Page 117 of Whispers of Wisteria

“What do you mean?”

“Jealousy,” Finn replied with a shrug. “Aggression, impulsive behavior, not being completely honest. When we becomeobsessed, we tend to overlook the details in order to focus on long-term goals. It was my job to keep you safe. That was all that was important. It took being on the outside to see it. I’ve been an asshole.”

“Yeah,” I agreed. “You have been.”

“You could at least deny it a little,” he muttered.

“It’s okay.” I elbowed him lightly on the side and leaned in, whispering, “I can be one too.”

“Oh?” He raised his eyebrow. His voice was softer now as he responded. “I already knew that. You’re a little bit terrifying sometimes.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. He could at least look surprised at my admission.

“I guess that’s why we’re friends.” Finn’s mouth curled up ever so slightly, and my heart skipped a beat. “We’re two peas in a pod.”

Suddenly, I couldn’t breathe. Finn’s tone had been slight—joking—but the stressed line of his shoulders gave away his nervous tension.

During the entire duration of our relationship, he’d never once called me his best friend.

I wasn’t even his friend anymore. Wasn’t I still angry at him?

But for what—and why? It didn’t matter anymore. Not in the grand scheme of things.

“I thought I was your responsibility?” I asked, resigned. “At least, that’s what you said.”

He blinked at me, confused. “Well, yeah. You’re my best friend. That means I get to keep you safe.”

I studied him for a minute. Finn sometimes had trouble finding words, but now that I wasn’t upset anymore, I could see from his expression that, to him, they were one and the same.

And he’d been my best friend too.

“Yeah…” My attention returned to the sky, and I pressed my cheek against my knees again. “I guess we are.”

“Good.” He reached beside him and pulled a bag onto his legs. “I guess I can give you this now.”

My chest grew warm as he placed the small, paper-wrapped cake into my lap.

“I had to fight Miles for the kitchen,” Finn explained, pulling out a thermos of hot chocolate. “But he finally left me alone. Eat,” he said, twisting the lid.

I held the neatly wrapped treat between my hands. “Honey cake.”

“Well, yeah…” Finn sounded slightly unsure. “Do you not like it anymore?”

Why was my vision blurring? I wiped the wrist of my sleeve over my eyes. “It’s my favorite.”

“I know.” His brows furrowed as his mouth twisted. “That’s why I made it.”

He didn’t look at me while I ate, which I was thankful for. The two of us sat in silence as I nibbled on the cake and watched the sunset over the horizon.

“Today we’re goingto have a lesson about control,” Uncle Gregory began sternly. He steepled his fingers near his chin and addressed us with an even gaze.

It felt like we were children sent to the principal’s office.

“And the consequence of not wielding it properly.”

My breath hitched.

“I was extremely disappointed to learn about yesterday’s events,” he continued, looking between us. “Especially as Bryce had to be the one to enlighten me.”