I blushed, even though nothing had ever happened. “Um . . . we were only listening to music.”
“I know. I spied on you a couple of times,” she admitted.
“What?” I laughed.
She bit her lip. “I thought maybe you guys were having some secret love affair. I mean, you flirted with each other all the time.”
“Not really. It was me, not him,” I reluctantly admitted. I had never told Carly I was in love with her brother back in the day. It went against some unwritten code about not dating your best friend’s brother. Even when I’d asked him to prom, I’d told her it was only as a friend. Though I wasn’t sure she had ever believed it.
“No, Brooks was just always bad at flirting. But he was a better person with you. The nights I watched you two, I saw a side of Brooks I never had before. The way his eyes lit up when he was talking about music, which was something I hadn’t even know he was into. He’d hidden it, almost as if it would make him seem weak or like a human. More amazing was seeing him listen to your music, and though he balked at it, I could tell it made him happy. You made him happy, Gracie. In a way I’d never seen then, nor since.”
I tucked some hair behind my ear, begging myself not to believe her. It was detrimental to my heart and plans. “I’m sure Morgan makes him happy. Why else would he be with her?”
She let out a huge exasperated sigh. “That’s a good question. One I’ve been trying to figure out since high school. At least he plans on never getting married, so I’ll never have to have her as a sister-in-law.”
I grabbed my stomach. Why did that feel like such a sucker punch? Probably because I heard strange voices. “I guess that’s good.”
“It’s sad is what it is. He would be such a great daddy. You should see him with my boys. Not only does he spoil them rotten, but those boys use him for a jungle gym, and he loves it.”
I could picture it, and it was adorable. Too adorable. So adorable, I shouldn’t think about it.
“Maybe he’ll change his mind,” I offered her.
Carly stared at her daddy. “I don’t know. When your hero falls, it does something to you. Not only does it make you see how weak that person is but how susceptible you are too. And for Brooks, that is more than he can bear. I think he believes that by not getting married, he can say he was always better than Daddy.”
Tears pricked my eyes. Poor Brooks. It was a dangerous thought. I couldn’t allow myself to develop feelings for him again—or more accurately, I couldn’t let those feelings resurface. Being near him was only a reminder they hadn’t gone away. Was it pathetic that the only time I’d ever really loved someone was in high school? I had really liked some men. I’d even had some long-term relationships along the way, but I’d never felt a connection like I’d had with Brooks. That had been all one sided, though. Or had it? No. No. I couldn’t think like that. I had to find the perfect reunion date, and thoughts like that weren’t going to help my cause.
“I really am sorry, Carly. Your daddy is too.”
She turned my way. Tears filled her eyes too. “I just hope he wakes up so I can tell him that I forgive him.”
“Me too.”
Chapter Ten
“I know you’re cheating.” I flipped Tom’s cards over for him. He had a royal flush. I showed Tom his cards, begging him silently to open his eyes. “You’re on fire tonight; you should really wake up and take all my money.”
Tom didn’t move an inch.
“Come on now. We are way past being dramatic. You’ve made your point. You better wake up or I’m going to stack the deck.” I gathered the cards together and began shuffling them. “Seriously, Tom, you have to wake up. You’re family’s all here. Even Ryker and Axel came. They can’t visit you in the ICU, so you need to open those mischievous eyes of yours. Look at the cards they made you.” I grabbed the two bright and colorful handmade cards and giggled. “Little Axel looks like he’s choking you in this one, but I’m pretty sure he’s hugging your neck.”
“Please, Tom,” I whispered. “It’s been seventy-two hours. Thankfully the neurologist says we should give you more time. And good news, your EEG says you have brain activity. I bet you’re arguing with yourself right now. Debating whether your life is worth waking up for. Well, it is,” I cried. “June’s been here, and let me tell you, she’s looking pretty fine. She still has some meat to her, as you would say. And Carly, she’s so sorry. She wants you in her life. She’s even staying at the house. Isn’t that great?”
