Page 216 of Just for the Plot

A crazy idea hits the forefront of my mind, and because I really don’t have any other way around this, I go with it.

“Yeah, that was actually meant for Nolan.”

“Nolan?” I can hear the doubt already in her voice. “You call Nolan beautiful?”

“Yup,” I say, with all the certainty I can muster. “Started, uh, a few weeks ago and we just carry it through. You know how superstitious we can be, especially during playoffs. Can’t change anything, so yeah, he’s beautiful and we’re, uh, we’re in this together.”

There’s silence on the other end of the phone, and honestly, I think that’s a surprisingly good explanation. Believable, doesn’t open it up to many questions.

I think she’s going to buy it.

“You’re lying to me.”

Or maybe not.

“And I don’t know why you’re lying to me, but there has to be a reason, because you would never lie to me. We established from the very beginning that we would always be truthful with each other because we’re all each other have.”

Christ, she’s going to go there? Over a misplaced text? That almost seems…cruel.

I can’t even say that I’m lying to her because I can’t muster it. So instead, I stay silent, hating that I can’t tell her the truth, becausehonestly, if this was any other woman, I’d be gushing to fucking Gabby right about now. Tell her how I’m falling in love, how I know I’ve found the person I want to spend the rest of my life with, even talk to her about proposals and all that bullshit that I know she’d be hyperfixated on.

But I can’t do any of that, because it’s Bower.

“You know what? It’s fine,” she says. “You don’t have to tell me. I get it. Maybe it’s new and you’re still feeling it out, but will you promise me something?”

I’m hesitant to say yes, but then again I don’t think I have much of an option.

“Sure,” I say.

“Thank you. When you’re ready, will you tell me all about her? Give me the scoop. Don’t leave one droplet behind.”

Hell…

“Promise me, Bennett. It’s the least you can do for my little romantic heart.”

“When did you develop a romantic heart?”

“Ever since I fell in love. I want everyone else to be in love, too, including you. Wait, oh my God, are you in love?”

Yes.

“Are you nervous you’re going to jinx it, and that’s why you haven’t said anything to me?”

No.

I haven’t said anything because it’s your best friend.

“Uh, Gabby, I’m pulling up to the stadium,” I say, even though that’s a lie, which fucking sucks, but I can’t handle the stress of this moment. “I have to go.”

“Bennett, don’t you dare hang up on me.”

“I love you, sis,” I say, guilt consuming me.

“Bennett Brinkman, at least tell me what her name starts with.”

“Glad you got tickets. Text me the details. Love you,” I say quickly and then hang up the phone.

I stare down at the screen, my heart racing a mile a minute while my skin prickles with fear.