Page 10 of One Little Lie
I know she’s eccentric, but watching a guest sleep crosses a line, even for her.
“Oh, calm yaself. I wasn’t watching ya sleep. But it is almost noon, and my cards weren’t working, so I came to check on ya, Fibby. That’s all. And it was just a little homemade wine. You must have drunk more after I left you. That’s not my fault.” She doesn’t even hide her grin, and I’m experiencing first-hand the crazy that is GG.
Preston has dealt with her. Easton has, too. However, that was when she was matching them up. Easton may not admit it, but we all know something is going on between him and Lexi.I’m happy for him. That’s when the first part of her sentence hits me like a kick to the teeth.
My face pales as she sorts her cards and sets them down haphazardly.
Fibby.
Lexi’s grandmother is known for giving nicknames to her love matches. Preston was Broken Heart, which was fitting for more than one reason. Easton is Grumpy Growler.
I have to get out of here.
Standing to go, I feel a breeze where there shouldn’t be one and pause. Lifting the sheet, I see I’m buck ass naked.
Wonderful.
“That’s right, let it all sink in. We’ve got our work cut out for us this time, Fibby. Wanna start with why ya lied?”
My mind is at war with memories of prom all those years ago, but I fight through it with clenched teeth, and my voice takes on an edge much too harsh to be used on an eighty-year-old woman when I say, “I don’t know what you’re fucking talking about, GG. I have to get ready for the Summerfest meeting at the lodge.”
And just my luck, it doesn’t even phase her.
When she raises her eyes, I know she doesn’t plan to leave.
“Here’s the thing, Fibby—”
“Stop calling me that,” I hiss.
GG sets her cards down and gives me a long, stern glare. Her blue eyes that haven’t dulled with age pierce me with intent. “You goin’ to tell me the truth?”
I glance away, and she continues.
“See, here’s the thing, Fibs. I know who your gal is, but I don’t have a name for her. I don’t like it, but I think I understand why.”
“Nicknames never really stuck with her,” I grumble, and want to slap a hand over my mouth like a girl in a chick flick.
What in the ever living hell?
GG snickers, and if I didn’t know better, I’d think she had something to do with my slip up.
“There’s that …” she pauses, and I tuck my hands beneath my legs like a child, “but my cards are showin’ that you’re the only one needing help. You’ve got so much turmoil and heartache goin’ on in there, I’m surprised you haven’t imploded already. So, tell me, why do ya keep pushing her away?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I really need to—”
“I’m not sure. I’ll check on him. You think he’s still passed out?” Rylan’s voice carries through the open door, and I freeze in place.
Her head crosses the threshold by only a couple of inches, and when her eyes land on mine, she bobbles her phone. She never was graceful, but she’s still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.
“Eeep,” she squeaks, and jumps back. “S-Sorry, Colton asked me to make sure you were up. After, ah, after last night, I mean.”
GG steps out from the corner, and Rylan squeals again.
“He’s just fine. So, this is the famous Rylan.” I watch in horror as GG goes nose to nose with her and stares into her eyes so long even I fidget. “Yup. I knew it. Time will tell, child. Time will tell.”
“T-Tell what?” Rylan gasps.
“If you’ll be the truth or the salve that puts Fibby back together.”
