25. Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Five
Bri
Bri lay in her old bedroom at Westridge Palace, unable to get up. Their game night had gone later than usual, so she and Drew’s family had decided to stay the night. It was nice to be back after so long away, but she couldn’t feel too excited when she was unable to think about anything except Drew.
His hand in hers. Signing the marriage pact. Their movie night. Slow dancing together. Running away to their treehouse to drink sweet tea. Drew down on one knee, fake proposing to her. The image of him emerging from the water at the regatta. Their practice kiss. Their real kiss. His goofy grin. How protective he was of her. Even his bookshelf twerking.
Image upon image. Moment after moment. Every memory of him flashed through her mind, a video montage of their lives. He’d always been part of her life. She honestly couldn’t remember life before he was in it except for a few vague spots here and there before they’d met.
She couldn’t imagine a world without him in it. But Bri didn’t know how to sort through her feelings right now. Whenever she tried, it went a little something like: Drew is my best friend. But Drew is also the most attractive man I’ve ever seen. I would never do anything to hurt our friendship. But I think I would like a repeat of yesterday’s kiss.
The conflicting feelings were driving her crazy. It was like a mental game of tug of war.
Spending last night with both of their families had only emphasized the awkwardness of the whole situation. Drew had been distant, barely interested in their game of charades. He was the kind of person who went all out in everything he did. Whether it was work, how he cared for his family and friends, or a game of charades, Drew did everything wholeheartedly. He kissed that way too…but he’d also withdrawn completely last night with the same amount of gusto.
Bri knew they needed to talk about it, but she didn’t know how to bring it up. It wasn’t like she could just walk up to Drew and tell him she loved him as a friend and she was potentially also falling for him romantically.
She needed to talk to someone about this who would understand and encourage her but also give it to her straight. Bri shot up out of her bed. I need to call Rosalie again.
Bri quickly brushed her teeth and sent in a request to the palace’s butler for a bagel breakfast sandwich and fresh-squeezed orange juice. While she waited for the food to arrive, she dressed for the day in a pair of magenta-colored leggings, a black fitted tank top, and her favorite pair of sneakers, ready for the walk she planned to take later in the morning. When she was ready, Bri plopped down on her chaise as a knock sounded at the door.
“Come on in.”
She turned her head as her bodyguard walked through the door, carrying a tray with her breakfast and juice.
“I have the breakfast you requested, Your Highness.”
“I was unaware you got demoted to a palace server, Bastian,” she said with a twinkle in her eye.
“Ha. That would be a pro motion, but I offered to deliver your food.”
She held a hand to her chest as he placed the tray on her coffee table. “Aw, you wanted to see me?”
He grunted. “I can’t remember why now.”
Bri laughed. “You know, most people hide their true thoughts when they’re around royalty, but your honesty has always been a breath of fresh air, Bastian.”
The smallest of smirks covered his lips before it quickly disappeared. “I’m looking forward to our journey back to Glencrest. I’ve grown quite fond of living there.”
Before she could respond, he was gone. Maybe if she moved to Glencrest permanently, he would consider making a move there as well.
Whoa. Why am I thinking about living in Glencrest permanently?
She needed to talk to Rosalie—stat.
Bri took a bite of her bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich on an everything bagel. The salty and garlicky notes danced on her tastebuds. A hint of sriracha mayo pulled the whole dish together. She sipped her juice as her phone vibrated on the coffee table.
She glanced at it and went to take another bite of her bagel, but her eyes darted back to the phone. Her mouth fell open at the image of an incoming call with a picture of her and Rosalie on the screen.
“Hello?” she answered the call, drawing out the greeting.
“Hey, I was thinking about you and your…situation, and thought I should call and check-in.” Rosalie’s sunshine personality came through, even on the phone.
“Your ears must’ve been burning because I was about to call you.”
“It’s our friendship telepathy kicking in. Now, tell me everything, girl.”
Bri blew out a long breath. “Since the last time we talked, Drew and I have hung out a lot, and it’s only made everything more confusing. He cooked me one of the most delicious dinners I’ve ever eaten.”
“He cooked for you? That’s so romantic,” Rosalie squealed.
She ate another bite of her bagel sandwich. “I didn’t even know he could cook, but he was moving around my kitchen like a professional chef.”
“Ooh, it’s hot when a man knows what he’s doing in the kitchen.”
Bri fanned her face. She couldn’t deny how it had added to her attraction toward Drew. “You’re telling me. I tried cooking for him after…and it did not go well.” She laughed breathlessly. “He also planned a date night for me in the observatory.”
“A night under the stars? That’s so dreamy, and you told me how much he loves everything to do with space. That makes it even more meaningful.”
“The observatory is his safe haven, so I’m always honored when he shares it with me.” Bri ate more of her breakfast, mulling over what had occurred since then. “Drew surprised me with tickets to watch the men’s singles final at the French Open. He didn’t even know anything about tennis. I had to explain everything to him. And Rhett Hayes was there, and Drew was jealous when I wanted to say hi.”
