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Lorelie’s words cut through her like a knife, but someone had to be the voice of reason. Someone had to remain strong. While their hearts may be broken now, they’d have time to heal, to move on. Better to get this part over with quick rather than deal with the fallout later when it would be that much more devastating.

“I’m not a good bet, Lorelie.”

“What’s that mean?”

“I went into this…” She paused. She’d started to say “relationship”. Then she realized that was exactly what it was. Not calling it by its name didn’t make it something else. “I went into this relationship because I thought it was just going to be a physical thing. The three of us having some fun between the sheets.”

“So what you got was something way better. Sex and love. Stop being an idiot, Sade.”

“People don’t live in threes.” It was the same lame excuse she’d offered Joel. Lorelie rejected it just like he had, her eyes rolling back in her head.

“You’re not the type of person who gives a shit what other people think, Sadie. That’s Joel’s hang-up and obviously he’s gotten beyond it. He and Oakley took you to that restaurant, to that very public place, to declare their love because they happen to believe the three of you can make it work. He got beyond his fears. So it’s your turn. Tell me why you’re really saying no.”

“I’ve never been in love. Not really.”

“That doesn’t sound like a reason to walk away. Love is staring you right in the face. What’s stopping you from grabbing it with both hands?”

Sadie had never spoken her fear aloud, never told another living soul the terror she harbored deep down inside.

“What if I can’t do it? What if I’m like her?” she whispered, her head bowed, her eyes closed.

Lorelie’s voice betrayed her confusion. “Like who?”

“My mom.”

“You’re not a damn thing like your mother.”

Sadie’s eyes flew open, landing on her father’s angry face. She’d been so upset, she hadn’t even seen him walk over. “Dad.”

“You really think that?” he asked.

She shrugged. She’d always believed it. Sadie had never found it easy to form close relationships and she had a wild streak inside her a mile wide.

Lorelie flushed as she stepped away from the bar. From her regretful expression, it was clear she knew she’d opened a can of worms. “I should probably go.”

“Not yet.” Sadie’s dad blocked Lorelie’s path. “Who’s in love with Sadie?”

“What?” Lorelie hedged, glancing over her shoulder at Sadie, horrified. Her dad was a pretty intimidating fellow, but something in Lorelie’s pursed lips told Sadie her friend wouldn’t betray her. Even if she was scared spitless. Sadie decided then and there Lorelie was going to be her first real, genuine girlfriend.

Lorelie had come here because she loved Oakley and Joel. Her intentions had been good and Sadie was glad the men had such a fierce little protector. A sister of the heart to stand up for them.

Sadie couldn’t make Lorelie stand before the firing squad for simply trying to help—so she stepped into the line of fire instead. “Oakley and Joel are in love with me, Dad.”

Her father scowled. “Both of them?”

She nodded. “It’s okay, Lorelie. Honest. I’ll call you later.”

Lorelie mouthed the word, “sorry,” then took her leave without another word.

Her father jerked his head toward the back, indicating he wanted Sadie to move. Now.

“Roscoe,” he called out loudly. “Take the bar.”

He lifted the hinged counter and Sadie stepped out, following him to the small office in the back of the building.

Once the office door was closed, he turned to face her, his arms crossed. “Talk.”

“I’ve been seeing Oakley and Joel.”