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“Tell me about Brunch and Memories,” he repeated while pouring a straight shot of gin.
“Brunch and…Memories?” She was stumped. “What about it?”
“Well—” he paused to swallow the gin in one gulp “—you were…encouraged to get me there, right?”
“What the hell are you talking—”
“Des. She told you to make yourself available to me, didn’t she?”
The way he phrased the question had Tielle’s cheeks burning with the images of all the ways she’d made herself available to Grae during their stay at the cozy B and B.
Grae stood stroking his beard again while observing his emptied glass. “Guess you just had to offer your help.”
Despite his muted tone, Tielle understood what he’d said. “Grae, I did it because—”
“No need to explain, I get it. Can’t go against who you really are.”
“Grae, I’m here now to check on you.” Heated by his insinuation, she jerked out of her coat and threw it aside, not caring where it landed. “It must’ve been devastating to hear what you did, but I can’t see that shutting everybody out is what’s best.” She moved closer. “It’s all right to rage in private, but there’s nothing wrong with letting everyone know it upset you. It’s the only way healing and forgiveness can begin.”
“Forgiveness.” Grae pushed the glass aside. “Has it been so easy for you to get around to that with Faro?”
“I haven’t seen him.”
“I don’t mean since the retreat.” He leaned back, folding his arms across his stunning chest. “Have you forgiven him, Tel? Forgiven him for making you waste all that time pleading his case to me when I knew all along that he had no interest in a loving, brotherly relationship?” He settled back more comfortably and cocked his head at a curious angle. “Or maybe he’d already told you that? He always seemed to be able to confide in you.”
“You can’t think…?” Tielle couldn’t force herself to finish the question. Jaw dropping, she gaped at him.
“Did he tell you? Did he tell you what he knew about me?”
“I hope you’re drunk because otherwise that’d mean you’re just an idiot!” she hissed.
Grae pushed off the counter and didn’t appear to be offended. “It’s a fair question.”
“Fair in what way?” She watched him coolly reaching for the gin and shook her head dazedly. “Unbelievable. You know, Grae, with every other insane thing going on between us, I don’t have time for anything more.” She turned. “Call me when you sober up. I’ll be in Vancouver.” She was plucked off her feet before she got within touching distance of the doorknob.
“Grae—” Her breath caught when he wouldn’t budge. He crowded her against the door, and she shook her head and bristled. “You’re drunk. Get off me.”
He stepped back, giving her some space. “I’m not drunk. I’m not drunk. Just don’t leave.” He felt her breathing slow, and he glanced back at the bar. “That was my first drink today.”
“Today?” she blurted.
He produced a weary smile and set his forehead to the door.
“Grae.” Tielle turned to him, smoothing the back of her hand down his cheek. “Come on. Let’s sit in the living room.”
He waved her off halfheartedly. “That’ll put me to sleep.”
“All right, here.” She clutched his arm and maneuvered them back to the bar area. She got him seated, intending to prepare him a cup of black coffee from the personal coffeemaker on the counter.
Grae stopped her before she could move too far. “Thanks, Tel. I’m sorry I, um, I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”
“Stop,” she soothed. “You’ve just had the biggest shock of your life, and the two people best equipped to help you deal with it aren’t here anymore.” She was referring to his parents.
Grae had no comeback, and he could only prop his elbow on the bar while he mulled over her words.
Tielle squeezed his shoulder and made another move for the coffeemaker. Again, she found herself ensnared in his grasp.
