Page 129 of Taking Sides

“But he’s her brother,” I finish for her.

She nods.

They’re close. I’ve always known that, even if I didn’t understand it. I do now though. Their mom left and their dad is a prick. All they’ve had is each other.

“He’s a part of her life and I accept that. I’ll even do my best to get along with the guy if that’s what it takes.” Even as I say the words though, I can hear Victor baiting me, trying to get under my skin. I let out a sigh. “But I don’t know if I’m ever going to be able to stand by and keep my mouth shut while he tears her down.”

The room is quiet. I look around to each of my friends. “What do I do?”

“I think you start by telling her everything you told us,” Hannah suggests.

The rest murmur their agreements.

“You know what I think,” D-Low says with a grin.

“I can’t fix everything with a proposal set to the Dirty Dancing soundtrack.”

His smile stretches across his face. “Why not? She loves that movie.”

“Wait. Did you say proposal?” Ruby’s eyes are wide. “Oh my god, Conrad!”

She smacks me kind of hard on the arm.

“Ouch. What was that for?”

She smacks me again.

“Violent little thing when she’s pissed.” Galaxy winks at me.

“You’re going to ask her to marry you?” Ruby asks.

I lean back in case she’s considering hitting me depending on my answer.

“Eventually, yeah, but I don’t want to show up with a ring when we’re in a bad place. I want to ask her when she’s as sure about me as I am about her.”

Ruby’s face softens, and she looks past me to Hannah. I whip my head around and Hannah’s staring back at Ruby with the same expression. I’m about to ask them what the hell that look is about when they sigh dramatically in unison.

“Aww,” Hannah says. “That’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard.”

“It’s the best excuse not to propose to someone I’ve ever heard,” Ruby agrees.

“Not as sweet as how I proposed though, right?” Galaxy asks her.

“Second to that,” Ruby clarifies for me.

“I’ll take it.” I fill my lungs with air and let it out slowly. “I should go. She’s probably wondering why I haven’t stopped by yet.”

“Do you want me to come with you?” D-Low asks. “I can have the music cued up just in case.”

“Do you already have a ring?” Ruby asks, back to looking at me all shocked and angry.

I feel another smack coming, so I stand. “Not yet.”

She gives me a pleading look.

“Do you want to come with me when I pick it out?”

“Yes!” All five of them say at once.