Page 31 of Meant To Be

“I just want to add that Dani and I have threatened Dylan’s life if he hurts you. Love you, sis.” His thumb hovered over the screen.

“Wade!” Piper said.

“You’ll have to sort this out with Dylan.”

“It was Wade’s idea to do this stupid group call! Love you!” Dani said quickly.

When Wade threw her a glare, she shrugged. “It was your idea. I got your back, but on this, you should be honest. Don’t blame Dylan for something that was your idea.”

“Love you, sis,” Wade said. “Would you like to talk to Dylan?”

“No, thank you,” Piper said, her tone icy and polite.

“Piper—” I began.

The line went dead.

I looked at Wade. “Fuck,” I muttered.

My best friend shrugged, rolling his eyes. “Good luck with Piper.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

DYLAN

I left, contemplating my next steps to repair the rift with Piper. Maybe I could understand that this was fast for us, but what I said to Wade was accurate. I’d known Piper for years. Since Wade was my best friend, we’d visited each other many times. Every time Piper was around, I’d done my damnedest not to notice how freaking cute she was.

I understood her doubts. I just had to prove her wrong. I wanted to call her, but I knew that wouldn’t be enough. I sent her one text.

Me: I love you. I know you’re pissed that I talked to Wade about us, but I was desperate. I’ll see you soon. I love you.

I figured some things were worth repeating.

Chapter Twenty-Four

PIPER

“Oh, so now you’re pissed at him because he talked to your brother,” Alice said, nodding slowly.

“Well, that totally makes sense,” Farrah chimed in, her tone dry as chalk.

I looked at my friends. “What?”

I’d only been working at the clinic for a few days and already felt close to Farrah and Tiffany. It was easy and comfortable. Alice was the bridge from me to them, and they were awesome, funny, and smart. While my heart was breaking into pieces over Dylan, they encircled me with support and love. Just the kind of friends a girl needed.

“Why did you say it like that?” I added, feeling a little defensive.

Farrah pursed her lips, letting out a little puff of air and rolling her eyes. “Because. Okay, let’s rewind to when you thought he had a one-night stand with someone. Whatever. Fair enough. But that didn’t happen. He was panicking, and your brother was the one who unintentionally gave you the inaccurate information. How was Dylan going to straighten it out without involving your brother?”

“Not to mention the obvious fact that Wade will find out at some point anyway,” Alice interjected.

I sighed. “I don’t know. I just wanted more time before I talked to Wade. He’s nosy and overprotective, and he always has an opinion, and that’s—” I paused, sighing. “I don’t know.”

“So he plays the stereotype as the older brother,” Farrah replied. “My guess is you’re a nosy sister who’s also overprotective.”

“I know we’ve only known each other a few days, but it sure seems like Dylan means a lot to you. Maybe give him a chance,” Tiffany said gently.

Tiffany’s words played on a loop in my thoughts that night when I was alone in my apartment. I’d only gotten one text from Dylan since the call with Wade. Because I was feeling snippy about him talking to Wade, I hadn’t even replied yet.

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