Dare You To (Pushing the Limits, #2)(95)

I become rock. This isn’t how I wanted my parents to find      out.

“What?” My mother’s fast and irritated question silences the      group. My eyes flash to Gwen. Wide-eyed and pale, Gwen sits perfectly still and      stares at the remains of her chicken cordon bleu.

Her mother poorly hides her smugness behind her wineglass. “I’m      sorry, Miriam, I assumed that Ryan told you.” She places a hand over Gwen’s. “I      apologize to you too, sweetheart. I didn’t know that what you told me was a      secret.”

Mom places her napkin on the table. “Who’s ready for      dessert?”

I stand, needing to get the hell out of here. “I’ll get      it.”

Mom deflates in her chair with a nod. What I don’t expect is      Gwen hopping up and volunteering, “And I’ll help.”

Unable to look at her, I pivot and head for the kitchen. The      rapid click of Gwen’s heels informs me she’s right behind me.

“Ryan,” she says the moment the door is closed to any      eavesdropping ears. “Ryan, I’m sorry. I had no idea my mom would humiliate you      like that. But it’s not my fault. How was I to know that you were keeping Beth a      secret?”

“I’m not,” I snap. Gwen looks like a stranger to me in this      kitchen. Maybe it’s because I’m still not used to the gray walls or the granite      counters or the mahogany cupboards. Or maybe it’s because I never really knew      her to begin with.

She crosses her arms over her chest and her red sundress swirls      with the motion. “Could have fooled me. I mean, come on, Ryan, your parents will      hate her—and for good reason.”

“You don’t know Beth.” The irony of this conversation is not      lost on me. Lacy once said those same words to me.

Gwen loses the perfect glow about her and does a very      uncharacteristic thing—she sags against the counter. “I know more than you      think. I’d bet I know more than you.” She pauses and nervously fidgets with her      hands. What the hell? Gwen is never nervous.

And that’s when I notice the bare spot on her finger. Mike’s      ring is gone.

“I love you. In fact, I’ve always loved you.” Gwen stares at      the gray tiled floor. “And for some stupid reason you care about her. I think you were right in the dugout—I wasn’t      clear on what I needed from you. Maybe the reason we aren’t together now is      because I didn’t try hard enough.”

My forehead furrows. If she had said those words six months      ago... I shake my head. It wouldn’t have mattered. What I feel for Beth is a      hundred times stronger than what I ever felt for Gwen. “We would never have      worked.”

Gwen straightens and lifts her chin. “You’re seeing everything      all wrong. Me. Beth. Everything. I think you’re aware that you and Beth don’t      belong together and that’s the reason you never told your parents. But don’t      worry, Ryan. I know what I did wrong and I don’t make the same mistakes      twice.”

In one graceful movement, Gwen swoops the cake off the counter      and ushers it out the kitchen door. I inhale and let my head fall back. I don’t      know what the hell just happened, but every cell in my body screams it’s bad and      I’m going to hate the consequences.

*

My grandmother left my mother her pendulum clock. It      hangs on the wall behind Mom. With each swing, the clock ticks. It’s nine      o’clock at night. The last of the guests left an hour ago. I should be wondering      why my parents called me in here, especially since they’re voluntarily in the      same room. Instead, I’m wondering what Beth is thinking.

Mom sits across from me at our kitchen table while Dad leans      against the door frame leading to the formal dining room. The temperature, like      always, is frigid.

“Mrs. Rowe is under the impression you’re still participating      in the writing competition,” says Dad.

I glance up at him. “I’m considering it.”

“There’s nothing to consider. You’re playing Eastwick that      weekend and that game will decide rankings going into the spring season.”

Eastwick is the only team that beat us during regular season      play last spring. “We’re playing Northside that Monday and they’re undefeated      this year. Coach may want me to pitch that game.”