The WRONG Brother (Love You Forever #1) - Alexis Winter Page 0,26
be going with him for support. We drive to the studio together and he’s immediately taken to a private dressing room. Normally, I’d stick right by his side, but keeping this secret now that it’s on the tip of my tongue is getting harder and harder. It seems to take forever, but I’m finally ushered to the stage. The set lights are hot, and unfortunately for me, this is a live taping, which means the audience is full of inquisitive eyes. I try to look cool and collected, but I feel awkward and embarrassed. Right now would be a great time to run.
“So, Piper, tell us a little about your secret,” Jefrey, the host, says from his nice, comfy chair.
I swallow down my fear and wet my lips before looking at the camera. “I’ve known my best friend, Preston, since we were five. We’ve been the best of friends and have done everything together.”
“And why have you brought Preston here? What do you want to say to him?”
I chew on my inner cheek as I think over my words. “I’ve brought Preston here to tell him I’m secretly in love with him.”
The crowd gasps dramatically and I can feel my face heating up.
Jefrey looks at the camera. “Preston is backstage right now. He thinks he’s here to talk about his job. After the break, we’ll tell him why he’s really here. We’ll be right back.”
The red light on the camera turns off and I feel myself relax. Suddenly, my mind starts racing. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea. If I change my mind, I wonder if they’ll bring Preston out here to talk about his job—you know, to keep the lie going and keep me out of trouble. I doubt it. Can I do this? In front of everyone?
I expected the commercial break to last . . . I don’t know, as long as a commercial break usually does when you watch TV, but that isn’t the case. Before I know it, they’re counting us down and mouthing Action! Jefrey stands up. “Everyone, please give a warm welcome to Preston.” He gestures to the side of the stage.
Preston walks to the stage and the women in the audience go wild. He smiles and even blushes a bit as he waves at them on his walk over. Then he shakes Jefrey’s hand and sits down. He looks over and finds me. His brows pull together slightly. He’s confused as to why I’m onstage with him. I was only supposed to be here for support.
“Preston, do you know this woman?” Jefrey asks him.
Preston looks from Jefrey, to me, and back. “Yes, this is my best friend, Piper.”
Jefrey nods and smiles. “That’s right. And how long have the two of you been friends?”
Preston sits up straight as he looks at me. His body is hard while his back stays completely rigid. “Since we were five. What is this about?”
“Well, Preston, you’re not really here to talk about your job.”
“I’m not?” His brows shoot up as his eyes widen.
“No, you’re here because Piper has something to tell you. Don’t you, Piper?”
I feel everyone’s eyes on me and my skin’s so hot, I expect flames to erupt. “I do,” I agree, sitting a little taller. I offer him a smile as I reach over and take his hand in mine. “I brought you here today because I have a secret to tell you,” I confess.
His face falls. He’s worried.
“After that drunken kiss we had the other night, I thought now would be a good time to tell you something I’ve never been able to tell you.” I swallow down my fear. “Preston, I love you. I’ve been in love with you for as long as I can remember.”
His mouth drops open and his eyes take in the audience in front of us. “You . . . what?” he asks around a nervous laugh.
I nod. “I know this must be a surprise. I mean, we’re friends and that’s all we’ve ever been. We’ve never crossed the line . . . well, until the other night. That’s why I thought maybe you felt the same way and were just too afraid to say it.”
He shakes his head clear but his face reddens and he sets his jaw. “Why? Why did you bring me here? I can’t.” He stands up and starts pulling off his mic. “I’m sorry, I can’t do this. Not here. Not like this.” The crowd gasps as Preston makes his way off the stage.