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“No! Why, if he likes you?”
“Because of Saint, I assume. But he didn’t really specify the whys.”
“Well, what did you say?”
“What could I say? My dignity and self-respect were on the line. I told him I understood and wished him all the best.”
“You guys have done this before. I’m sure you’ll work through it.”
“It’s different this time, Em. I slept with Saint.” She blinked back tears. “And I’m not sorry about it. If Raymond doesn’t want me, I should find someone who does.”
Just then, Raymond came back inside. He stared at Birdie as he went over to talk to Storm.
“I don’t know, Bird. He looks torn up over you.”
“You need to get your eyes checked, babe.” She elbowed me playfully. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be okay.”
“I know you will. You’re the strongest girl I know.” I hugged her. “My heart just hurts for you.”
“You don’t have to be sad. Saint showed me a really good time. It was nice to be wanted for once.”
“I’m totally down with you guys getting married and having little Viking kids running around. My baby will need a playmate.” I rubbed my belly. In four days, I could take an early pregnancy test. I was more than a little nervous about the results now that Dante and I were together.
Birdie threw her head back and giggled so loud, she drew the attention of everyone in the store. “Sorry,” she said, covering her mouth.
Storm furrowed his brow, looking annoyed. My mom and Snow smiled at us. And Raymond? His stone-cold stare was locked on Birdie.
“It’s good to hear you laugh,” I quietly told her.
“Damn, Em. You move fast. Saint isn’t the marrying type. He’s a one and done kind of Viking.” She laughed, again.
“Oh, he’ll come around. You’re Birdie Knight, and men will line up for you.”
“Right. All but one.” Her smile faded.
Jesus, I hated this for her. “If Saint commits to you, he’ll be with you to the end. Seriously, Birdie. Men like him are holding out for the right woman. I know it’s you. Call him.”
“You sure are talking him up. But we didn’t exchange numbers.”
“Just get it from your dad.”
“Oh, really? Have you met my father, Kaleb Knight? He doesn’t give out people’s numbers, not even to his beloved daughter.”
“Well, I’m sure your mom could get it from him.”
“I’m sure she could. But no. Saint will just be one of those wonderful wild nights I’ll hold in my memory for the rest of my life.”
“Birdie,” Storm called and waved her over.
“Be right back.” She left with her head held high. Damn, she was a badass. Those deepfake images would’ve had me curled into a ball in my bed, hiding from the world. Not Birdie, though. That girl was ready to fight. I pity the person who did this. If her dad, Storm, found him, they would be as good as dead.
Admittedly, I was relieved we were interrupted. I needed to stop encouraging her to go after Saint. The more Birdie talked about Raymond, the worse I felt for her and wanted to take her mind off him. Pushing her toward Saint wasn’t the solution to her problems. He would only be a very hot and sexy distraction.
But Birdie deserved more than a distraction. She deserved to have the only guy she ever wanted, like me.
I got my guy and it didn’t seem fair.
God, I was worried about Birdie. I knew her and she’d bury her feelings and lock the pain away. She’d put on a stoic mask, just like when we were in high school, and she’d see Raymond with club girls. And sometimes, she’d damage shit to get back at him. Of course, no one ever knew it was her except for me, and I hadn’t told a soul. That was what best friends did for each other. We kept each other’s secrets.
