Page 26 of Hey, Stepbro

The memories of Brock helping those puppies at the animal shelter are fresh in my mind. So is his kind, warm body as he hugged me after I opened up about Mom's pill addiction.

On the park bench, I never wanted our time together to end. He was so easy to be around, like we had known each other for years. And when we kissed toward the very end, it felt like fireworks were going off inside me.

"Fine, we hooked up," I finally admit to Stella. "He's sort of into me, and he even came to Rainbow Paws with me. You were too busy to show up Sunday, so you missed it all. Loser."

She gasps again, her eyes wide with excitement. "Oh my god, Blakely! How was it?"

I grin as I think back to that night. "It was amazing, Stel. He's... I don't know. He makes me feel things I've never felt before. I opened up to him about my mom, and he acts like he cares."

"So are you guys, like, together now?" she asks, leaning in closer. "That's a terrible idea."

I shrug. "We've barely even talked about it. But I did text him earlier and I asked him if he wanted to hang out tomorrow night, so we're going to the mall."

Stella squeals, clapping her hands together. "Oh my god, you're going on a date! This is so exciting!"

"It's not a date," I correct her, a little defensive. "We're hanging out, as friends."

"Sure, sure," she teases. "Whatever you say. But remember, you're treading on dangerous ground here. You know how these things can end up. You could end up getting hurt."

I roll my eyes, a little annoyed at her pessimism. "Thanks for the heads up, Mom. I think I can handle myself."

Stella laughs, then takes a bite of her own rice crispy bar. "Okay, okay. I'm only looking out for you. But seriously, be careful. You never know what could happen."

I nod, a little more cautious now. But at the same time, I can't help the fluttering in my stomach as I think about spending more time with Brock. Maybe this is the start of something real, something that could...

No. I'd better not even think about that. It's too early to tell what could happen between us. For now, I need to focus on enjoying our time together and seeing where it takes us. All I know is that spending time with him makes me feel happy and alive, and that's enough for now.

Stella steals a bite of my rice crispy treat. "This is so good."

"Hey," I say, snatching it back. "No eating my food, you fucking thief."

She sticks her tongue out at me and I laugh. It's nice having someone like her around, someone who knows me so well and always has my back.

She rolls her eyes. "Whatever. So, what are you planning on doing at the mall tomorrow?"

"I don't know," I reply, a little nervous now that she's brought it up again. "Maybe we'll walk around, window shop, get something to eat. Nothing too crazy."

Stella raises an eyebrow. "Are you sure about that? Because it sounds like a date to me."

I sigh, a little frustrated. "Can we drop it, please? I want to hang out with him and see where things go. That's all."

She holds up her hands in surrender. "I'm sorry. I'm excited for you, that's all. I know how hard it's been for you over the past few years, with your mom and everything. I mean, I know I've only known you for one year, but I want what's best for you."

A lump forms in my throat as I think about Mom, about how much I miss her. I don't think people ever get over shit like that.

"I've been looking into Nightingale Pharma again," I say, dropping my voice a notch. "You know, the conglomerate that produced the pills my mom took."

Stella's jaw drops. "Oh, shit. Are you serious?"

I nod, determined. "Yeah. I know it's a long shot, but I want to see if I can find out more about their practices and maybe even get them investigated. They can't keep getting away with selling addictive ass pills to people."

Stella looks at me with admiration in her eyes. "You're amazing. You know that?"

I smile, a little embarrassed. "I'm trying to make a difference. Maybe if I can prevent even one person from going through what my mom did, it'll be worth it."

"I get it. And I'm here for you every step of the way. Whatever you need, I'm here."

Warmth spreads through my chest, no doubt gratitude for her support. "That means a lot to me."

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