Page 40 of Glad You Exist

Kim crosses the room to me in a flash and envelops me in her signature tight hug.

“We are always going to be here for you.”

She leans back and scrunches her nose up in the cute way she does when she’s trying not to cry, “What do you say we kick the boys’ asses in Monopoly?”

I pretend to think about it, “Make it Mario Party and you got a deal.”

I tossthe controller four hours later and watch Kyle do another victory lap around the room. He just beat us for the second time, this time on Mario Kart and he is not being quiet about it. Kim is not happy about losing again as she folds her arms and sticks her tongue out at Kyle. She turns her head away, ignoring his request for a kiss.

I feel Brad nudge me, “What are we going to do with those two?”

I turn my head, resting my cheek on the couch and face him. “Hope for the best?”

He chuckles and leans in close. I feel his breath on my nose.

My heart starts to race at the unexpected closeness, and I have to focus on trying to draw air into my lungs. I look up and immediately am taken aback by the heat in his eyes.

Whatever he’s about to say gets forgotten in the moment as we both look up to the sound of Aunt Rose walking into the room.

“Sorry for the interruption but I wanted to check in before I head to bed.”

I give her a quick nod when I meet her eyes. I plan to pull Brad aside and talk to him about his birthday party.

This is another reason I am determined to stay here for the weekend because apparently, I was the deciding factor in his decision.

I hate to think that he would be willing to cancel anything on my account.

Besides, he has it wrong. He is my best friend. No matter the circumstances, I want to celebrate his life. Even though I don’t go to parties, I already missed his last three birthdays. There is no way in hell I’m missing his eighteenth.

Aunt Rose lifts a pleased eyebrow at me, her gaze travelling around the room.

“So, girls are we all set for tomorrow?”

I nod again because I suck at lying but thankfully Kim responds for the both of us.

She gives Aunt Rose a thumbs up, “We’re good. I’ve already sent the invites. And tomorrow Kyle and I will go pick up the stuff Liz ordered from—”

“Mom.” Brad’s terse voice cuts her off.

“Yes, honey?” Aunt Rose looks amused, her voice dripping in honey.

“What is this?” Brad runs his fingers angrily through his hair.

“Well. You saidIcouldn’t throw you a party, but you never saidtheycouldn’t.”

“I said no party, Mom. Period.”

Silence descends on the room and even though Aunt Rose still looks amused, I am not.

I sigh, “Can we have a second alone, please?”

Brad’s head jerks towards me and I can feel his eyes boring a hole on the side of my face. I ignore him as I wait for everyone else to leave. Thankfully they heed my request.

Aunt Rose mumbles a quick goodnight and ushers the two out of the room, but I can just imagine them with their ears pressed to the door.

As soon as the door closes behind them, I feel the air rush out of me.

Instantly I regret not asking Kim or Kyle for backup on this. I don’t know why I’m suddenly afraid of being alone with Brad. Maybe it’s because I know he isn’t happy about any of this or that he might feel betrayed that we did this behind his back.

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