Page 40 of Fighting for You
12/13 2:09 p.m.
Ripley: Speaking of bad ideas… Margie, why did you call Brooks last night?
12/13 2:10 p.m.
Me: **peeking emoji** I meant to call Hayes but must have clicked Brooks’ name instead.
Read2:10 p.m.
12/13 2:10 p.m.
Ripley: Likely story.
I smile at my phone. Thea and Ripley are fun. They’re genuine and accepted me into their fold no questions asked. And after what I learned about both of them, I feel like I can call them friends. The thought fills my chest with a warmth I’m not used to. This feeling of connection is what I’ve been searching for since I moved back.
I debate if I should share the events of this morning. They might have insight into Brooks. They’ve both known him a lot longer than I have. Perhaps they can help answer some of myquestions. Such as why does nothing I’ve heard about him match up to the man I’ve come to know?
With a deep breath and feeling empowered by the natural trust I feel for Thea and Ripley, I type out my next message.
12/13 2:11 p.m.
Me: Can you guys tell me more about Brooks?
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12/13 2:11 p.m.
Ripley: **monocle emoji**
12/13 2:12 p.m.
Thea: What do you want to know?
12/13 2:12 p.m.
Ripley: Thea grew up with him. She can give you all the dirt.
12/13 2:13 p.m.
Me: I know what people say about him around Indigo Hill. How much of it is true?
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There’s a long pause before the next message pops up.
12/13 2:15 p.m.
Thea: Brooks is… complicated. A lot of what people say about him is true. But I think a lot is also exaggerated or at least superficial. People have made alot of assumptions, and he hasn’t denied them, mostly because I don’t think he cares enough to.
12/13 2:15 p.m.
Ripley: Are you… interested, Margie?
12/13 2:16 p.m.
Me: I’m… intrigued. I can’t seem to match up the Brooks I’ve gotten to know with his reputation. Am I crazy for being open to spending some time with him?
Read2:16 p.m.
