Page 36 of Beneath the Scars
I guess it’s time to finally lay it all out there and believe that maybe I do deserve a little happiness for once. “I learned to never get my hopes up because the disappointment was crushing. If things worked out, then that was a bonus, but for the most part, I didn’t believe they would. When Addie made the first move?—”
Ryan chuckles. “Of course she did.”
“—I went into it fully prepared for her to walk away soon after. Except she didn’t. Every single time I’m with her, I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop—for me to say or do something to make her leave. I couldn’t fathom telling you or anyone else that we were seeing each other because I wasn’t sure how long she’d stay with me.”
“You don’t give her enough credit.”
“I know. It’s taken a bit of time to realize it, but I do know.We both thought keeping this between us for a little while would allow us to get on solid ground together. We wouldn’t have to navigate the family’s interference on top of figuring out what we want this relationship to look like.”
“I can understand that, but it still hurts to know you both were keeping this a secret from me.”
“I’m really sorry, Ryan.”
He sighs. “You’re forgiven. But don’t do it again. If there’s something I need to know, you’d better tell me first.”
“I swear you’ll know any news before anyone else.”
“Will there be another announcement anytime soon?” The teasing smirk makes me elbow him.
“Someday, but not right now.”
“I suppose that’s acceptable.”
I crack up at his fake pout. “Thank you for being the best friend I could ever have.”
“You make it easy.Mostof the time.”
Chapter 20
Addie
One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Turn.
I count each step, back and forth across the kitchen, while I make quick work of my cuticles with my teeth.
I can’t believe he walked in on us. I should’ve known we’d never be able to keep this a secret for long. It was stupid and naive.
God, the look on his face when he saw us nearly broke my heart. His best friend and sister have been lying to him for weeks, and this is how he finds out. I’m a shitty sister.
The timer goes off, scaring the shit out of me.
I quickly pull the enchiladas out of the oven and set them on the counter. They smell delicious, but my stomach is in so many knots, I can’t even think about taking a bite. If this goes terribly, I doubt I’ll even be able to look at an enchilada again, which would heap tragedy on top of this shit sundae.
Please understand why we didn’t tell you.
The silent plea is sent upstairs, where I’m hoping beyond hope that Michael and Ryan are working this out. I want nothing more than to barge in there and remind Ryan howmuch we love Michael and that it wasn’t only him choosing to keep this a secret.
But I don’t. I stay downstairs, waiting on tenterhooks for them to come back.
What if Ryan disapproves? If he tells Michael he doesn’t want us to date, Michael will respect that and walk away. He’s too loyal not to. My chest aches at the thought.
I’ve only just gotten a chance to know him on a deeper level. I don’t want to give him up.
As the anxiety begins to take root, heavy footfalls come down the stairs. It takes a second for the laughter to register with the entrance of the two men I love dearly. I wasn’t prepared for them to be happy. I didn’t want to get my hopes up only for them to be dashed by Ryan’s disapproval.
I focus on Michael, the quirk of his mouth telling me more than any words could. Regardless, I raise my eyebrows in question. I need the confirmation before I can truly relax. He nods his head, giving me the first sense of relief since Ryan showed up.
“I came home to invite you to dinner and game night. I figured you were sitting here bored and looking for something to do,” Ryan says to Michael with a sardonic smirk. “But it looks like you’re the exact opposite.”
