12. Aubree
TWELVE
“Please, please, I’m begging you.” Lacey clasps her hands together and dramatically gets down on one knee.
“What?” I ask, only half paying attention. I’ve been stuck in my head, trying to figure out who I’m going to pick. Unfortunately, even after twenty-four hours, a new pro/con chart, a bottle of wine, and a long bubble bath, I’m no closer to figuring it out.
“Did you not hear anything I’ve said?”
“I’m sorry. I’m lost in my thoughts.”
She frowns. “Still trying to figure out which guy to choose?”
“Yeah.” I sigh. “I know it makes me sound horrible, but I really like them both.”
“It doesn’t make you sound horrible. You’re human, Bree. And I love that you’re opening your heart up again.”
“And now I have to hurt someone else’s… and my own.” Tears fill my lids, and I try—and fail—to blink them away.
“Oh, Bree,” she says, pulling me over to a table to sit down since the shop is quiet at the moment. “This was supposed to be fun and carefree. An introduction back into the dating world.” She wipes a falling tear. “What the hell happened?”
“I suck at carefree,” I mutter with a pout. “I’m falling for both of them. Like I really like them both.” I sniffle. “And now I have to pick one, and I can’t do it.”
“Oh, sweetie.” She hugs me. “You were just supposed to put yourself out there.”
“Well, I did, with both of them, and I can’t choose. Brody is so sweet and loves to have fun. And I enjoy talking business with him. Remember how he took me to look at all those bakeries? And our date at the drive-in…”
Lacey nods.
“Oh! And I forgot to tell you, the other day when your allergies were acting up, and you couldn’t come in? He came by to see me, and I was so busy, I couldn’t talk, but instead of leaving, he came around behind the counter and helped me.” I choke up at the thought of having to break up with him.
“And then there’s Hayden. He’s such a good listener. Well, really, they both are. But like the other day, while we were out, Miles messaged and asked if I would go fishing with him when he got home. That night, Hayden texted me a list of the perfect piers that aren’t too far away. And he loves wine like I do. We had so much fun at the vineyards.
“Ugh, and the way they kiss. Brody is passionate yet gentle and playful, while Hayden is a bit more intense. I have this connection with Brody. We can talk for hours, and it’s just so comfortable, and with Hayden, the chemistry is so hot. Well, it’s hot with both of them…” I sigh, my body heating up at just the thought of being with either of them.
“Wow,” Lacey says, shaking her head. “You’ve really fallen for them both.”
“I know.” I groan. “It’s only been a few weeks, but I can’t imagine not being with either of them. How the heck am I supposed to break up with one of them?”
“I don’t know,” she says. “I wish I had a better answer for you, but I honestly don’t know what you should do. When I fell for Sam, I knew he was the one, but there was only him.” She takes my hand in hers and squeezes. “Just remember to follow your heart. It won’t steer you wrong.”
I release a harsh breath and nod, wishing it were that easy. “So what were you begging me for?” I ask, changing the subject.
“Sam is making me go to the grand opening of Silk tonight, and you know he’ll spend the entire time talking business. I was begging you to come with us, so I’ll have someone to hang out and talk with.”
“The strip club?” I’ve heard her talk about it on occasion. Her husband is the head architect on the renovations project to turn what was once a seedy strip club into something more… high-class. I’m not sure a strip club of any kind can be considered high-class, but who am I to judge since I’ve never been to one?
“It’s also a steakhouse,” she points out.
“With naked women dancing,” I volley, scrunching my nose. Again, I’m not judging, but that’s not exactly where I want to spend my Saturday night.
“The food and drinks will be delicious. Sam says even the women dancing are the best, and that it’s not trashy. It’s a playground for the obscenely wealthy. He wants me there, and I can’t say no since I’m his wife, but I’d really love it if you would go with me so I’m not alone. All the wives and girlfriends will be there, and I never fit in.”
Her face drops, and the saddest pout graces her lips. I groan, knowing I’m going to agree to go because when she does that shit, I can’t say no.
“Ugh, fine. But I have nothing to wear.”
“Eeep! Yay! Thank you!” She throws her arms around me. “We can go shopping after we close. My treat since you’re doing me the favor.”