Page 92 of Share with Me

Something about Brinley had drawn him to her. He prayed to God it wasn’t the attraction of wealth. She seemed unassuming, honest, brave enough to eat in his run-down kitchen. She even helped to dry the silverware and plates. All in all, Brinley was very down-to-earth.

Strip away all that money and she’s just a commoner like the rest of us.

Only she wasn’t common or ordinary.

Something about her tugged at Ivan’s heart.

“Dude, I don’t want you to get hurt, and I don’t want you to hurt the girl,” Matt finally said.

“Yep, don’t get hurt.”

Ivan glared at Sebastian. Mr. Echo was still glued to his iPad.

“Whoa,” Sebastian said. “Look at all the men she has dated.”

“I don’t care.”Oh yes, I do.

“She was engaged to one Phinneas Farragut IV, another bazillionaire. They broke off dramatically in the summer.” Sebastian looked up. “Ivan, you sure she’s not going out with you on the rebound?”

Rebound?“Can’t be if it’s been months.”

“I don’t know,” Sebastian said. “Sometimes people never quite get over someone. Ask me how I know.”

“We’re not attached to other people.”

“How do you know you’re not a filler, Ivan? Maybe she’s waiting for a better offer later and you’re available now.”

Available? I’m easy?

“I don’t have to listen to you insult Brin.” Ivan dropped his iPad into his shoulder bag.

“Brin? It’s one syllable now?” Matt looked worried. He had never looked worried. “Sounds dangerous.”

Ivan ignored him. He glanced at the clock. It was past seven. “You two are going to have to pray without me. I have to run. Have a bus to catch.”

“You said that’s not until after lunch.”

Ivan could see that Matt was getting into his big-brother mode. He looked for a way out. “I have to pack and we have a rehearsal at ten. I’m telling the truth.”

“With lots of hours to spare,” Matt said. “I’m saying that you’re not facing the problem.”

“Brinley is not a problem.”Or is she?

“Famous last words.” Sebastian whistled.

“Some friends you are. Look in the mirror, you two.” Ivan got up and walked off.

He could hear their voices behind him as he opened the glass door to the sidewalk. Something about “praying for him big time” and “thinking with his emotions.”

He grunted.

What do they know?

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