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“Yes, I have been meaning to tell you. But after I told Dallas earlier, I was scared of getting rejected twice.”
“Okay, slow down.” Mason holds up his hands like he is trying to make sense of everything. “So, you,” he says slowly, pointing at me, “are in love with,” he points at Griffin, “him… and Dallas.”
“Yes.” I nod. “I know it’s unconventional, but I love them both, and I want to be with them, not just one of them.”
“Okaaaay.” Mason draws out the word, like he needs that extra time to think. His facial expression seems bewildered, his eyes are wide in shock, and his mouth is hanging open in surprise. It takes him a few minutes to compose himself, and I’m happy waiting because I don’t really know what to say myself.
“I love you too.” Griffin breaks the silence with his confession. “I’m sorry about Dallas. I don’t know what’s going on with him and why he didn’t tell you how he feels. I know he loves you just like I do.”
“All right, I think that’s my cue to leave.” Mason slams his palms on the table and gets up from his seat. “I just want to say one thing before I go.” He turns to me, locking eyes with a purpose. “I don’t care who you love, I just want you to be happy and safe, and I want you to trust him… or them enough to tell them anything and not have any secrets. I’m going to need a minute to get used to this, but I support you and love you no matter what.”
“Thank you for saying that. It means a lot to me. And I do trust them.” I get up and give my brother a hug. He wraps his arms around me and pulls me in.
“Good, now I gotta go tell Teagan about this, because I just lost a bet.”
“Wait, what?” I laugh, pulling away from Mason’s embrace.
“Apparently, she is more of a people person than I am because she saw this from a mile away. I told her she was wrong, so I guess now it’s my turn to pay up.”
Oh my god, Teagan is going to love hearing that she was right. “What did you bet on?” Maybe I should be annoyed that they are using my love life as a bet, but I know they don’t mean any harm.
Mason shakes his head with a mysterious grin. “I’m sorry, that’s private.”
“Gross.” I fake gag. I don’t want to know about my brother’s naughty bets, but I guess it’s only fair since he knows now that I’ve been with his two best friends.
I watch Mason leave my apartment in a hurry while Griffin and I remain sitting at the table. I still haven’t had a single bite to eat, but my stomach feels a little better now that I have at least cleared the air with my brother. More than that, he seems okay with the situation. I wish Dallas was here to see it. Maybe that would ease his mind, too.
“Do you think Dallas is coming back?” I question.
“I think he is a dumbass if he doesn’t… actually, I think he is a dumbass either way, but even more so if he stays away.”
“Maybe I should have fought harder earlier. I shouldn’t have let him leave so easily.” Should I call him? Or maybe he just needs time. Damn, I wish I knew what to do.
“You did the right thing, don’t blame yourself,” Griffin says as he starts to clean up the plates. “I’m going to put this in your fridge. Promise me you’ll eat something later.”
“I promise I’ll try.” I smirk.
“That’s good enough.” Griffin winks at me.
I help him wrap up everything and store it away. After the kitchen is sparkling clean, Griffin sighs, leaning on his elbows against the counter. “I guess I’m going to head out, unless you want me to stay.”
I’m so tempted to say yes, but every time I imagine myself being here with Griffin and how that would make Dallas feel, I just can’t do it. “I think that would be best. I need some alone time, and to clear my head.”
“And I’m prepared to give you time. Just know that I’m not going to give up that easily, either.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
30
DALLAS
I’ve made the biggest mistake of my life. That’s all I’ve been thinking about since I left her standing in my apartment at the Hotel. I’m only fifty miles away, hiding away at one of our safe houses, but I feel like there are five thousand miles between us.
What have I done?
A mistake… no, I did the right thing. I have to believe that.
I imagine Nat and Griffin cuddling on the couch, happy and content that I’m out of the picture. That thought should make me jealous and angry. Instead, it makes me feel at peace with the decision I’ve made. Now that I am out of the way, they can start a real relationship together.
