Total pages in book: 127
Estimated words: 121460 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 607(@200wpm)___ 486(@250wpm)___ 405(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 121460 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 607(@200wpm)___ 486(@250wpm)___ 405(@300wpm)
The truth was, I needed a friend who wasn’t an Adair. As much as I loved Arro, she’d no doubt root for whatever made Brodan happy, and if she thought that was me, there would be pressure. Regan would be the same.
An impartial friend who I might talk to about this stuff once we got friendlier sounded like a solution. Therefore, I called Sloane and asked her to brunch. Luckily, Callie was spending the day at Lewis’s. He’d invited her over to play his new video game. They’d become like two peas in a pod in class, and my chest ached every time they reminded me of how Brodan and I were as kids.
That’s all it was, I told myself continuously. Brodan wasn’t in love with me now. He was just confused by our long history and the love we’d shared as children. He’d realize that soon enough, and who would end up hurt again? Me. Thus, I was standing strong against whatever plans he had to make me fall in love with him again.
I even googled him last night.
I knew it was a bad idea.
But I was weak and needed some armor against him.
Seeing images of him with one stunning beauty after another and reading articles about his dating history helped. I was nothing like those women. For a start, they all seemed comfortable in the spotlight. I most certainly was not. And being in a relationship with Brodan Adair would change life as I knew it. My face would be plastered over tabloids and the internet, and jealous people would make nasty comments and question why he’d chosen me. The speculation would make me feel trapped in my own skin.
Um, no thanks.
“That’s a serious look.” Sloane’s voice interrupted my thoughts.
I blinked, realizing I’d been so lost in my musings, I’d walked into Flora’s on autopilot. I turned to find Sloane at a table by the window. “Hi.” I laughed wryly at myself. “I’m so sorry. I was in dreamland.”
She flashed her glamorous smile and gestured to the empty chair. “No worries. I visit there often.”
Chuckling, I took the seat. “How are you?”
“Still having ‘pinch me’ moments that Callie and I live in the Scottish Highlands now, but otherwise, good.”
I wanted to ask what had brought them here, but I sensed it would be better to leave it to Sloane to tell me. “But you like it here?”
“What’s not to like? Everyone is so friendly. Callie’s found a new best friend, and I have a stable job and a nice place to live.”
“It’s not strange wandering that castle, seeing all those famous faces?”
She shrugged. “I’m from LA. I grew up seeing a famous face or two.”
“Right.”
“Have you ever been to the castle?” Sloane asked. “It’s something to see.”
Nostalgia seized me as memories of running through the halls filled my mind. “I used to be quite familiar with it before they renovated. It used to be the Adairs’ family home, but they only lived in a small portion.”
“Really?” Sloane leaned forward, her chin on her fist. “So you’re friends with them all? I did sense that at the bake sale.”
Melancholy threatened. “I used to be best friends with Brodan. When we were kids. Much like Callie and Lewis. It’s wonderful she’s found a good friend.” I attempted to change the subject.
Sloane’s whole face lit up. “I’m so relieved. And Regan is a sweetheart. She’s been telling everyone about my baking, and I got a few orders for birthday cakes.”
Flora stopped at our table. “What can I get you, ladies?”
I greeted her warmly before she took our orders, and she rested a hand on my shoulder and squeezed. I met Flora’s eyes, and she offered a grim smile, and I knew she knew. Last evening I’d popped in to see her mum, and I’d told her I wasn’t helping my mum anymore. I’d even told her why. Belle understood. She hadn’t known my dad had died either. Apparently, Mum had told no one. Belle was so sad for me, and I’d tried my best to assure her I was okay. She’d obviously told Flora.
I think I’d been ignoring my feelings about Mum. It was easier to be distracted by Brodan than to contemplate my mother’s lies. To contemplate searching for my dad’s resting place.
I couldn’t think about it just yet.
Sloane and I fell easily back into conversation. While we dodged personal details about our pasts, we were comfortable with each other, and I sensed that one day we could confide the hard stuff. I’d always had a gut instinct about people, about whether a person would be a casual acquaintance or a friend I could have a fun but shallow relationship with—or someone with whom I could share a deep, genuine friendship.
I hadn’t felt the latter in years, which was why I moved back to the Highlands without it upsetting anyone’s life back in Glasgow. Sure, I got a text now and then from teachers I was friendly with down there, but that was it.