Page 58 of The C Agreement

Running my hand through my hair, I said, “There’s a good reason for that. If they meet you, they’re going to think they’re special.”

“This one kind of is,” Beau argued.

And you already know her.

“Nah, she’s not special.”

Liar, a voice inside me whispered.

A sudden pinch hit my chest, and I rubbed my sternum.

Wanting this conversation to end, I rapped my knuckles on my desk, hoping he thought it was my door. “I’d better go,” I told Beau. “Duty calls.”

“Later.”

I hung up, rested my head back, and took a few breaths. I was torn. I hated lying to my best friend. But, on the other hand, I really, really liked fucking his sister.

Pushing my dishonesty with Beau to the back of my head, I thought about what he’d said about high school and how she always did what Beau and I wanted to do, and I lifted my phone again.

Me:I want to take you out on Saturday.

Rayne:I have Vivian’s St. Patrick’s Day party on Saturday.

That was right.

Me:Okay. Friday then?

Rayne:Tomorrow? But that is the actual holiday. Are you sure you wouldn’t rather go out with friends and party?

Me:What’s the point? I’m going home with you, no matter what.

Rayne:You sure know how to sweep a girl off her feet.

Me:This is why I don’t do relationships.

Rayne:You don’t have to take me out. We can hang out at home.

Me:We do that already. I want to take you somewhere.

I wanted Rayne to feel like she wasn’t invisible. Like she wasn’t a nobody.

Rayne:Okay. Where are we going?

Me:You pick. We can do anything you want or go anywhere you want.

As long as your brother isn’t there.

I wanted her to pick something to do since she’d always had to tag along with us in high school. And even as adults, Beau and I were the ones who’d started the monthly dinner thing. Rayne and Em did it because we did.

Rayne:I don’t know what to suggest. I want you to have fun too.

I hated that she felt like she had to please me. Where was the strong lawyer I’d overheard bossing others around?

Me:Tell me what you like to do on dates. And then we’ll do that.

Rayne:Okay, but prepare to be bored. I like going to dinner and a movie. I’m an easy date.

I laughed.

---