“Okay, you seriously landed the sweetest man ever. I love the fact that he’s planned all these unique experiences for you. That’s the kind of treatment you’ve always deserved. And I’m green with envy over here that you got to meet Rhett Hayes, so I can only imagine how Drew felt. What’s confusing to you about it all?”
“How is it not confusing me is the real question. He’s acting like we’re in a relationship, even when there’s no one else around. He brushed his pinky finger against mine and made me feel butterflies. He ordered my burger just the way I liked it without me saying a word. He watches my favorite movies and talks with me about tropes and grand gestures. He ran to my house to protect me when I thought I heard something outside and spent the evening making me laugh. Drew sees me down to my core.”
“I still don’t understand how any of that is confusing.”
Bri sighed, pushing her sandwich aside. “We’re best friends, and I don’t want to mess it up by telling him I might have deeper feelings for him.” She hit her forehead with her palm. “Did I mention I might’ve already messed it up? Because we kissed again. Actually, I kissed him.”
“Kissing is fun. You should do more of it.”
“Rose!”
“Sorry,” she said, but she didn’t sound remorseful at all. “Why did you kiss him?”
“To show Clarissa we’re together. She’s trying so hard to prove we’re not a couple, and I couldn’t sit back and listen to her any longer, so I kind of threw myself at Drew.”
“How was the kiss?”
Bri wanted to be annoyed at her friend’s question. She wanted to lie and say it was awful…but she couldn’t. “It was amazing. I think I surprised him, but the second he embraced the kiss…” She blew out a puff of air. “The man kissed me as if I was his only source of oxygen—like he would die if he pulled away.” A blush covered her face as she thought back on it.
“Yes, girl,” Rosalie squealed. “That’s the kind of kiss you deserve. It doesn’t sound like you’re messing anything up to me. You’re both simply having fun and enjoying being a couple.”
But it’s fake, and it’s all going to end.
“Did I mention there’s also a picture of me in his bedroom? And before you freak out, I was only in there to borrow some clothes after we participated in a charity run.”
“I don’t think a picture of you and Drew is that out of place. I mean, you’ve been best friends for over a decade.”
“Drew wasn’t in the picture.”
The line was silent before Rosalie let out a long, “Ohhh. He had a photo of only you in his bedroom?”
“In a frame right next to one of both of us and another of him with his parents. I’d never even seen the picture of me before. It was one I think he took when we were on a hike. I didn’t know he took it. Then I saw him stash it away in a desk drawer like he didn’t want me to see it.”
“This situation is getting juicier by the minute. I’m living vicariously through you right now. The only tea I get anymore is the fake variety at a tea party with Addie.” Rosalie sounded like she was bouncing in anticipation. “I don’t understand why he would try to hide it.”
“Try to hide what?”
“I mean, it’s completely obvious. I’ve known it all along,” Rosalie continued on her train of thought without providing any further explanation.
“You knew what ?”
“That you and Drew were meant for each other. It wasn’t a matter of if you would get together, but when .”
Bri stuttered, “Wh-what do you mean?”
“I’ve been friends with you two forever, but I always knew I was going to be the third wheel to your duo. Not only because you’re besties but because I knew you and Drew would be more than friends one day. I mean, he’s been in love with you forever. I’m glad you’re finally realizing you feel the same way.”
In love?
She attempted to play it cool and casual. “You really think it’s obvious?”
“Of course. He makes sure you always have your favorite snacks and sweet tea. He drops anything—even work, which we both know he’s focused on—to spend time with you. He’s never dated anyone because he’s too hung up on you. And don’t get me started on the way he looks at you. That man is a walking heart-eyes emoji.”
Bri didn’t answer. She was too busy wrapping her brain around the idea of Drew being in love with her. Even if he did love her, she still didn’t know if she could fall for him romantically. Yes, she’d recognized how attractive he was lately, and she’d been feeling things , but she’d never been able to pinpoint exactly what it was.
Rosalie continued talking. “And the way you’ve been talking about him since this whole fake engagement thing started is completely different from anything you’ve said about him before. You’re falling in love, Bri. And I know that’s scary, but it’s also one of the best feelings in the world.”
She couldn’t answer. It wasn’t possible. She hadn’t been falling in love with Drew all this time…had she?
“Oh, no. I freaked you out, didn’t I? Don’t listen to me. I’m just stating my observations over the years. I could be mistaken.”
Bri shook her head, trying to rid it of all thoughts of Drew. “It’s fine. I just need a distraction. Tell me how you and Colin are doing.”
“Everything’s great here. I couldn’t have picked a better partner for myself. Colin and I are vastly different but in a good way. We challenge each other, forcing me to grow in ways I wouldn’t have been able to with someone more similar to me. We’re planning our first vacation soon. I want to take Addie somewhere fun where she can just be a kid.”
“I’m so happy for you.” Bri smiled. “I’m glad you’re finally receiving all the love you always share with everyone around you. If anyone deserves all the happiness in the world, it’s you. I hope you have a wonderful vacation. I’m sure Addie will love anywhere you take her.”
As they finished their call, Bri downed the rest of her juice in a few large gulps. She stood and stretched before taking the familiar walk through the palace’s halls until she was outside.
Being outdoors was exactly what she needed to decompress and get her mind in the right place again.