Page 78 of Foul Territory

“Oh shit,” Wyatt says, popping a chip in his mouth and settling on the couch like he’s watching the best movie he’s ever seen.

“Can we talk in the kitchen?” I ask. Wyatt holds his bowl of chips against his chest and grabs his phone before standing. “Privately,” I add, giving him a knowinglook.

“That’s not very nice.” He slumps back down on the couch. “Whatever. It’s fine. Nash’s voice carries anyway. I can hear you just fine from out here.”

I snort a laugh and roll my eyes. Nash wordlessly follows me into our kitchen. Staring down at the white countertop on the island, I brace myself for Nash’s reaction to what I’m about to tell him.

He stands opposite me. His arms crossed over his chest waiting for me to say what I need to. It feels like I’ve entered confession.

“Who are you taking out on a date? I swear to God if you say—”

“I’m going to say her name. I asked Syd out a few days ago, and with a moderate amount of begging she said yes.”

Nash smirks. Strange. Not the reaction I expected. He’s too casual. Too relaxed. It makes me feel uneasy. Where is all that anger from a few moments ago? “And this is you asking for what? Permission? My approval?” He tilts his head.

“No, I’m not asking for anything. I’m telling you I’m taking her out. If you want to get mad, now is your chance. After today, I’m not talking about it with you again. I love you, man, but I love your sister more.”

“About fucking time. I’ve been waiting for you to finally man the fuck up and admit you had feelings for her,” he says, grinning back at me.

My grip tightens on the counter. “How long have you known I’ve had feelings for her? I’ve been careful. I’ve never said anything.”

“You did. Every day, but not with words. I’ve known since the first time I told you she was off limits.”

“You what?” I roar, rounding the side of the island and inching closer to Nash. “You knew I liked her and you still gave me the ultimatum of picking you or her?”

“I was a kid. I saw my friend getting closer to my sister and further away from me. I was a jealous little fuck.”

“You’re an asshole is what you are,” I say.

“I agree!” Wyatt yells from the other room. “That wasn’t cool,Nashville.”

“I didn’t know how serious it was back then. We were kids, man. You don’t fall in love that young. I figured you would find someone else in high school and it wouldn’t be an issue.”

Has he met his sister? There is no one who could ever compare to her.

“Why didn’t you lift the ban? Every chance you had you warned all of us off of her. You knew I wanted to be with her and you still kept us apart. Why? Just to be a dick?”

“Probably!” Wyatt yells.

“I warnedyouoff of her. I needed to know for sure you were serious about her. That you truly deserved her. All those other guys, they don’t mean shit,” he says. I couldn’t agree with him more. “You, however, are my best friend.”

“One of your best friends,” Wyatt corrects him.

“We should just let him come in here,” I say.

“Thought you’d never ask,” Wyatt says, walking into the kitchen and taking a seat at the table.

“Like I was saying. You areone ofmy best friends,” Nash repeats, looking at Wyatt who gives his nod of approval. “The only way I would know if you were serious about Sydney is if you said screw it to whatever I want and be with her anyway.”

“You owe her an apology.” I’m so mad at him right now. He had no right to interfere in our relationship like this. I’ve carried so much guilt for wanting to be with her but knowing that meant betraying him.

However, it’s the pain the whole situation has caused Sydney that really guts me. She deserved better from both of us. I’m angry at myself for letting Nash hold our friendship over my head for so long.

“You’re right. I do. I’ll talk to her, and apologize for my part in this mess. I don’t think you heard every warning. When I asked you to look after her in high school, I didn’t mean sneak around behind my back and sleep with her. Do I get to punch you in the face for that?” he jokes. I don’t find any of this funny.

“You wouldn’t be making jokes right now if you knew how angry I am. I should be the one getting free rein on your face for playing games.”

“Don’t put all the blame on me. I realized my mistake. I did what I could to push you together. I asked you to help with my birthday. I texted you when she was out with Joe. I invite her over here to hang out and make myself scarce. I don't really like studying that much. You never pushed back. Not once did you speak up and say you wanted to be with her.”