Page 76 of Yours To Hold
Gemma laughs, loud and bright. The conversation about her brother seems officially forgotten.
Good. Because I don’t want to hear how she thinks Mason sees me. Even if it’s the furthest thing from the truth.
“I don’t know if he’s ready for small-town life. He’s going to have to learn to say no to them.”
“I think he secretly loves it—being the center of attention.”
“One of the perks of a small town.” Our waitress comes back with our meals and sets them down. “I guess another perk. They know your order without even ordering.”
“You won’t get this in Seattle.”
“Stop it.” I cut off a bite of my banana pancake and eat it, chewing more thoroughly than I normally would. Once again, Gemma is steering the conversation where I don’t want it to go.
“Are you ready for the big move?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“It’s all you’ve been talking about. It’s finally here.”
And now that it is, I’m having a hard time with it.
“Is it okay to feel weird about leaving?” I voice the small question. Not that Gemma needs to know the why of it all. But if I can’t talk about these feelings with her, I might explode.
“Are you having second thoughts?”
“No, nothing like that.” Her sole focus is on me. It’s one of the reasons I love her. Whenever I need her, she is always there.
It makes the guilt of sneaking around with her brother behind her back press that much more on my mind.
“You’ve lived in Dixon your entire life. I’d be worried if you weren’t nervous.”
“It’s a big change.”
“Ivy.” Gemma drops her fork and takes my hand in hers. “I’ve seen your work. You are an incredible photographer. The best I’ve seen.”
“You have to say that. You’re my best friend.”
She shakes her head. “No, I don’t. The work you show me? You’re better than half those people out there. That’s why I know this is an opportunity that you can’t pass up.”
Gemma’s words warm me from the inside out. It’s just what I need to hear. “Thanks, Gem.”
“I’ll remind you of it any time you need me to. The Layne Gallery is lucky to have you.”
“And I’m lucky to have you.”
“I’m not going anywhere. I know it’ll be hard to get out to Seattle, but you’re not getting rid of me anytime soon.”
I laugh, because I know it’s the truth. Gemma is my family. “Hopefully my apartment will be big enough for you to come visit.”
“Hey, I’m a great bed partner if I need to be.”
I waggle my eyebrows. “I’m sure Blake would agree with that.”
“Stop it.” Her face flushes. I love that I can still embarrass her like this, even though she’s so far gone on Blake it’s not even funny.
Just like I am with her brother.
Damn it.
