Page 69 of What He Always Knew

“Yeah. Thanks for the flowers, that was nice of you.”

She smiled, glancing at the vase, but she found me with questions still spinning behind her big, blue eyes.

“Charlie seemed upset that we were here.”

“She’s not,” I assured her. “They’re just tired, been through a lot in the last two days. I think they both needed rest.”

“Sure,” Blake said, nodding, but I knew she was biting her tongue. “You two are close, huh?”

I didn’t answer. I was smart enough to see that trap before my big foot stepped right into it.

“How come you never mentioned her before? Back in the city?”

I cleared my throat. “We didn’t keep in touch when I left. There was nothing to say.”

“Oh,” she said, forcing a smile. “Well, that’s nice that you were able to pick right back up when you came back to town.”

“Mm-hmm.”

Blake glanced around, running a hand back through her hair as a shiver ran down her back. “I’ve had enough of hospitals. They’re so sad,” she said, voice soft. “I’m sure Graham is glad you could come.” She paused. “I know I’ve been so happy that I have you to come home to after everything going on with my dad.”

I blew out a breath, opening one arm for her to hug me. She leaned in, nuzzling her cheek against my chest.

“I know. You’ve been through a lot lately. Are you sure you want to be here?”

She nodded. “Yes, it’s nice to get away from my own thoughts for a while.” Her breath was hot on my neck as she peered up at me. “I’m just so thankful for you being here for me, Reese — for everything. Just like how I was there for you when… when everything happened. I just, I’ll never be able to thank you enough. I know you understand more than anyone.”

My throat was tight then, and suddenly the hospital room was too small to take an adequate breath.

She was still staring at me when Graham joined us, and I let out a breath of relief as low as I could, releasing her from my grip.

“Hey, you ready to go?” Graham asked me.

“Yep,” I answered, looking back at Blake. “We’re going to go out to the old park for a while, shoot basketball and catch up. You going to be okay here?”

Blake didn’t look happy at our conversation being cut short, but she nodded. “Of course. I’m sure there’s something I can help with around here.”

“Okay. I’ll be back soon.”

I kissed her temple before zipping out of the room like it was on fire, and Graham followed. He chuckled when he caught up with me, glancing back over his shoulder before meeting me with a raised brow.

“Blake is… something.”

I smirked. “That she is.”

“Her and Charlie have beef?”

I stopped short when we reached the set of double doors that led out to the elevators. “What?”

“Charlie was looking at her weird, like an enemy. And my sister doesn’t have any of those. Do they not like each other?”

I feigned nonchalance, opening the door for us and pushing the elevator button once we were through. “They’ve only met once before. I think Charlie was just tired.”

“Yeah,” Graham said, watching me closely. “Could be. Were you with her the other night?”

A flush ran over my face before I could cool it, and I couldn’t even answer. I just avoided Graham’s stare as we stepped onto the elevator.

“At the school event,” he clarified once the doors closed behind us. “She said she had a meeting. Were you there, too?”