31. Harley
Chapter Thirty-One
HARLEY
“How do you think you feel?” Terese, my oldest sister, asked.
I narrowed my eyes. “If I knew how I felt, I wouldn't be asking you.”
My sister pursed her lips, her brows hitching up. “Hmm. I think you know how you feel. You’re just avoiding it. Just like you avoided this thing with your heart.”
“I did not avoid it,” I muttered.
She cocked her head to the side. “Really? How come you didn’t mention it to any of us when you knew while you were still living down here?”
“Because it’s not that big of a deal.”
She studied me quietly before leaning forward and resting her elbows on the table. “You know, sometimes I complain about being the oldest, but I’ve always thought it’s got to be the worst to be you.”
“What do you mean?”
“Lord knows, we have many blessings in our family. Our parents loved each other. They loved us. We love each other. Oh, we’ve been through some shit, but so has every family. We’re all pretty outspoken. Being the youngest, I imagine it’s always felt like you had to fight to be heard.”
I laughed softly. “Sometimes I feel like nobody listens to me.”
“When we were little, you always tried to prove that you were as fast as us, as smart as us, as tough as Diego.”
My eyes stung with tears as I cast her a rueful smile. “I suppose so, but what’s so bad about that?”
“Well, it’s a hard thing. Nobody wants to deal with a health issue when they’re young. And you definitely don’t like any of us worrying about you.”
“No, that drives me crazy.”
“We love you, so we get to worry.”
“I know, and I love you too.” My throat was tight, and my chest felt itchy with heat.
“Would you want me to hide something like that?” Terese asked gently.
“No,” I retorted, taken aback.
“Exactly.”
“What does this have to do with Grant?” I asked.
“It's your heart,” she began. I rolled my eyes. “My point is you like being in control, and falling in love is something you can't really control.”
“I don't?—”
I started to argue, but my sister’s brows hitched up, her lips kicking up at one corner in a knowing smile. “Don't you? We all do to an extent. I'm just saying the need for control runs strong with you.”
I snorted. “I suppose.”
“Get your ass on that plane and go back early. You're freaking out because he got attacked by a bear, which sounds like a joke.”
“There are bears in Texas too,” I pointed out.
“I know, but we don’t have those big-ass ones in Texas,” she returned.
“I'll text Diego. He can pick you up at the airport,” she offered.
“No need. My car’s there, so I'll drive myself back. Plus, don't tell Diego.”
“Why?”
“Because I want to surprise Grant. If Diego knows, he'll tell somebody, and keeping it a secret will be impossible.”
“Okay. Just for practice, tell me how you feel about Grant.” My sister's gaze was soft with understanding.
With emotion rushing through me, I took a deep breath. “I love him.”
“You said it!” she whisper-shouted.
“Oh my God,” I murmured.
“When it really matters, it's not that easy to say.”