Rise (Rise & Fall Duet #1) - Grahame Claire Page 0,38

us.” I dotted a cloud onto the canvas.

“Like you.” Her tone took on a soft quality, a contemplative one.

Beau had always understood about my situation with Eric. When she’d lived here, she’d always been careful to extend an invitation to things, even though she knew I couldn’t go. Because of that, she’d taken the time to do things with me—with us—and I’d never forgotten her thoughtfulness. She’d ventured into our world, but we’d rarely crossed into hers no matter her efforts.

I’d wanted to go to the parties and weekends in the Hamptons and museums to experience all the things I never had the chance to. And if I’d only asked, she’d have flown us to London whenever we wanted. Maybe I should've taken her up on that, but it didn't feel right. She needed to know our friendship had nothing to do with who her family was. We loved her for her.

“I’m glad you’re back.” Eric continued painting without looking up when he spoke.

She touched his shoulder. “Thanks, pal.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Any news?” She shifted her attention back to me.

I shook my head discreetly and mouthed later. “Same old, same old,” I said with false cheer.

“How’d ice cream go with Lincoln?”

That question was worse than the last.

“It was awesome. He loved it.” Eric beat me to the answer, and it wasn’t the one I would’ve given. “Then he helped us find a good parking space, make dog food, and he’s taking me to get a suit.”

Slowly, one of Beau’s perfectly shaped brows rose. “Is he?”

“Oh, and we had dinner last night. But you were there for that.”

You forgot the donut snack. And that he made sure we got home okay last night too.

“Sounds like you’ve been hanging out a lot.” Beau’s voice held a tease to it.

“More like he keeps showing up,” I said under my breath.

“Lincoln?” She swung her knees toward me. “My brother, Lincoln?”

“That’s the one.” I made a ding ding ding motion with my finger. “It’s weird. You and I have been friends for almost two decades. I never met him, and now he won’t go away.”

“Sorry. I’m still trying to wrap my head around him making dog food.” Beau scratched her head.

“He peeled the carrots,” Eric said.

“Lincoln? Peeled carrots?” Her eyes rounded. “Please tell me you have photographic evidence.” She grinned.

“Nope.” The last thing I needed were any pictures of him that I could look at any time.

Her phone buzzed, and some of the other students gave her admonishing looks.

“That’s him.” She held up her phone and his name was displayed on the screen.

“You’ll never guess where I am,” she answered.

From the sound of it, all was forgiven between them. I’d learned yesterday that his apologies were impossible not to forgive. I was slowly seeing, day by day, that he was both genuine and often worthy of forgiveness. Unlike some, whose hearts were like coal. Dark. Hard.

“Have you eaten?”

Beau tapped me on the shoulder and held up one hand in a question gesture.

“Us?” I wasn’t sure if she was speaking to me or Lincoln.

She nodded.

“We haven’t eaten since lunch. Not even time for a snack.” Poor guy. He endured whatever we had to do without complaining. I forgot about the snack. He was probably starving.

“Can’t we just get takeout?” Beau complained.

I heard the rumbliness of his voice but couldn’t make out the words.

“Fine.” She hung up. “He made a reservation.” She kicked out her feet. “I just want to get out of these shoes,” she moaned.

Me too, sister.

We both had on killer heels. I was ready for sweatpants and fuzzy socks.

“Where are you going for dinner?” Why had I asked? I didn’t care about one thing that had to do with Lincoln except his sister. And Pepper and Miss Adeline. And Teague.

“Where are we going, you mean?” she corrected.

“Lincoln’s coming here.” Eric spun on his stool, excitement and hope on his face.

“We’re meeting him.”

“Soon?”

“After you finish your painting,” Beau said with an amused smile.

He turned back to his work.

She leaned toward me. “I’m not telling my brother that anyone is this excited to see him,” she whispered.

“We can’t go,” I said low enough, praying Eric couldn’t hear. “We have to make the dog food for tomorrow.”

“We did that yesterday, so we could come to art class.”

Guess I wasn’t as quiet as I thought. “Right.” I didn’t want to disappoint my brother, but I didn’t want to see Lincoln. If he hugged Eric again, I might crack to the point I didn’t dislike him anymore.

I might actually like him.

Which