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And when the time comes, I’ll have to walk away.
It will break both of our hearts all over again. I stare up at the stars every night and wish for a miracle, one I’m not sure we’re going to get.
“It’s all going to work out.”
“I love your optimism, friend.”
“Love always finds a way.” Gianna gives me a cheesy grin, and I can’t help but return it.
“When is Talia getting here?”
“She’s not. She’s picking up one of the cars, and her boyfriend is getting the other. They’re going to meet us at the mall parking lot. He’s going to drive my car back to his place and park it in his garage.”
“Really?” Emotion clogs my throat. They don’t know the true threat, but they’re helping me anyway. It’s better this way. I’m already risking Gianna and the entire Kincaid family. I don’t need more worry on my shoulders.
Gianna pulls me into another hug. “We got you, Jordyn. What your mother is doing is wrong, and we’re all team Jordyn and Ryder. Well, Talia and I are. Jeff is team Talia, so his vote is default.” She chuckles.
“Thank you. I don’t know how I can ever repay you for this.”
“Ryder has single brothers, right?” She wags her eyebrows.
“Only two that are single. The twins. They’re younger than us.”
“I’m pretty sure any woman would take any Kincaid brother at any age.” She winks. “I’m just teasing. I’ve kind of been seeing someone.”
“What? And you didn’t tell me?”
“I didn’t want to gush about him when you’re fighting for your relationship with Ryder.”
“No. I want to hear about your life. I want to be there for you. I need that distraction. Come on, we have some time. Tell me all the things.”
Gianna grins and grabs my hand, pulling me to the couch. “His name is Calvin, and we met at the coffee shop just down from my office. He’s a real estate agent.”
“Have you gone out on a date yet?”
She nods. “Yeah, a few times. He’s sweet, and so damn sexy.” Her face blushes and I smile.
“You’re smitten.”
She nods. “I’m not even going to deny it. I’ve been dying to talk to you about him.”
“I’m so happy for you, G.” I reach over and place my hand on top of hers. “Don’t hold back on me. I want to hear that you’re happy. I want that for you.” Gianna deserves happiness, and just because my life is a cluster of epic proportions doesn’t mean I don’t want to hear about all the good and wonderful things in her life. She was there for me in my darkest times, and I plan to repay that over and over throughout our lives.
“I just know your love life is crazy right now, and I don’t want to feel braggy.”
“Brag. Please, woman, brag!” I laugh. “I love hearing about you and your life. I missed so much while I was gone, and my love life is a mess. But Ryder, he forgave me. Why, I’m not so sure, but he did, and he’s got a plan. I don’t know if it’s going to work, but I’d do anything. Give up anything to be with him, so I’m holding on to the hope that he breathes into me every time we talk.”
“Are you excited to get to see him?”
“Yes. I’m second-guessing not telling him, but it was better this way. The thought of disappointing him if plans fell through made my heart ache. I’ve hurt him so much because of all of this nonsense with my mother.”
“I’m glad you finally broke down and told him everything.”
“I’ve only ever told you, and now Ryder. How sad is that? My brother deserves to be remembered. To be talked about. I miss him every day, but it’s as if he was erased from our lives.” I trust Gianna. I hate that this now lies on her shoulders, too, but I needed my best friend. I needed to talk to someone other than Ryder about all this, and as my best friend, she deserves to know.
No more secrets.
“I’m proud of you, Jordyn. I know it’s difficult breaking away from your controlling family. You’re fighting for what you want, and there are so many who would be too afraid or scared of losing everything.”
“I just want Ryder. The rest—” I shrug. I don’t care about the rest. The fancy car or name-brand clothes and designer handbags. None of it makes sense if I’m lonely. I’ll take love and affection, a genuine connection over those things any day. I know that makes me sound like a spoiled, pretentious bitch, but that’s how I was raised. I am not that person, no matter how much my mother wishes for me to be. One day, maybe we’ll find what we need and justice can be served for my big brother.
