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Bennett shakes his head. “No. He’s my brother. But you two? I’m not a stupid kid, Lilly. You two never, and I mean never, have referred to each other as brother and sister.”
I narrow my eyes. “You're too smart for your own good, kid.”
He laughs, and my heart feels a bit better seeing him smile. “I know. I’m awesome.”
I poke him in the side, making him laugh harder. “Smart-ass.”
“So?”
Chewing on my lower lip, I wonder if I’m telling him too much. But one thing I know about Bennett is he wouldn’t break my trust, so I tell him the truth because I can’t lie to him. Not when he trusts me so openly, like he does. “I do. But he doesn’t. He only sees me as his best friend, and that's okay.” I shrug. “What I feel for him isn’t exactly right.”
“You might be family, but you're not blood. I don’t see why it would be wrong. And if he doesn’t see how amazing you are, then he’s the one missing out,” he repeats my words I just said to him. “Also, you can do so much better than him. Oh!” his face lights up. “Like Bishop. He’s a good guy, I think you should ask him out.”
“Whoa there, big guy.” I laugh. “Hold your horses. Since when are you so interested in my dating life?”
“You deserve to be happy. And as much as I liked Jonas, you two didn’t have that vibe. Also, do you know he looks at Bee like she hung the moon?”
“You saw it too?” I laugh. “Yeah, me and Jonas were only ever meant to be friends. I did enjoy the time I was with him. But you’re right, we didn’t have that vibe. I’ll meet the right person for me someday.”
“I know you will.” He smiles. “And it won't be Toby until he pulls his head out of his ass. If you don’t tell him to fuck off with the way he treats you, I will. And I’ll kick his ass. I don’t care if he’s some big hockey goalie. He won’t fight back because I’m his brother. So I have the upper hand.” He grins wildly, making me burst out laughing.
“One, cut it out with the swearing. Brody will have your ass. And two, no beating up Toby. Things have been getting better... I think.”
“Don’t forgive him so easily, Lilly. I know you. You want to see the best in everyone and while I do love Toby, I don’t like how he treats you. Make him work for it.”
“You got it, dude.” I lean forward and kiss his forehead. “Want to watch a movie?”
He nods. “Yeah, but I should probably clean my room first. Dad told me I’m grounded if I don’t do it after I’m done playing.”
“Yeah, it’s pretty nasty in here.” I scrunch up my nose. “Guys are so gross.”
He rolls his eyes but there's a smile on his lips. “I love you, Lilly.”
“I love you too, Benny.”
I leave him to clean his room and head down to where Toby and Brody are talking in the living room with Chase.
“How did it go?”
“Good, I think. And just have patience, okay? He will come talk to you and Jax when he’s ready.”
“Okay,” Brody sighs, but he doesn’t sound too happy about it.
“I told him we were going to watch a movie. So, how about a family movie night?”
“Sounds like a plan.” Brody nods.
As I head to my childhood room and sit down on the bed, I realize just how much I miss home, even though I’m just across town. So much has changed in such a short time. I just hope that things keep getting better.
And by that, I mean I hope Toby keeps his word and stops acting so cold. He seems like he’s really trying.
I’ve asked him why he started to drift away, but all he would tell me is that he’s just busy with hockey and school. Then I started dating Jonas and that’s when he really started acting so cold. Like he couldn’t stand being in the same room with me and Jonas. And because Jonas was always over for Sunday suppers, along with Bee and even Bishop, Toby avoided me.
I thought it was because he just hated Jonas for whatever reason, but after the night of the party, he seemed fine with Jonas. I’ve even seen them talking at their table in the lunchroom.
So, if he didn’t hate Jonas, why did he treat me like that? And what's made him change his mind?
Chapter 15
