Page 60 of Best Kept Secret

“Maybe he’s changed. Have you considered that?”

“See, there’s your problem. You think you can change him, but you can’t. You’ll only end up disappointed. Trust me on this.”

She used to trust her brother implicitly, but right now, she had a hard time looking him in the eye. “The only person I’m disappointed in is you,” she huffed. Then she abruptly pushed her chair back and stood up. “You want me to trust you, yet you don’t trust me enough to let me make my own decisions. You’re still trying to boss me around, just like when we were kids.”

“That’s not it at all. You’re my sister, and I love you. I’m only trying to protect you.”

“I don’t need your protection anymore, but thanks anyway.” She picked up her smoothie, because it really was good, and started to walk away. Then she remembered the reason she’d tracked him down in the first place. She turned and stalked back to the table. “By the way, I’m staying at your apartment this weekend with Hudson. Since you live there too, I thought it only fair that you should know.”

His mouth gaped open, but she turned and stormed out before he had a chance to say another word. As she strode across the parking lot, she swore she felt his eyes boring into her back. She got into her car and sped off without looking back.

Soon after she got home, her phone rang, and she picked it up immediately.

“Did you talk to him?” Stacy asked.

Earlier Kelsey had told Stacy about her plan to ambush Jared in the gym parking lot, though she’d hoped it would have had a better ending. She slumped down on the couch and relayed the entire story, including the part about the yummy strawberry-banana smoothie.

“Is that the first time you’ve had one?” Stacy asked, incredulous.

“Yes. Usually, the phrase health food turns me off, but it was really good.”

Stacy laughed, and Kelsey was grateful for the comic relief.

Then Stacy said, “I’m sorry it didn’t go well. I know you don’t like to fight with your brother.”

“I’m still not sure what we’re fighting about.”

“Did he give you any clues about Annie or Emily?”

“Their names didn’t even come up.”

Stacy sighed. “I wish I could help.”

“You are helping, just by listening.”

“I have some news too.”

Kelsey noticed the uptick in Stacy’s voice and figured it had something to do with Nick. She’d seen her at work, though, and she hadn’t mentioned anything. “What happened between work and now?”

“Nick asked me to go to Florida with him. He wants me to meet his parents.”

Kelsey sprang off the couch and started pacing. “That’s awesome! Tell me everything!”

“And I thought I was excited,” Stacy teased. “Anyway, tonight at dinner, he surprised me with plane tickets. We’re flying out Friday morning and returning Monday night.”

Kelsey was smiling so wide it hurt. “I knew he’d want you to meet his family. I can practically hear the wedding bells ringing.”

Stacy laughed. “Slow down. I don’t think it’s time to pick out a wedding dress just yet. What if his parents don’t even like me?”

“Ha! They’d be the only ones in the universe, and I’d fly down there and tell them that myself! Does Jenna know?”

“Not yet, but I’m going to call her next.”

“Good.” Since she was friends with them both, she was always concerned about keeping their secrets. Now she wouldn’t have to worry.

“I know you’ll be with Hudson this weekend, but if you get a chance, could you stop by my house and collect my mail?”

“Sure.”