Not My Hero - Michelle Heard Page 0,44

for just taking the bullying. All the while, she was just indifferent in her own way.

Not watching the movie anymore, I turn the volume down a bit, then ask, “Do you want to lie down?”

Brie shifts nervously. “Won’t your mom mind?”

I let out a chuckle. “Only if we get naked.” Once the words are out, I instantly regret them. “Shit, sorry, that was inappropriate.”

Brie just shrugs, then mutters, “We can lie down. I don’t mind.”

We shift our bodies on the couch, and Brie rests her head on my chest.

After a moment, she mumbles, “Today was nice.”

“Yeah?” Seeing as we’re not watching TV, I switch it off, and only the light from the kitchen shines into the living room.

“Especially lunch,” Brie adds. “It’s really nice having a friend.”

It is. I never had any because it would risk our family’s secret getting out. Brady, on the other hand, had friends and a girlfriend. I wish I knew what he thought when he committed suicide. Then I remember what Brie said. She panicked because I saw the poster.

I hate bringing up the subject, but needing to understand my brother, I ask, “If I hadn’t seen the poster, would you still have tried to commit suicide?”

“Huh?” Her head snaps up, and an awkward look shutters her eyes. “Ah… I don’t know. Why do you ask?”

Pushing an arm under my head, I stare up at the ceiling. “I wish I knew why my brother did it. He didn’t leave a note.” Not wanting to talk more about that night, I change the subject. “Have you thought about how you want to decorate your room?”

Brie shakes her head but then says, “I have a million ideas.”

“Do you want to paint the walls a different color?”

She thinks for a moment, then says, “Maybe just the one wall. A light blue would be nice.”

“I’ll help. We can spend your birthday redecorating your room.”

There’s a moment’s silence, and then Brie whispers, “Colton.”

“Yeah?”

Her arm wraps around my waist, and she gives me a squeeze before she snuggles into my side. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Her words make a huge smile spread over my face. Lifting my head, I press a kiss to her hair. “I’m glad I found you in time.”

“Me too,” she murmurs.

I lie awake as Brie drifts off to sleep, and only once it’s me and my thoughts do I admit to myself that I have a crush on her. But I know it will take a little luck and a lot of patience before I can ask her to be my girlfriend. In the meantime, I’ll be the best friend she’s ever had.

Chapter 16

BRIE

Mom: Stop throwing a tantrum and get your ass home.

I woke up to the message waiting on my phone and have been staring at it for a couple of minutes, not knowing what to reply.

My heart is stuck in my throat, and I’m filled with familiar apprehension.

I still have to get changed for school, but can’t bring myself to move. There’s a soft tap on my door, and my head snaps up. “Yes?”

“Can I come in?” Colton asks.

“Yeah.” I get up from the bed, my gaze darting back to the phone in my hand.

Colton comes in and asks, “Why aren’t you dressed?”

I hold the device out to him. “I don’t know what to reply with.”

He takes the phone and reads the message. “Oh, that’s easy. You don’t reply and just delete the message.”

He hands the device back to me, and my gaze darts between his eyes and the message. “But… it will make her angry.”

Colton places a hand on the side of my neck, giving me an encouraging smile. “Brie, she’s already pissed off, and it doesn’t matter. She doesn’t have a say in your life anymore.”

I still feel apprehensive but also realize Colton is right. I’m living with them now, and there’s nothing my mother can do about it.

“Unless you want to reply,” Colton adds.

I shake my head. “No.”

I suck in a fortifying breath and read the message one last time before I delete it.

When I glance up at Colton, there’s a proud smile on his face. “Get ready, or we’ll be late.”

I nod, and as soon as he leaves the room, I quickly change into my uniform.

It feels weird living with the Lawsons’. Like it’s not my house. It’s also frequently in the back of my mind that they might tell me to leave at any time. Kinda like I’m on vacation with them, and one day I’ll