I follow Colton outside, and he points to the flower beds. “You can start pulling the weeds while I mow the lawn.”
“Okay.”
“Get a trash bag from the pantry.”
“Okay.” I dart back inside, and just as I grab a bag, Mrs. Lawson walks into the kitchen.
“You and Colton are working so hard I thought I’d make some sandwiches.”
I nod and begin to inch my way out of the kitchen.
“Brie,” Mrs. Lawson says, and I instantly stop moving. A smile wavers around her lips. “I know you have to get used to me, but I want you to know I’ll never treat you the way your mother did.”
It feels like someone just launched a rocket filled with emotions through me. My eyes begin to blur, and I blink fast in an attempt to keep the tears back. Finally, I manage to nod.
“I know it will take time,” Mrs. Lawson continues. “But I’m here if you need anything.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Lawson.” My voice sounds hoarse to my own ears, and I clear my throat.
“Please call me Cassie,” she says, her smile a little wider.
“Okay.”
“I’ll call you and Colton once lunch is ready.”
I nod again before I dart out of the kitchen. Once I’m outside, I suck in a deep breath of air while trying to regain control over my emotions.
Mostly I feel… sadish? I think it’s because I don’t want to be weird around Cassie, but I just can’t help it.
I begin to pull the weeds while my thoughts run circles around Cassie. I really need to try harder with her. So far, she’s done nothing to hurt me.
My eyes dart to Colton as he comes around the house, and then I can only stare. Holy crap. He has a baseball cap on backward, and it makes him look hot.
He catches me staring and asks, “You okay?”
I quickly nod and snap my eyes back to the flowerbed. “Yeah.”
While Colton mows the lawn, I keep stealing glances, and each one has my heart beating faster.
Colton then goes to the backyard while I’m stuck in front, and I can’t help but pout.
When I’m done pulling all the weeds out, I carry the bag to the back, and as I round the corner of the house, I come to a sudden stop.
Colton’s coming out of the shed and grabbing hold of the back of his shirt, he pulls it over his head.
My eyebrows pop up, and my mouth drops open when I see his abs.
Wow.
Just wow.
There’s a fluttering in my stomach, and as he walks toward me, I can’t deny the fact that I have feelings for Colton.
Shoot. Trust me to develop a crush on my best friend.
When his eyes settle on me, I become nervous, and not wanting him to find out how I feel about him, I carry the bag over to the trashcan before darting into the house.COLTONSomething’s wrong.
I watch as Brie focuses on her sandwich.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” I ask again.
She keeps her eyes on her plate. “Uh-huh.”
Yep, something is definitely wrong.
“Did something happen?” I ask, determined to get to the bottom of whatever’s bothering her.
She shakes her head, eyes still glued to the plate. “No.”
Placing my elbows on the table, I lean forward and tilt my head. “Brie.”
She sets her half-eaten sandwich down and takes a sip of water before she finally looks at me. “I promise. Nothing’s wrong.”
I keep staring at her until a blush stains her neck and cheeks.
Brie gets up and takes our plates to the sink, then asks, “Is there anything else we still have to do?”
Walking into the kitchen, Mom says, “I’ve taken care of the laundry. I’ve set your clothes on your bed, Brie.” She glances between Brie and me. “What are your plans for the rest of the afternoon?”
“Do you want to go out?” I ask Brie.
She shrugs. “Or we can just stay at home and watch a movie.”
“I can make some popcorn,” Mom offers. “But, I suppose you both want to get cleaned up first.”
“Definitely,” Brie says before she darts out of the kitchen, and all I can do is sit here and frown. She was normal with Mom.
Did I do something?
“What’s wrong?” Mom asks. She comes to take a seat at the table.
I shake my head. “It’s probably my imagination.”
A smile forms around Mom’s lips. “You like her, don’t you?”
My eyes latch onto my mother’s, and it takes a couple of seconds before I admit, “Yeah, I do.”
“Just take it slow. Okay?” Mom warns. “Brie’s been through a lot.”
“I know.” I sit back in my chair. “Trust me, I know.”
There’s a flash of guilt on Mom’s face. “I’m sorry.”
I shake my head, not wanting her to think I was referring to my father abusing us. “I mean, I know Brie needs time. Chances are we’ll just remain friends. It’s probably better that way.”