Page 60 of I Wish He Would

“You think you can handle the two of them all alone?” I ask Austin.

“I won’t be alone. It’ll be three on two.” He motions to my father and then my brother-in-law, who is currently chasing Crew around the pool and trying to catch him before he can jump in fully clothed.

I nod slowly. “All right, good luck.” I kiss Rhys on the forehead. “Bye, Rhysie. Auntie Lyss loves you.”

His lips turn into a pout. “Wawa,” he demands.

I officially rank below the pool. At least the kid knows his priorities. He can’t even speak in full sentences, but it looks like I could still learn a thing or two from my youngest nephew.

“I think it’s time I give the man what he wants.” Austin smirks. “Just shout if you need anything.”

He heads over to the boys while I join my mom and sister. The relief from the beating sun is immediate as I step into the cabana. I slide my wedge sandals off and sit on the open beach chair.

“I could get used to this.” Maddy sips on a fruity frozen mocktail. I’m not sure how she got a drink that fast, but I’m not one to ever underestimate the power of a pregnant mama and her cravings.

“Me too.” I lean back on the chair, stretching my feet out, when my sister turns to me.

“Explain,” she demands.

I tilt my head quizzically. “Explain what?”

Maddy sighs like she’s disappointed that we’re related. “The tea on why you brought Austin to a family wedding.”

My mom nods. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell us you were dating.”

“Dating?” Maddy squeals. “You’re fired from sisterhood.”

“We’re not actually together.” I pull sunglasses out of my clutch and slide them on, hoping they’ll hide the truth written in my eyes. “I had a plus-one and Austin had the week off. When I ran into Bradley and Bianca at a game, they assumed we were together, and it felt easier to go with it than explain our friendship.”

My sister shakes her head. “You’re not getting off that easy.”

Well, it was worth a shot. I should know better by now. Nothing will get past the force that is Madeline Louise Cartwright Roth.

“What happened with that singer you were talking to?” Mom chimes in.

“Rhett.” Maddy sips her drink. “Yeah, you said it was the best first date you’ve ever been on.”

I stare down at my new manicure, trying to appear nonchalant. “Things didn’t work out.”

“You don’t say.” Sarcasm drips from my sister’s words.

“Why not?” Mom asks.

“It was hard getting to know him in the small spurts of free time he had since he’s on tour.”

“And?” My sister draws out the word, digging for more.

They’re both quiet, waiting me out until I break. But I won’t break. I’m as strong as a fortress. My feelings are locked away for no one but me to know.

But the longer they stare at me in silence, the more I begin to sweat. Isn’t the point of a covered cabana to help you not sweat? I pull my top away from my skin and fan myself.

Then I make the mistake of looking my sister in the eye.

I fold like a crepe.

“I’m in love with Austin.” The words tumble out, unable to be contained any longer. Just speaking them into existence is a weight off my chest. I know my mom and sister will take my secrets to the grave, and finally having people who love me know the truth is freeing.

My sister sets down her drink. “It took you long enough to admit it.”