Page 50 of Choose Us

“Kind of. I mulled it over all night, decided not to tell you, then to tell you, and it went like that for afew hours.”

“I’d be mad if you didn’t tell me.”

“I know.” Beth boiled the kettle and reached for two mugs from the fancy metal wall display she’d created. “Listen, regardless of whatever it is you’re doing whilst you’re here in Japan, how significant it is or not, you should know if you’re being lied to.”

“Why would shelie to me?”

“Your guess is as good as mine.” Beth shrugged.

Is shelying to me?

Does it matter if she is?

It would sting, but nothing could sting as much as the day she left.

“Whatshall I do?”

“If she’s lied to you, it’s probably for a good reason. I wouldn’t dwell on it too much. Whatever the two of you are doing, you’ll be gone in six days, so it seems pointless to challenge her.” Beth made agood point.

“You’re right,” I tried to reassure myself. “She seemed pretty embarrassed and defensive about my thoughts on her father the other day, so it’s probably something to do with him. No doubt he’s still ruling her life like she’sa teenager.”

“Probably. I’m glad my dad’s notlike that.”

“Ditto.”

Brooke’s business was none of mine, not really. Whatever ties we had to one another ended two years ago, even if the feelings were still present, even if they were stronger than ever. What we had was history. She didn’t oweme anything.

I had to forget about it and enjoy the time I had left with her before it wasover—again.

*

The train line was heaving. Thankfully, Beth waited with me until the train arrived on the platform. The temperature outside was twenty-four degrees already, and it was only 7:30 a.m. I had a string of ten text messages from Paula, all regarding work, until the very last one caught my attention.

Paula

Have you bumped intoBrooke yet?

A monkey face emoji followed. I’d left that part out of our conversations and for good reason. The main one being me not wantingher opinion.

Holly

Beth told you,didn’t she?

Beth and Paula decided, after meeting a grand total of three times and bonding over thinking I’d been eaten by a black bear that they were now best buddies, and the joint CEOs of my love life.

Paula

Yes, she may have told me. When you don’t reply to me, I now ask Beth.

Fantastic.

Holly

You’re nosey. Don’t go telling anyone!

I found a comfortable forward-facing seat on the train, because I can’t travel backwards.

Paula