Friends with Issues by Meredith Berlin

Author:Meredith Berlin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Warren Publishing
Published: 2023-11-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Brooke

Los Angeles

Brooke walked into the house and jumped when she saw Nick in the living room. “What the hell?”

He came up to her, gently kissing her on the lips.

She pulled away and threw up her hands. “You just came into the house without asking me?”

“I know, I’m sorry.” He glanced over at his cup. “Inez makes a terrific cup of coffee.”

“Inez wouldn’t just let you in!” She was fuming. He was dismissing her feelings and his own behavior. If he’d thought he had enough charm to just waltz in and assumed she would be okay with it, he didn’t know her.

Nick looked a little embarrassed. “I persuaded her I was your good friend. She left a few minutes ago.”

“I can see that.” She crossed her arms and stared at him. “What are you doing here?”

“I checked into the hotel and called your cell several times. It kept going to voicemail, and I was worried.”

Then she remembered. She had shut off her phone in the hospital and forgotten to check her messages. “You don’t just appear in someone’s house.”

He shook his head and nodded. “I was an ass. You’re right. I’m sorry.” He started to walk toward the pool.

She was galled. “Stop! What do you think you’re doing now?”

He turned around. “I’m sorry, I thought you’d want to talk a little more.”

“Why? What’s the matter with you? And who says I want to go outside? You want to talk, ask me.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry. Again. Boy, I keep screwing up. Please forgive me.” He smiled, but she didn’t smile back. He looked down at his shoes and was quiet for a second. “I’m usually not this inconsiderate. I just want to talk to you.”

She stayed still, frowning, her shoulders up by her neck, her hands clenching. She was appalled he would assume how she would feel. Or that he would just walk into Charlotte’s house when she wasn’t there. Did he think Brooke was some kind of wimp who would be okay with anything he did? And why was she also a little happy he was there? She released her shoulders and massaged her neck.

“Fine, let’s talk,” she said. He walked over to her and tried to take her hand. “Keep your hands to yourself. I’ll let you know when I’m ready to be touched.”

“Of course.”

She led him out to the pool. He sat on one of the lounge chairs. She sighed and sat down beside him. Her body started to relax, and she realized how tired she was. The time difference, hospital visit, conversations with Charlotte and Tripp—all of it was making it hard for her to keep her eyes open.

Nick turned to her. “I’m sorry I came over without asking. But I was concerned, and I wanted to see you, just to make sure you were okay.” He stood up. “My hotel is a few minutes from here. I’ll pick you up at seven. We can have a light dinner—wherever you want. If you’re not up to it, we can talk tomorrow.

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