Page 96 of The Rowdy Ones

“So, I heard about you and Weston.”

I tense at her statement. “Yeah. I feel awful.”

“He really likes you.” She pauses and then sighs. “Do you think it’s possibly a stress response after having discovered that murder victim? You two really hit it off. Seems a little abrupt to break it off with him.”

“Are you wanting to know as a therapist or Weston’s mom?” I ask sharply.

I’m most certainly being a bitch and I feel bad about it. I can’t help it, though. I’m feeling anxious after the group therapy session and Gwen is pushing uncomfortable buttons.

“I’m asking as your friend,” she says and then sips her coffee. “I’m Team Destiny. Your happiness and well-being are my number one priority.” She chuckles softly. “Not just you, but this whole clinic. Helping vision-impaired and blind young people is my calling. I’ve given my entire life to it. I’m guilty of caring way too much.”

I relax and nod. “I know. Sorry. I’m just off today.”

“So? How are you doing since that day? It must’ve been horrible to come across a dead body. Then for them to interrogate the two of you after, it must have been awful.”

“I was afraid,” I admit and then smile. “But Rowdy came for me. He always comes for me when I need him most.”

“Sounds like a good big brother.” She says it politely, but there’s a slight edge to her voice she can’t mask.

“The best. Like you, he’s Team Destiny and does whatever he can to make me happy.”

“You have quite the support system. That’s wonderful.”

“Staying with Uncle Atticus and Aunt Eve has been good for me. Coming to this clinic, too. I’m feeling more capable and stronger than I ever have.”

She sets her mug down again. “That’s wonderful news. I’m so happy for you.”

“I even went to my first party. Ran into Claudia there.”

Gwen laughs. “She’s a hoot. I love that girl.”

“She’s boy crazy. Just saying.”

“Trust me, I know. She’s told me no less than fifteen times that she’d like to hook up with my son.”

I snort out a laugh, but then grow serious. “How is Weston anyway? I feel really bad.”

“He’s hurt, but it’s probably for the best. College starts back up next week. Long-distance relationships don’t often work out well, especially for being so new.”

“I wanted to stay being friends with him,” I admit, voice trembling, “but he said he didn’t want to be.”

“Weston is a hothead sometimes. Give him some time. I’m sure the two of you can eventually become friends.”

I smile, hoping she’s right.

“There’s actually something else I wanted to chat about,” Gwen says, speaking slow and carefully. “And I don’t want to offend you in any way.”

All the hairs on my arms stand on end. If someone has to preface their words with “I don’t want to offend you,” then there’s a massive chance it’s offensive.

“What?”

She shifts in her seat and lets out a resigned sigh. “You know how I feel about your brother and his ‘protectiveness.’” I know she wanted to say possessiveness but corrected herself at the last minute so as not to anger me. “And there have been rumors I’ve heard whispered here and there about the two of you.”

Rumors?

There’s no way anyone could know I’ve been having sex with him. My face burns fiery hot and I hate that I’m so obvious with my emotions. Her eyes are working full and well, so I know she sees my reaction.

“People are dumb,” I say, shaking my head. “I’m close with him, is all.”