I dealt us each a hand. “I know you’re wondering about Brooks. He hasn’t been by in a couple of days, but we don’t need him. He’s probably been going to TED Talks about how to properly tie your shoe, or something just as ridiculous.”
I peeked at my cards. “Yikes. I should have worn my magically delicious shirt. I think you really are cheating.”
The sliding door opened, and my head popped up. I was expecting to see Tom’s overnight nurse; instead I was greeted by a familiar but surprising face.
“Knock, knock, I hope I’m not intruding.” Julian Bronson, or should I say Dr. Bronson, Morgan’s brother, walked in, wearing green scrubs and looking dog tired with red eyes and a serious layer of scruff on his chiseled jaw.
I set my cards down on Tom. I hoped he didn’t mind that I was using him for our card table. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be in labor and delivery?”
He chuckled lowly. “Just came from there. I delivered a ten-pound baby tonight.”
“Yikes. That makes my insides hurt.” Not to say I wouldn’t do it in a heartbeat. What I wouldn’t give to pop out a chunky baby. The question still remained, though. What was Julian doing here?
His tired violet eyes livened up the closer he got to me. “Rumor has it you’ve been living here for the past few days.”
I tilted my head. “Who have you been talking to?”
He flashed a smile reminiscent of his sister’s. Big and toothy. They probably both had gotten caps. “Didn’t you hear? I’m practically related to the Hamiltons now.”
I accidentally inhaled the gum I had been chewing and started choking on it, sputtering and hardly able to catch my breath. While I embarrassed myself and tried to hack up my gum, horrible scenes flashed before my eyes of Morgan and Brooks walking down the aisle. Dang, did Morgan look perfect in her trumpet gown. Brooks was dashing in his black tux. Ryker and Axel were darling ring bearers, except they started fighting and the rings went flying. Carly dove to catch them in slow motion. Okay, that was pretty hilarious.
What wasn’t funny was that I was choking to death. Julian rushed over to me and started pounding on my back. “Are you okay?”
I finally coughed up my gum and took a huge breath. “I’m fine,” I eked out. You know, except my heart felt as if it had been bludgeoned to death. I thought Brooks had sworn off marriage.
“Good. For a minute there I thought you might need mouth to mouth.” He wagged his brows.
I thought he was married. “Um . . . why are you here?”
Without an invitation, he pulled up the extra chair and sat next to me. “Brooks and Morgan mentioned last night at dinner that you’d been staying here.”
So, Brooks was throwing dinner parties while his daddy was dying? Or maybe . . . “Did Brooks and Morgan get engaged last night?”
“Engaged?” he chuckled. “Let’s hope not. Those two are like moths to a flame—eventually they’ll go up in smoke. They always do.”
Huh. That was an interesting take. One I would have liked to get more information about, but I was too busy internally breathing a sigh of relief. Which was dumb, as I had sworn off Brooks forever. “But I thought you said you were practically related.”
He rested his masculine, missing-a-wedding-ring hand on my shoulder. “Figure of speech, darlin’.”
I stared at his hand. “Oh. Well . . . how’s your wife? I’m sorry, I don’t remember her name.”
Julian dropped his hand. “Our divorce was finalized last month.”
Holy crow. Three divorces. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
He shrugged. “You win some, you lose some.” His eyes drifted toward the cards on Tom. “Looks like you are about ready to lose this hand.”
“Tom’s cheating,” my voice cracked, betraying my emotions. I normally held it together during the day, but there was something about being here late at night, alone with just Tom and the nurses. Hope faded in the darkness.
Julian took my hand. It caught me so off guard, I numbly let him. It’s not like I felt anything.
“Would you like to talk? I’m told I have an excellent bedside manner.”
I couldn’t tell if he was being sincere or propositioning me. Either way, I took my hand back. “I appreciate it. Although I’m sure you’re tired and want to get home.” It was nearing midnight.
