Page 13 of Truly

What makes it impossible to move on from her completely is thatI like her.

I like her as a person. I respect the hell out of her. I enjoy being with her, even when we aren’t having sex—maybe even more when we aren’t in the bedroom.

That’s great when she’s your girl, but it’s not so great when she’s not, and you can’t have her.

Like now.

Because she left me for bigger—much-deserved—things. A brighter, bolder life. I don’t think Gavin is entirely right. She’s not back. She’s just here … for now.

“She needs my help, Gav. I don’t know why, but it doesn’t matter. If she needs me, I’ll be there.”

“I know you will, buddy.”

My smile is faint. “She wants to stay.”

“For how long?”

I shrug even though he can’t see me.

“Look, I have concerns that this isn’t safefor you,” Gavin says.

“I—”

“But I know you’re going to help her anyway.” He chuckles. “What can I do to help?”

I grin. “Have I ever told you that you’re my favorite brother?”

“Yes. But you usually only say it when you need a favor.”

“Bad idea to mention it now, then, huh?”

He laughs.

I rack my brain for anything that Gavin might be able to do to help. The only thing I can come up with is that Laina mentioned she doesn’t have a phone or clothes. Sure, she can borrow both of mine. But she might feel more comfortable not being dressed in her ex’s clothes while she sorts her life with another man.

“Can you get a prepaid cell phone?” I ask. “She doesn’t have hers, and I’m guessing she’s going to want to make calls and not have them easily traced.”

“Don’t ask questions, but I have a prepaid cell that I haven’t activated yet. You can have that.”

Don’t ask questions?Now, all I want to do is ask questions.What are you up to, Gav?

“Great,” I say instead, staying focused. “And can you grab her a few clothes somewhere?”

“Where do you think I’m going to be able to get women’s clothes?”

I run a hand down the side of my face. “Go to Chase’s and see if Kennedy will let you borrow a few things. She’s a teenager, but I think they’re about the same size.”

“Oh, sure. How should I ask our niece if I can borrow some of her clothes? She’s going to get the wrong impression.”

I laugh. “Make something up. Tell her you have a girl over from out of town or something.”

“That’s not setting a good example.”

“Sure. Worry about that now.”

“Fine, fine. I’ll do it.”

“And, Gav, please don’t mention this to anyone. I don’t want anyone to know Laina is here.”