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So, for the second time today I find myself telling the story of how I met Blair at the bar and about the day I found out that Beckett had hired her at The Liberty. I tell her everything, including how Blair had been flirting with me and even asked me up to her hotel room.
My heart pounds inside of my chest. I feel relieved that everything is finally out in the open. Now all I can do is hope that she believes me.
“She sounds awful,” Sierra says. She sounds tired, but the edge that was in her voice earlier is gone.
“She is.”
I tentatively reach for her hand, and she lets me take it. “I swear to you, Sierra… I never wanted anything to do with her.”
“I know.”
I squeeze her tiny hand in mine. All day I’ve been so worried about the damn photo, about how Sierra might react. Thinking that she might not believe me was the scariest feeling in the world. Now I can put those fears to rest, but something still isn’t right between us. The distance that I’ve felt for days feels like it’s only growing wider.
“Tell me we’re okay, Sierra. Why does it feel like I’m losing you?”
She looks up at the ceiling before pulling her hand from mine. “We’re okay, Gray.” I exhale. She closes her eyes for a split second until they’re back on me. “I believe you about the photo. I never doubted you. But it’s more than that. I’mthisclose to losing my brother. I’ve already lost so much, Grayson. He and Gran are the only family I have left. I can’t lose him.”
“So, what are you saying? That’s it? You’re just going to give up on us?” I ask as she turns her back to me, staring out her kitchen window. “Because I sure as hell am not going to give up on you. I couldn’t if I tried. I want a relationship with you, you’re it for me. Forever, Sierra. I want everyone in Reed Point to know that you’re mine. And I know that you want the same things too, I’ve seen it in your eyes.”
I watch her head fall forward into her hands and her shoulders slump in defeat. Seeing her like this, so hopeless and distant, is painful in the most heartbreaking way.
My world is empty without Sierra’s happiness.
“I’m sorry, Grayson. I’m tired. I’m not giving up on us, but I can’t do this right now. Please, I just need a little more time.”
And I just need you.
TWENTY-FOUR
YOU’RE PREACHING TO THE CHOIR, BIRTHDAY GIRL.
Sierra
Gran and I sit across from each other in McDonald’s, her favorite restaurant. We’re eating McChicken meals, just like we do every year on her birthday. Usually Jake would be with us, but this year it’s just the two of us. I’m trying not to dwell on his absence. As long as Gran has a good day, that’s all that matters.
She looks adorable, happily sipping her Coke while wearing the button that was attached to the birthday card I gave her that says,Happy Birthday to the Queen of Grandmas.
“Nothing beats a McDonald’s Coke,” she says, before moving on to her fries.
“You’re preaching to the choir, birthday girl,” I say, raising my cup to her in cheers.
Gran’s a one-trick pony when it comes to her birthday. It always has to be McDonalds. I think she would eat here every day if she could.
Her eyes narrow, looking at me. “So, still nothing with your brother?”
I sigh, looking down at my meal, unable to look her in the eye. It must break her heart to have her only two grandchildren not speaking to one another.
“He’s still not speaking to Grayson or me,” I admit.
“I figured as much when I talked to him this morning,” Gran mutters. “What is wrong with that boy? Would he rather you date some idiot who treats you like dirt and can’t stand your family? He has always been so darn protective of you.” She shakes her head before popping a French fry into her mouth. “Now, where is that handsome boyfriend of yours and why isn’t he here? I know he wouldn’t miss my birthday on purpose.”
I wipe my eyes before the tears can roll down my cheeks. “It’s not his fault, Gran. I didn’t tell him it’s your birthday. I didn’t even tell him I’m having lunch with you today.”
“And why the heck not? Just because your brother is being a giant pain in the ass doesn’t mean you need to take it out on Grayson.”
I inhale a sharp breath. “I know.”
“No, you don’t know. If you knew, he’d be here with you,” she says, shaking a fry at me. “Don’t push that boy away, Sierra. It’s not fair to him or you. Anyone can see that you love each other, and love should never be wasted.”
