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"Oh, Hollie." I throw my arms around her, pulling her into a tight hug. I feel awful for not knowing she had a thing for Jordan. I've always suspected that he was into her. It's just the way he looks at her. But she's always been so shy and quiet around him. I can't even wrap my mind around the fact that they hooked up at Roman's club, The Sterling Rope. I can't even process that she went to Roman's club.
It's a BDSM club. I only know it exists because it was impossible for Roman and Jordan to hide it from me, but most of Silver Spoon Falls knows nothing about its existence. It's a closely guarded secret, held only by those who walk through the doors. My brother banned me from ever stepping foot inside. I guess the same rule doesn't apply to Hollie.
I didn't even know she wanted to go. It's like my best friend is this whole other person I never knew, one who takes big risks, even if they end in disaster. When have I ever done that? Never. I've always played it safe and done what was expected of me.
I'm disappointed that she lied to me. I'm disappointed that she thought she couldn't tell me the truth. But I'm not mad. I…envy her. She went after what she wanted. Maybe she didn't do it the right way. Maybe she made a mess of everything along the way, but she tried. That takes courage.
I've never had that.
"I could never hate you," I whisper fiercely.
She sobs on my shoulder. "Your b-brother is going to h-hate me when he f-finds out the truth."
Maybe. Maybe not. I don't know. Jordan is his own person. I think he's in love with Hollie and has been for a while, but he's never acted on it…unless he did. He has a rigid sense of right and wrong and a steadfast sense of loyalty. The fact that she's so much younger than he is and is my best friend probably weighs on him. But he hasn't been on a single date since he met her. Is it possible he knew who she was in the club?
I don't know.
All I know is that they need to work this out because I don't want to be caught in the middle of my best friend and my brother. I don't want to be stuck between two of the people I love most in this world, keeping secrets for both of them. My brothers mean the world to me. They've been my heroes for my entire life. But Hollie is the sister I always wanted.
"Talk to him, Hollie," I encourage her, knowing nothing will ever be solved if she doesn't confess. "You owe it to yourself and to him."
"I will," she sniffles. "Eventually."
I sigh, deciding not to push. She made a huge mistake, but she's one of the best people I know. She'll make the right decision in due time.
"How mad is Atlas?" she asks after a moment, dabbing her eyes with the corner of the blanket. "Does he hate me?"
"I think he's more confused than mad."
"I'm such a jerk."
"If you're a jerk, I'm a bigger jerk." I cringe. "I basically verbally assaulted him."
"What did you say?"
"Don't ask."
"What did he say?"
"He gave me his coat and told me to put a password on my phone."
"Oh." Her eyes grow wide. "He likes you."
"What? No, he doesn't."
"Oh my gosh! You like him too!"
"What?" I rapidly shake my head, denying it. "I don't."
"You do. It's written all over your face. You like him."
"I do," I groan, admitting it to her and to myself. I hide my face in my hands, my cheeks hot as the truth washes through me. I do like him. More than I should. "I so do!"
She laughs quietly. "Good for you. He's a good guy. Um, a little crazy."
"Yeah, I'm getting that." I drag my hands away from my face, peeking over at her. "He says the most ridiculous things." Like telling me I'd melt when he called me baby. Or asking where the rest of my dress is. Or telling me that his balls hurt. I'm pretty sure he knew exactly what he was saying yesterday, but he said it anyway. He's ridiculous, and I kind of love it.
"You're blushing."
