Honest Betrayal by Dara Girard Read Free Book Online Page B

noises.
    He frowned. “Do you want my help or not?”
    She let her hands fall. “Fine, fine. Do you have any ideas?”
    He pulled on his goatee pensive then snapped his fingers. “I could chaperon.”
    Brenna narrowed her eyes.
    “Or tell her you had an emergency.”
    “Maybe. Let’s think some more.” They sat at the table trying to come up with various ideas. A few moments later, the doorbell rang. They stared at each other.
    Brenna glanced at her clock. “She’s early.”
    “Make her wait.”
    “For how long?”
    “Until we come up with something.”
    “That could take a while.” She went to the door.
    He grabbed her arm. “Wait.”
    “What?”
    “Ask who it is. It could be Amazonia.”
    Brenna sent her brother a look of disgust then opened the door. Bette stood there with a ready grin, dressed in a short black skirt and paisley blouse that complemented her petite build.
    Brenna opened the door wider. “You look great.”
    “Sorry I’m early,” she said. “But I thought we could drive for awhile too. I love the spring. It’s a soft feminine season.”
    Stephen folded his arms. “And you like all things feminine, right?”
    “You remember Stephen,” Brenna said, giving her brother a sharp look.
    “Yes, you’re all grown up.” They shook hands.
    “Do you mind if I just use the bathroom before we go?” Bette asked.
    “Sure.”
    Stephen watched her leave then said, “You should go out with her.”
    “Why?”
    “She’s cute. Of course you’d be the butch in the relationship.”
    Brenna’s response was a silent one, but when Bette came out of the bathroom, she saw Stephen hopping around on one leg. “Is something wrong with him?”
    “He walked into my cane,” Brenna said without sympathy. “Could you sit for a moment? We need to talk.”
    “Sure.” She sat on the couch.
    Brenna smoothed out her trousers. “I’m not the best at being subtle. I try, but fail many times.” She paused. “I’ve really enjoyed the time we’ve spent together.”
    Bette’s face fell. “You’re breaking up with me. I can tell.”
    Stephen grinned.  “She didn’t even know she was dating you.”
    Brenna turned to him and whispered. “One more word and I’ll aim higher than your knee.”
    He sat.
    Brenna turned back to Bette and said carefully, “The truth is I like you very much.”
    “But it’s not working, right?” She nodded. “I knew there was something missing. I didn’t want to believe it because I like you too. But something has to click and it didn’t with us.” She stood and went to the door. “It’s been fun.”
    “Yes.”
    Bette stepped outside and saw Tima putting a picture on her door. A watercolor of a spring scene. “Hi,” Tima said.
    Bette stepped closer to the painting. “That’s beautiful.”
    “Thank you, this is my favorite season.”
    “Mine too.”
    “But since you two are heading out, don’t let me keep you.” She winked at Brenna. “Have fun,” she said then went back inside.
    Bette widened her eyes, her voice in awe. “She’s gorgeous. You are so lucky to live next door.” She smiled. “I get it now. You want a chance with her. I saw that special look you gave her.”
    Brenna started. “No, it’s not—”
    “Don’t worry, I’m not upset. Wish me luck tonight.”
    Brenna watched her skip down the stairs. “I don’t believe it. She thinks I’m a lesbian and attracted to Tima.”
    Stephen draped an arm on her shoulders. “That makes Tima a little more interesting.”
    “What does?”
    “That she attracts lesbians. Though I’m not surprised.”
    Brenna elbowed him in the ribs. “You’d be a lot more attractive if you kept your mouth shut.”
    He rubbed his side not offended. “You know that was one of the best breakups I’ve ever seen. I wish I could break up with women like that.”
    She looked at him hopeful. “You could practice.”
    His face grew serious. “Do you want me to pay for dinner?”
    “Yes.”
    “Then shut