Not My Hero - Michelle Heard Page 0,58

fast food.”

Her eyes dart up to mine, and a sad expression tightens her features. “I’m sorry you had to go through that. I’ll learn how to cook quickly, so I can help with dinner.”

She’s so damn adorable. I want to squeeze her tightly, but instead, keep still and say, “You did great with breakfast this morning. I’m sure you’ll learn fast.”

A grin spreads over her face, and again I’m filled with the urge to hug the hell out of her.

Trying to keep my cool, I ask, “How’s your birthday so far?”

Her grin widens, and a light of happiness makes her eyes shine so clear, I can only stare.

God, can I fall any deeper for her?

“It’s amazing.” She lets out an excited squeak and suddenly darts forward, throwing her arms around my neck. There’s zero hesitation on my part, and I wrap her up in a tight hug, lifting her off her feet. Then she whispers, “Thank you so much.” I feel her words in the deepest part of me.

“You’re welcome,” I murmur before setting her back on her feet.

Turning to the oven, I remove the nachos. “Let’s eat.”

Chapter 21

BRIE

Dear Diary

Hey

Dear me,

Happy birthday! You made it to eighteen.

Today was unforgettable. Not because of all the gifts I got, but because of Colton and Cassie. I’m so lucky to have met them.

And Colton. I’m so in love with him. My heart keeps beating out of my chest, and I get all sweaty. Whenever I’m near him, it feels like my stomach is going to will explode from all the flutters.

He’s my first love. Even though I hope he’ll return my feelings one day, I’ll still love him if he doesn’t.

Anyway, I just wanted to write down how I feel because I can’t share it with him. Yet. Maybe one day.

B.

Every day I wake up and see the shelves and dreamcatcher Colton put up, I smile.

I never thought life could be so good.

Since my room was redecorated, I only get to sleep on the couch with Colton on Friday and Saturday nights. We usually watch a movie before talking until we fall asleep.

Where I used to dread weekends, I now live for them.

Unfortunately, it’s only Thursday. After getting ready for school, I go down to the kitchen, where I find Cassie preparing oatmeal for us.

“Morning,” I say, making my way over to the coffee pot. “Can I make you a cup?”

“Morning, sweetie.” She smiles at me. “Yes, please.”

With every day that passes, I become more comfortable with Cassie. Mostly when I tense up around her and panic begins to tighten my insides, I just take deep breaths and push through. It’s getting easier, though.

I place a cup of coffee on the counter near Cassie and then sip on my own.

Colton comes into the kitchen just as Cassie scoops three bowls of oatmeal.

“Did you sleep well?” he asks while fixing himself a cup of coffee.

“Yeah, and you?”

He shoots me a grin. “Like a baby.”

“Babies don’t sleep,” Cassie says with a chuckle.

Just as we’re about to sit down to eat, my phone begins to ring. Frowning, I pull it out of my jacket’s pocket, and not recognizing the number, I answer, “Brie speaking.”

“Where the hell are you?” a man’s voice snaps over the line.

Frowning, I glance at Colton and Cassie, who are both staring at me. “Excuse me? I think you have the wrong number.”

“You’re talking with Bill Weinstock,” he practically growls.

It takes a couple of seconds for the name to sink in, and a gasp escapes my lips. It’s my grandfather.

Why would he call me?

“Some daughter you are! Serena was found dead two days ago. Where the hell have you been? Your mother died falling down the stairs. I’m blaming…”

The rest of his words fade as the shocking realization ripples over me.

My mother’s dead?

Relief washes over me.

She won’t be able to hurt me anymore. I’m free of her.

Instantly guilt creeps into my heart.

Oh, God.

How can I feel relieved when my mother is dead? What kind of person does that make me?

A war erupts inside me as my emotions burst into a chaotic mess.

“Are you listening!” Bill snaps angrily, and it yanks me back to the call. “Why my daughter put up with you, I’ll never understand. The funeral will be held at the Methodist Church on Monday. The least you can do is pay your respects. Make sure you’re dressed appropriately as the press will be present. And keep your mouth shut. If you do or say anything to damage my reputation, you’ll regret