Page 25 of The Lies We Told Ourselves

Even Val was fed up with listening to me storm around the house and had retreated to her bed in the kitchen.

My phone chirped on the table, and I gladly reached for it, dropping my book on the seat beside me even though I really wanted to know if this guy was going to realize that his best friend was the perfect woman for him.

It was only a text from Dex, and I was about to ignore it until I saw what it was about.

Dex: I’m nearly done with Reece’s car. I’m just waiting for a couple of parts. Should only be a few more days.

Me: Thanks. Let me know how much I owe you.

Trace: Excellent segue, Dex. So…Reece?

Xander: I, for one, think I deserve the full story. I nearly lost my life to your dog.

Dex: Don’t slander Val. She’s a sweet baby.

Xander: You only think that because you’re responsible for the mutt.

Dex: She’s not a mutt! And Val was the best present I’ve ever bought anyone.

I was tempted to let them argue it out between themselves, but Dex was right. Val was the best thing anyone had ever done for me. I was in a dark place that I didn’t want to admit to when Dex decided he was going to be my Valentine and left me a gift on the porch one Valentine’s morning.

Don’t get me wrong. I was so pissed at him at first. At least, as far as he knew. But one look into her brown eyes, and I was a goner. She’d been at my side ever since, well, apart from when I was sulking around the house and annoying her. Then she didn’t want to be anywhere near me.

Me: Stop shit-talking about my dog.

Trace: See, if Booker loves her, then you know she’s special!

Xander: You’ll notice he still hasn’t answered the question.

Me: Reece needed a job, and I gave her one. That’s it.

Even as I sent the message, I knew it wouldn’t work. Not when the brother-wives got together and started gossiping. This was so much like it had been when we were kids it made my chest ache. I’d missed this. Enough so that I was actually considering asking for their advice. I’d never hear the end of it, though.

But as my gaze drifted to the window, just like they had every night since she’d been here, I couldn’t help but wonder if it would be worth it.

Trace: And a hug. She needed one of those too.

Dex: I can’t believe I missed it. The one time Booker was a normal human. It’s like an eclipse. It probably won’t come back around for another forty years.

Xander: I nearly missed it. I was too worried about his rabid dog tearing my face off.

Trace: You’ve gotten dramatic since you moved to the city, brother.

Me: Fine. She’s nice.

Nothing came through for a minute, and I rolled my eyes at the idiots.

Dex: Is everyone else as shocked as I am right now?

Trace: I just nearly fell out of bed.

Dex: What are you doing in bed, you old man?

Trace:

Xander: Stop distracting him!

Dex: Sorry, you’re right. Tell Auntie Dex everything, Book Book. We’ll make it all better.

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