Page 50 of Give Me a Reason

Ireland laughed and shook her head. “No. He knows that wouldn’t work. Besides, she’s engaged.”

I felt relieved to hear that, which was ridiculous. Finn wasn’t mine and never would be.

“They have a great relationship.”

Was this uncomfortable sensation in my chest jealousy?

“I want to see Paisley, but I like to give them time to themselves too. Finn works a couple of nights a week and has weddings on Saturdays. Sunday evening is really their time to spend together.”

“That’s nice.” I loved that he had that, but I felt bad he didn’t get to see more of Paisley.

“It’s funny because he never believed in relationships, so we were all a little shocked when he got Naomi pregnant. Obviously, he didn’t intend to, but it threw him for a loop. Here was this guy, who didn’t believe in anything permanent, and he was having a child.”

“He still doesn’t believe in anything permanent?” I asked carefully, hoping she wouldn’t see through me.

“Not outside of Paisley and his family.”

“That’s sad.”

Ireland used her fork to play with her rice. “When you grow up like we did, you’re wary of relationships. I’ve seen how they end, and it makes me hesitant to want something more than causal.”

“I haven’t had much luck in the relationship department either. I thought I was serious about someone once, but then he decided I didn’t fit into his world.”

Ireland’s eyes widened. “What does that mean?”

My shoulders tightened. “He was a trust funder. He worked for his dad at his firm. His parents had high expectations for him and his future wife. I didn’t fit into those plans.”

“That’s bullshit.”

“It’s fine. We weren’t a match.” When we broke up, I wasn’t that upset. I was hurt that I’d been put in my place again, but then I’d been stupid to think I could be in that world. He was right. I didn’t belong there.

“Still. I can hate him for you. Girls stick together.”

It was nice to finally have a friend I could confide in. One who I wasn’t worried would judge me for my background.

“You know we’re trust fund kids, Finn and me. Grandma wanted to make sure we went to her alma mater and had enough so we could pursue our dreams and weren’t limited. We don’t like to dip into the trust fund unless we have to. I’ve never needed to, but Finn used some of his for his house. He couldn’t afford one on a teacher’s salary. He has every right to use that money, but he prides himself on supporting his family.”

“That’s commendable.” At the same time, I knew what it was like to grow up without, and I didn’t see any shame in using the money you were given.

“It’s always there as a backup, so I don’t need to worry, but it feels good to support myself. I saw so many of my stepsiblings over the years get used to the money, and then when the divorce happened, the money stopped. I didn’t want to be dependent on it.”

“That makes sense. I can’t imagine growing up like that, moving from house to house.”

Ireland gave me a sad smile. “You get used to one stepparent and siblings, and then they’re gone. But it only made me and Finn closer.”

I nodded. “You guys have a great relationship.”

“You’re close with your sister, aren’t you?”

“Mmm. She’s quite a bit younger than me—six years, so it wasn’t quite the same. I felt more like a caretaker than her older sister.”

“Well, you’ve got me now,” Ireland said with a smile.

“Thank you for letting me move in.” I felt safe and secure each night I laid my head on my pillow, and I loved having company when I came home from work.

“I love having you here. Are you ready to watch a show?” Ireland asked.

We settled on the couch, our plates on the coffee table in front of us. I wouldn’t do anything to ruin our friendship. I just hoped Ireland never found out what happened between me and Finn.

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