Page 32 of Reckless Love
“And you think Bernard is the right path?” My words sound brittle, but it’s still not as sassy as I want to be saying it.
“He’s in love with you and he has been for years. He’s at church every Sunday and has served on the church board for a long time now. WetrustBernard. Can you say the same about Rhodes?”
“I trust Rhodes with my life. And Mom…Bernard is not exactly Mr. Innocent.”
My mom scoffs into the phone. “Between the two men, I’d say their reputations speak for themselves.”
She has no idea. I’ve never badmouthed Bernard to my parents. They love him and he’s needed them in his life too, not having the best relationship with his parents. I haven’t wanted to deprive them from that relationship just because I don’t want to be with Bernard. But this just isn’t right.
I blink back tears, frustrated that Rhodes has never gotten a fair chance with them, while Bernard still manages to be a saint in their eyes.
“Anyway,” my mom sounds brisk again, “are you still coming over for dinner tonight?”
This is one of the few free nights I’ve had in a while, but I wish I hadn’t agreed to dinner now. I love them so much, but I don’t want a rerun of this conversation. And then I remember Amara and Troy.
“Oh, Mom, I’m so sorry. I totally spaced and told AmaraI’d go over there and decorate with them. They’re not in town long. Can I have a rain check? I could do Thursday night, but then my schedule is gonna be crazy for a while. I miss you guys and need a quiet dinner at home soon.”
“Are you sure you’re not trying to get out of tonight because you don’t want to talk about Bernard anymore?”
“Well, yes, I would also like to table the Bernard discussion, but that’s not why I’m bailing tonight.”
“For now,” she says, laughing. “I’ve said my piece.”
If only she’d leave it at that, but we’ll be revisiting it later, no question. Louisa Benton doesn’t just drop a topic.
I can’t believe I’ve created this mess about Rhodes. I’ll tell my parents on Thursday that it’s fizzled out, and we’ll leave it at that.
I get up and clean my condo and then run to the grocery store. The day after tomorrow, I’ll be back to my crazy schedule with work and practice and writing, so the day off has been nice. When I get home from the store, I write for as long as I can until it’s time to go to Rhodes’ house.
My phone buzzes on my way to the car. I check it, expecting it to be Rhodes, but he’s been quiet all day. I did sort of fly out of his SUV when we pulled into his driveway last night. I didn’t trust myself not to do something insane like climb his body and never let go.
I really shouldn’t be going to his house. For all the reasons. And the cheer team is honestly at the bottom of that list at the moment.
Tru
Oh my God, why have I not read this book sooner?
Sadie
I know. I’m OBSESSED. I stayed up until three this morning finishing it and the ending is so satisfying.
Calista
Sigh. I read it in one sitting. I wish I could be experiencing Ryder and Eliza for the first time. The joy it brings me to know you are is just as good though!
Since I can’t stay quiet forever, I finally chime in.
Guess I better get on the bandwagon and read this book!
Calista
Girl, get after it! We need to discuss!
Tru
I’m dying for you to read it, Elle. You know who it reminds me of? You and Rhodes! Especially after seeing you guys on the dance floor last night, which was OH SO HOT. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but dancing is kind of their thing too, and it is steamy AF. Henley is loving that I’m reading all this steam and needing an outlet.
Sadie