Page 55 of The Burdens We Share
Dallas announces, “I’ll pay very close attention to her and her recovery.”
Selene says appreciatively, “Thank you, Dallas.”
Brody grins, “Yes. Thank you, Dallas.”
I watch as Dallas gives Brody a look that tells me they’re silently communicating. It seems like Brody is in on something that Dallas doesn’t want anyone else to know.
Selene clears her throat, “Ivory, maybe it’s time we tell the girls about that other thing.”
Aria’s brows crease, “What other thing?”
I swallow as I come clean, “I kind of sort of have a stalker that broke into my house, sent me texts, leaves me notes and pinkroses, and basically tried to kidnap me or something in a club bathroom.”
Brody’s jaw drops, “Wait, what?”
Aria’s eyes are wide with fear, “What the fuck? When were you gonna tell us this and why was it a secret in the first place?”
I wince, “I’m sorry, okay? Selene just didn’t want to make it a big thing because the situation is sensitive.”
Brody looks as if she’s deep in thought before she guesses, “So that’s why Dallas suddenly came along and was wherever you were.” She points between us to emphasize her point.
I nod, “Yes.”
She says nostalgically, “And then you guys started hooking up. It just reminds me of me and Harvey.”
I feel my cheeks turn pink, “Brody!”
Dallas rolls his eyes, “As invasive as ever, Brody Drake.”
She waves him off, “Get used to it because you’re stuck with me if you want to date my best friend and continue being my fiancé’s best friend.”
He groans, “Don’t remind me.”
Selene rolls her eyes, “I find it interesting, Brody, that you care more about who Ivory is sleeping with than the fact that we revealed she has a psycho-stalker.”
“I do not care about that more than the stalker! I am very concerned about the stalker,” Brody defends.
Aria adds, “Technically they haven’t even slept together.”
I slap my forehead with my palm, “Kill me. Someone please kill me.”
Dallas raises an annoyed brow, “Ivory needs to rest so are you two done?”
Brody sighs, “Fine. Yes, we’re done.”
“I’ll debrief them on the full stalker details. You just focus on resting and getting better, okay?” Selene says to me.
“Okay,” I agree before letting my head rest against the pillows.
The girls make it over to my bed and Brody reaches forward and kisses my forehead before she gives me a worried and very loving look and Aria gives me a tight hug. Selene places a hand on my shoulder and gives me a sad look before she pulls away and the three of them are walking out of the room. I exhale as they vanish from my view and Dallas grunts, “I don’t know how you put up with them.”
I grin as I turn my head to face him, “I love them.”
His eyes soften and he asks, “Are you feeling okay?”
I look down at my body and assure him, “Aside from this fashion disaster that is this hospital gown, I feel okay. Just tired.”
Dallas lets out a small laugh, “Leave it to you to be concerned about your outfit while in the hospital.”