“I’m happy to keep you company for a while longer. It’s been a long time since we’ve caught up.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. We had never been friends. Merely casual acquaintances, because in Pecan Orchard, that was the way of life. Everyone knew everyone. He had been three grades above me, and over the years all our interactions had been brief. “Not to be rude, but I don’t remember us ever having anything to catch up on.”
His eyes danced while he spat out a laugh. “My apologies. I would like to remedy that as soon as possible.”
I wasn’t sure what to say, and before I had to say anything, the door slid open, and in walked Brooks—with a purpose. Like he was practically marching our way, which I thought was unusual. Last time he had been here, he had approached with trepidation. Not only was I stunned by his sudden arrival, but his tight jeans and T-shirt had my heart betraying me and beating double time. Schnikeys, was he beautiful. I kept telling myself to look away, or at the very least not like what I saw, but it was hopeless, and apparently so was I. Why couldn’t I just get over him? It had been twenty years, and he was dating the mistress of darkness.
Brooks’s chocolate eyes darted between me and Julian, his scowl growing bigger and bigger. I guess he wanted to be alone. That was probably a good idea.
I popped up. “I was just uh . . .” Oh crap, I had lost all brain function. Think of something, Gracie. “Pepsi, yeah, Pepsi.” Holy crow, you sound like an idiot. “I mean Diet Pepsi.” Yeah, that sounded better. “I mean I’m going to get a Diet Pepsi.” I practically tripped over my feet in my rush to get moving. I had to hold on to the chair before I killed myself. Could I act more like a nutjob?
Julian jumped up. “I’ll go with you.”
Brooks clenched his hands, and his face turned a lovely shade of crimson as he stared at Julian. “I need to speak to Grace.”
No he didn’t. That wasn’t going to be any good for Grace. Why was I thinking about myself in the third person?
Julian looked between me and Brooks with a crooked smirk. “I’ll wait for you, Gracie, and we can get that drink.”
Why did I feel as if I were trapped in a no-win game?
“It could be a while,” Brooks growled.
That wasn’t helping my situation. At. All.
“I’m used to pulling all-nighters.” It sounded like Julian was taunting Brooks.
This was getting weird.
“You know, maybe you two should stay. I’m sure you have some things to talk about.” I scooted past Julian and was about ready to sprint past Brooks when he gently grabbed my arm.
His eyes zeroed in on my own, holding me in place. “Please stay.”
Under his penetrating gaze, my resolve began to weaken. I saw the boy I had loved in his pleading eyes. I tried to grasp for all the reasons I should go. I kept trying to form words, but nothing was coming. When I couldn’t respond, Brooks said, “Please, Grace.”
There he went using my name again. Did he know the power that it carried?
“For a few minutes,” I relented.
Brooks gave me a half smile before jerking his head toward Julian. “There are only two visitors allowed at a time. The nurse told me you would have to leave.”
Julian gave him a look that said touché before setting his sights on me. “I’m sure we will see each other again. Soon, I hope. I owe you a drink. I’ll throw in dinner too.”
“Um, okay,” I stuttered, before fully realizing what I was agreeing to. These men were throwing my brain out of whack.
Julian strode by, making sure to flash Brooks a wide grin. “Be sure to say hello to my sister for me.” That sounded an awful lot like a warning. If Julian thought Brooks had any interest in me, he was sorely mistaken.
“Will do.” Brooks let my arm go.
I faltered, then steadied myself. I ended up backed up against the sink the doctors and nurses used to wash their hands.
“Goodbye, Gracie.” Julian waved.
I half-heartedly waved back.
Brooks watched Julian leave, and as soon as the door closed, he turned toward me and growled, “You should be careful around him. He has a less than desirable track record with women.”
“Thank you for your concern, but Julian isn’t the one for me.” I was confused by his obvious irritation.
“Are you seeing someone?” His voice hitched.
“I try and go on one blind date a week.”
His brow arched. “Why?”
“I’m testing out a theory,” I admitted, a bit embarrassed.
“What theory?”
