Page 22 of Glad You Exist

I nod in agreement as I look over at Brad. He still has that worried look on his face.

And that's what makesmeworry. I peer up at him and there is something else in his expression. It is definitely concern, but about what? Maybe for my mom? But she’s probably just reeling from all the mimosas she had today. Why would he be worried about that? Or maybe he's concerned that my leaving right now will erase the progress we have made?

I fight against the nerves as I reach out to pat his arm. All I want to do is to reassure him that we are good. That I am not running from this. But he captures my hand in his and keeps it in place on his arm.

"Brad? What's wrong?"

Something passes over his face. Then he blinks and its gone. It happens so fast I don’t have time to decipher it. He takes a step back and offers me a small smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “Nothing. Kim is right. You're right. Let's not rush. We have time."

My forehead creases in confusion but in the back of my mind, I'm aware my mom is waiting for me. I glance at the door and then back at them.

Now I’m starting to worry about her.

"I should go. My mom doesn't really drink anymore. The mimosas may be getting to her."

Kim picks up her phone from the edge of the couch,

“Do you still have the same number?”

Still reeling from her complete change of attitude, all I can muster is a nod in return.

“Okay, I’ll text you.”

Iwatch as Liz gives us a small smile and a wave before heading out.

I was trying to get Liz to stay so we could finish talking it out, but the girls are right. It’s too soon. Just from what was shared today, it already feels like an emotional punch in the gut. I don’t think I could have handled any more either, to be honest. Then what Dan said registered, and it all nearly spilled out. I considered telling them what I overheard downstairs.

I know that if I had done that, it would have been my desperate attempt to keep her here and it would not have been fair to her or her family.

A throat being cleared breaks into my thoughts. I look away from the door only to find Kyle grinning with his arms stretched out on the couch and Kim tilting her head at me, her arms folded. She has a weird expression on her face, like she’s figuring something out.

“How long?” She demands, pointing a finger at me.

My brows wrinkle as I plop down on the chair Liz just vacated. “How long what?”

I pick up the blanket that fell, trying to avoid her eyes.

“How long have you had feelings for Liz?”

I feel my eyes go wide as I turn an accusatory look at Kyle. “Bro, you told her?”

Kyle chuckles. “No, but you just did.”

My head snaps back just in time to see Kim slap a hand over her mouth.

Wellfuck.

“Oh, my god!Howthehelldid I miss that? It all makes sense now.”

Kim starts pacing the room and I can only watch in silence. I don’t even understand my own feelings for Liz. I’m not about to confess to something I have yet to figure out.

“Like how long Brad? Since when? Oh my god, in the sixth grade when Evan Hudson asked her out to the dance, and you got all pissy and picked a fight with her and she had to buy you that lizard to get you to talk to her again. Was that when? Was thatwhy?”

She takes one look at my face and squeals…or I think that’s the sound that comes out of her mouth. “Shit, I am right. IknowI am.”

She continues to pace for a few more minutes and Kyle laughs, slapping his knee.

“Can’t believe you confessed to being in love with Liz without actually confessing to it.”

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