Page 20 of Broken Dreams
“I’ll stop. I just want you to be happy, but you need to not let fear rule your life.”
Now I’m definitely going to kill her.
“I am not scared. Jesus.”
She pats my leg. “Don’t be mad, Grady. It’s okay. I really get it. I would be terrified like you too.”
“I’m not scared. Want me to prove it? I’ll let you set me up with that damn girl you keep bugging me about and then you’ll see I’m not afraid, I’m just not in the mood to date.” And after I say those words, I realize what this little shit just did. She completely manipulated me, and I’m the goddamn idiot who fell for it.
Brynlee grins. “Good, so Saturday night. I’ll watch Jett and you can go on a date.”
“Can’t wait,” I mutter, trying not to look like more of an idiot than I already do.
Someone calls Addison’s name, and she turns to them and raises a hand before looking back at us. “It was great seeing you both. I have to go take my seat before it starts. Enjoy the show and good luck on your date!”
She already saw a show called the Whitlock family drama, written by Brynlee and starring me.
“See you later,” I say, saving face.
Brynlee leans back, her hands folded in her lap. “Maybe you’re not so scared after all.”
The lights lower and I lean close so no one else hears. “No, but you should be because I may kill you if this date goes badly.”
She laughs. “You could never hurt me, I’m your favorite sibling.”
“You were once.”
“And I will remain after you meet your perfect date on Saturday. I’m really proud of you for being so brave and opening yourself up for love.”
five
GRADY
“Would you like another glass while you wait, Grady?” the waitress asks.
“No, I’m fine, thanks. I’ll let you know if I need something.”
“Okay.”
My date is late. Not just fashionably late, either. We’re talking twenty-five minutes and counting. I sent her a text, but no response.
I’m on my first date since I lost Lisa, and I got stood up. I feel like there’s a lesson in this somewhere.
When the chime rings, I look up at the door, equally hoping it is and isn’t my date. Dinner alone tonight sounds just about perfect. And it’s not my date, but I wish it was, because instead, it’s Addison with some guy, his hand on her lower back. She looks stunning. Her hair is curled in loose waves and she’s wearing a blue dress that matches her eyes. Her long legs are on display as her date leads her toward the booth behind me.
I lift the menu to cover my face as they approach, at least I’ll have fun getting to watch her date while not having to endure mine.
“Here, I’ll take your sweater,” the man says.
“Thank you, Dan.”
The fake leather seat crumples as she sits, her back to mine, and then he takes his seat. I can’t see them, but I get to hear everything.
The man clears his throat. “I’m glad you agreed to go out tonight.”
“I’m glad you asked,” she says back.
“Well, a beautiful woman such as yourself has to be seen in person.”