“I like to call it facial recognition. I won’t bore you with the details.” More like we needed to quit talking so I could leave his overwhelming presence. He was proving my facial recognition theory right, and that I couldn’t have. “Where’s Morgan?” I asked, flustered.
“I assume at her apartment, but I don’t know. I haven’t seen her tonight.”
I know it shouldn’t have made me happy to hear that, but it did. “Why are you here?”
He ran a hand through his hair. “I couldn’t sleep.” His gaze landed on his daddy. “I’ve been thinking a lot.”
“I’m sure you have. I’ll give you some privacy.”
“Grace,” he turned back toward me. “I’ve been thinking a lot about you too.”
I felt as if I’d been dipped in hot wax, warm and immobilized. “You’re still mad about the facial massage?” I went the teasing route, because the way he was looking at me wasn’t helping my resolve. Honestly, he looked like he might want to devour me, and I was going to let him order me off the menu.
He stepped closer to me. “Perhaps a little, but that’s not what I’ve been thinking about.”
I gripped the counter behind me. “What’s been on your mind?” I stuttered, breathless.
“Our friendship.”
My stomach dropped. Right. I sank where I stood. Friends. It’s all we ever were. “It was a long time ago. No need for you to be worried about it now. I should go.”
He inched ever closer. “Why won’t you let me get out what I want to say?” he pleaded.
I closed my eyes, thinking for a reasonable answer because I couldn’t tell the truth.
“Grace.” He was close enough to feel. His warm, inviting scent filled my senses.
I slowly opened my eyes and was met with his imploring ones. “Didn’t Morgan say neither of you like to live in the past?”
His shoulders rose and fell. “That came out more callous than she intended.”
Please tell me he didn’t believe that.
“My past is complicated, but, Grace, you were a bright spot in it. I could always count on you.”
“Honestly, I’m surprised to hear you say that.”
“Why?” He genuinely seemed shocked.
“Because if you’d truly felt that way, you would have come and told me the truth. You would have at least said goodbye.”
“Don’t you think I wanted to?” His emotions bled through. “You don’t know how many times I thought about climbing up to your window, but I couldn’t.”
“What stopped you?” I begged to know.
“You.”
“Me?” I pointed to myself.
He let out a heavy breath and began to pace in front of me. “I didn’t want any reasons to come back to Pecan Orchard, and I knew you would have given me one. My world had just crashed around me, and I couldn’t have you righting it in any way, like you always did when I would let you.” He stopped and faced me, as if pleading his case to a jury. “No matter the situation, you had a knack for making it all better. If I lost a debate, you would take me out to ice cream and help me dissect where I had gone wrong and let me redo my talking points. You were the one who came up with my campaign slogan and made all the posters when I ran for class president. Vote Brooks for a Better Outlook. It was perfect.” He grinned.
“I thought so.”
“Grace.” He took my hand, causing massive flutters. “You were my best friend.”
The flutters died a painful death upon hearing the big F word. I could practically hear them wailing.
“You don’t know how much I appreciated the way you would decorate my truck before every track meet. Or all the brownies you made me for my study sessions when I was trying to increase my SAT score. I don’t think I said thank you enough. So, thank you.” He squeezed my hand.
“You’re welcome.” I pulled my hand away from him.
His brow knit together when I severed our connection. “I’m sorry for not being a better friend to you.”
If he said the F word one more time, I might start using some of my own F words. You know, like fudge, fondue, flan, and frosting straight out of the can.
I nodded because I couldn’t think of anything to say. What I really wanted to do was run away and have a good cry.
Brooks rested a hand on my arm. “I hope we can be friends again, Grace.”
I was definitely eating some fudge after this. Maybe even frosted fudge. Then I was going to go get a CAT scan to figure out why I was hearing voices. One thing I was for sure not doing, and that was becoming friends with Brooks again. I was about to tell him, but I could have sworn I saw Tom move. I sidestepped Brooks and rushed over to Tom. His hand was twitching.
“Do you see that?” I asked Brooks.
Facial Recognition Page 7