18. Dresses and Dysfunction
Isway on my feet. How did Lincoln figure it out? Nobody said anything about it during the pool party, did they?
Then I remember Brenna appreciating the way Lincoln took charge of the situation when I fell. She said something about Chloe and Troy.
Caleb looks like he wants to throw a punch at Lincoln, but I hold out a hand.
“It’s okay,” I say.
“You don’t have to talk about it.” Lincoln looks chagrined. “It’s not my business, but when I heard that, it explained why Mark is so worried about you—it wasn’t a normal break-up, was it?”
My mouth opens. Closes.
Lincoln’s voice is soft. “Really, I don’t need to know. Neither of us do.”
I finally force the words out. “It wasn’t a normal break-up. I mean, break-ups are always hard and they don’t usually feel ‘normal.’ But Troy and I were engaged. Then he cheated on me…yeah, with my sister.”
Neither of the men moves. They stand motionless and tense like they’re ready to catch me if I fall apart.
Not knowing what else to say, I continue, “And I’d thought Chloe and I were growing closer. She wanted to hang out with me more, spend more time together, even without Troy. Now I think she was just searching for weaknesses in his and my relationship because she wanted him for herself.”
“Unbelievable,” Caleb mutters. “Jesus Christ, that’s cold.”
“It’s fine,” I say, waving a hand. “I’m fine. Truly.”
“There’s nothing ‘fine’ about it.” Caleb rubs a hand over his stubble, looking like he just got hit in the stomach. I know how he feels.
Nodding once in agreement, Lincoln says, “Now I understand why Mark was worried. But you’re strong, Trouble. And your friends seem pretty solid.”
“They are.” I never leaned on them before—I thought I had a life all figured out for myself in Fair Heights with Troy. But now I know they’d have my back, just as I’d have theirs.
And Caleb and Lincoln would have my back, too. I can see that now in the way they’re watching me. Half concerned, half proud, one hundred percent caring.
“Doll,” Caleb says, breaking the silence. “You really need to get off of that ankle. Didn’t you say you have errands tomorrow?”
I hold back a groan. I do have errands, dress-shopping with Chloe and my mom. Too bad I didn’t break my ankle. They’d probably make me come and use crutches, though.
“I can walk without limping,” I say, “but you’re right, I should rest.”
Caleb raises his eyebrows. “I have some good ideas for keeping you on your back. Lincoln, you in?”
He asks it so casually, I half-expect Lincoln to agree. But my step-uncle shakes his head and says, “You two go on.”
I can’t help but look over my shoulder as I follow Caleb out of the kitchen and to the bedroom, and Lincoln is leaning over the counter, staring at nothing.
I wish he would look at me.
I wish he would come with us.
* * *