Irrefutable (The Apprehensive Duet Book 2) by Kimberly Bracco Page B

There’s never been a fire between us or even intimacy. In my mind, I thought that made us stronger because we had this connection that didn’t revolve around sex, a novelty for me. Truth of the matter is that we didn’t have that level of trust. It should’ve been obvious.
    “So what am I supposed to do now?” I ask hanging my head in my hands. “I’ve been planning this whole life that isn't going to exist.”
    “You move forward,” she replies with a sad smile. “You have to find a way to work through your feelings. It takes time, but I promise, you’ll be okay.”
    “This sucks,” I sigh. “Why the hell do people do this to themselves?”
    I didn’t mean for this to happen, but people actually go out looking for someone to spend their lives with. They fall in love only to have their hearts broken and sign back up to do it all again.
    A fond look crosses Mom’s face. “Because when you find the real thing, you realize all the struggle and pain is worth it.”
    “Yeah, well, don’t expect me to go out looking to do this again.”
    Mom’s laugh fills the kitchen as she smiles ear to ear. “Oh stop. It’s not that bad, and I think you’ll bounce back quicker than you expect. But in the meantime, let’s figure out what to do about part two of the mess you kids are in.”
     

 
    MY NERVES RUN high making me jittery as the hostess takes me to our table. It’s pathetic when having a meal with my best friend makes me break out in a sweat. But I’m tired of keeping up with all the lying. Jordan knows the truth. Alex knows the truth. I think that it’s time for me to tell Ashley the truth as well.
    I’m hoping to release some more stress by telling Ash. I’m sure she’ll be extremely relieved to know that there’s no more wedding. But I’m also worried. I’ve been lying about my relationship with Jordan to her and the chick can hold a grudge. With Jordan still not speaking to me, I really don’t want to alienate anyone else. But it’s time to stand up for myself.
    I’m done being a pawn for my father. He’s not going to control what I do. Not anymore. I’m taking my life back. How I’m going to do that, I’m not one hundred percent sure. But I’m starting tonight with telling Ashley the entire truth.
    Ashley’s not here yet, so I sit and order a glass of wine. Hopefully it’ll calm me down. I need a little liquid courage. I’ve been holding this in for so long, keeping it to myself, afraid to tell anyone, and now in the matter of a week I’ve told the full truth to Alex and Jordan. The sky hasn’t fallen yet. Telling Ashley should hopefully kill this lie. She’s the last one who really needs to know.
    “You look deep in thought.” Ashley’s voice startles me. “I hope you weren’t planning my murder for helping Tanner last week.”
    I smile up at her, happy to hear the easy banter flow from her mouth. I’ve missed this. It’s been so long since there wasn’t any underlying hostility between us. It’s nice. “If it was just you, then you’d have something to worry about. I draw the line at double homicide.”
    “Phew, now I can stuff my face without having to watch my back,” she laughs as she takes a seat in the chair across from me. “Not that I’m not thrilled to be out to lunch with you, but what’s the occasion?”
    The last six months aside, I’ve never needed a reason to go out with Ash. The fact she’s even asking why we’re here is a big reason why this conversation is long overdue. We’ve fallen so far. Yes, she came around regarding the wedding and we called a truce to the constant battling, but it didn’t fix things. There’s still a giant ocean between us.
    “I owe you a lot of answers.”
    The minute the admission is out of my mouth, her head darts up from placing her napkin in her lap. Her undivided attention is on me, so I continue.
    “I’ve been lying to you and avoiding you because of those lies. I need to take control back. So it’s time I