Page 65 of Enemies with my Bestie’s Brother
“You got this, Grayson. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with going to Keene to get her back. It’s the ultimate romantic move.”
I nod as I consider what he’s saying.
“Thanks, man. You have no idea how much this means,” I say as I grab my phone and rush out the front door.
“Don’t forget to buy her flowers… and if that still doesn’t work, beg like your life depends on it!” Parker calls out as I’m about the close the front door.
I need to be on the next flight to Keene, but first I need to get Whitney an apology gift.
It’sagoodthingthat my rental car comes with navigation, otherwise I never would have found my way from the airport to Keene. I worry that I’ve gotten lost until I see a small highway sign indicating that Keene is one mile ahead.
As I drive through the town, I recognize the familiar places she brought me to when we were last here. I’m worried as I haven’t found a floral shop yet and so I’m not sure where I can get some calla lilies. I sigh.
I’m about to pass Prime Roast when I make a split decision to pull into a parking spot, scaring a mom walking with a toddler. She gives me a dirty look as I step out of the car and head into the coffee shop.
“Hey, I recognize you, you’re the young man that came in here with Whitney when she was back for a visit,” the woman behind the counter, Anita, says.
“Yes, that’s me. I’m Grayson, nice to meet you,” I stick out my hand and she shakes it. “Would you mind helping me out? I need Whitney’s favorite order.”
“Luckily for you, I have that memorized,” Anita says before ringing it up.
She’s quick and efficient, handing me a steaming cup of… something. I realize that I don’t actually know what I’ve ordered for Whitney as I get back into my rental car. Luckily, Anita knows what Whitney likes better than I could guess. It’s not a dozen white calla lilies, but it’s something. I put the drink in the holder and look at the gift bag in the passenger seat. At least I come baring one gift I hope she’ll like.
I get lost as I drive through the neighborhoods, trying to find Whitney’s house. I even knocked on a few wrong doors before a neighbor finally pointed out where she lived.
I eventually pull into the drive of a familiar looking house. There’s a light on in the kitchen. I step out of the car with what I imagine is a now lukewarm cup of coffee and walk to the front door. Just as I’m about to knock, Whitney opens the door, giving me an unimpressed look.
“Oh, uh, this is for you.” I hand her the coffee.
She takes it and raises her eyebrows at me.
“How did you know that I was here?”
She takes out her phone and presses a button before turning it around to face me. There’s a picture of me walking away from one of the other houses on the block.
“You’re all over my neighborhood’s social media page. You’re scaring a lot of the locals — they think you’re scoping out houses to rob.” She rolls her eyes before chuckling.
“Oh, that’s embarrassing. Can I please come in?” I plead.
She stares at me for a moment before sighing and stepping aside. I take a seat on the side of the couch that’s closest to the door and wait for Whitney to join me. Once she does, I clasp both of her hands in mine and turn to face her.
“Whitney. I am so, incredibly sorry for the way that I treated you. You didn’t deserve any of the things I said to you. I was wrong — you’re nowhere close to being a social climber and I know that you would never use me or Penny for our money or connections. I let my anger get the better of me, and spoke without thinking. There are really no excuses for my behavior, though, so I hope you don’t think that I’m making any.”
She stares at me, which encourages me to continue on my poorly thought-out rant.
“I was so angry about the journalist that I didn’t even stop to realize that it’s not the kind of thing that you would have done. I think that maybe I was waiting for things to blow up, not because I wanted them to, but because I was scared. I’ve had a lot of time to think over the past week, though, and I know how wrong I was to blame you. Truthfully, Whitney, I love you so much, and this week without you has been the singularly worst week of my life. I would choose to have every single bone in my body broken than to have to go another day without you. Please please please forgive me. I want to move forward and have a life with you.”
I finish my speech and watch Whitney as I eagerly wait for a response. She studies me for a moment, then look at the gift bag that I left near the front door. I had completely forgotten about it.
“Is that for me?” she asks.
“Oh yes! I completely forgot about it.” I go get the bag and hand it to her. “Open it.”
She eyes me suspiciously, “What is it?”
“Open it and find out.”
She pulls out her gift from the bag, places it on her lap, and covers her mouth with her hands. She looks at the framed mock-up of Home and Design Magazine article in which she is featured.
