can handle herself and I know she won’t feel obligated to say yes, but if she does agree, it’ll never work if you intend on telling her what to wear, who she can talk to. Don’t big brother her.” He stands. “Twenty says she says no.” He pulls out his wallet.

The other brothers continue to razz me, saying I have no shot with their sister, but I’ll prove them wrong. I’m going to prove to her I’m worthy, and they’ll all be eating their words. The best news is that I’m leaving here without any blatant nos, and I say that gives me the green light.

19

“I’M TAKING CONTROL THIS TIME.”

Chevelle

I decide to stop at The Grind to get a coffee and talk with Zoe. She was my mom’s best friend, and they owned this place together until my dad signed over my mom’s portion to Zoe. She’s always been sort of like a mom to me. Well, before Marla came into the picture. I love Marla too, but Zoe knew my mom. Knew her thoughts, her dreams.

After the rush is gone, she sits down with me at a table. “So, what’s up?”

I shrug.

Her foot nudges mine under the table. “Chevelle?”

“Am I just scarred beyond repair?”

She laughs until she realizes I’m serious, then she quickly sobers. “Sweetie, not at all. Why would you think that?”

“You know Cameron Baker, right?”

She smiles. “Who doesn’t?”

Which is true. Everyone around here knows his family, even without his “never met a stranger” personality.

“Did you know he’s staying with me?” I ask.

“I own the coffee shop. I know everything that goes on in town.”

She’s right. It only took me one summer of working here in high school to realize everyone keeps talking while their barista prepares their coffee. It’s like they think we can’t hear over the machines or something.

“Anyway, things are different between us now.”

“I always thought you didn’t like him.”

I sip my coffee and look at her over the rim of my cup. Whatever she sees, she slides back in her chair and nods. See? It’s like she’s got motherly senses. At least when it comes to me.

“It’s the classic story of crushing on your brother’s best friend.” I shrug.

“Like when boys are mean to girls on the playground when they really like them?” she asks, smiling.

“Kind of. But I think I’ve always crushed on him because he sees it.”

“Sees what?” Zoe asks, looking at the door when the bell rings.

I glance over my shoulder, but it’s just a woman meeting another woman who ordered her a coffee already. “He sees me.”

“We all see you, Chevelle.” She reaches across the table and squeezes my hand.

“He sees my pain, and he wants to help heal me. Heal my pain.”

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