Page 23 of The Vet's Unconditional Love
"I have.He said that you guys are friends, that you were close in high school."
Harper smiled."Yeah, not just in high school, all the way through from kindergarten.I mean, it was only because of our names in the beginning.But we got lumped together so much that we learned to get along.He's a really good friend.But Brooks is my age."
Harper raised her eyebrows.
"And he's the youngest," Brooke continued."Then there's Banner.He's a couple of years older than us.Then there's Boone.He's a couple of years older again.Then there's Brody."
"Ah."Harper thought she understood what was going on."You think he's too old for you?"
"No, I don't," said Brooke."But..."She turned to Shelley, who explained for her.
"Brody's not that much older than Brooke, but there is something of a gap."
Brooke rolled her eyes."That's what I told Blane.But in his mind, it's too much of a gap.It sounds worse the way he says it.He says it's a decade.I don't think it makes that much difference.It's not as though I'm a kid anymore, anyway.Blane knew I liked Brody when I was seventeen – and he maybe had a point, since Brody was twenty-eight then.But…"
Harper frowned."Why does it matter what Blane thinks?"
Brooke laughed."I thought you might say that.I mean, it doesn't, but we’re close, and...I don't want him to make Brody's life difficult."
Harper scowled."Do you want me to have a word with him for you?"
"Oh, hell no."Brooke's eyes were wide."I mean, thanks for offering and all that, but no.You don't know Blane, do you?"
"I don't, but..."
"Down, girl," said Shelley."They'll figure it out for themselves."She smiled at Brooke."And you'll ask for our help if ever you want it, right?"
"Right," said Brooke."And don't get me wrong.Blane's awesome.He's just kind of protective, that's all.And he and Brody know each other.Brody likes him.He wouldn't want to go against him, so I don't want to put him in a position where..."
Harper sighed."Okay, I'll keep my nose out.But for what it's worth..."
"Thanks, Harper," Brooke interrupted her."I know."She smiled."But you know what?I should probably introduce you to Blane.I think the two of you might get along."
Harper scowled."I don't think so.But thanks."
Shelley grinned and gestured to her."Come on, you.Let's catch up before you have to leave."
"Are you going for Tanya and Alana today?"Brooke asked.
"I am."
"Say hi to them for me.We had an awesome weekend."
"Will do."
Brooke held her gaze for a long moment, and Harper shifted uncomfortably.There was no way that Brooke could know about her attraction to Emmett.But somehow it felt like she did.
Once they were in the back room, Shelley wrapped her in a hug."If you've come to give me an earful, I don't blame you.But at the same time, I'm not going to say I'm sorry."
Harper laughed at that."Good.I'd be disappointed if you did."
"You taught me well—I do as I see fit and make no apologies.So tell me, was it the right thing to do?"
"Oh, hell yes.Thanks, Shelley Bells.I didn't know what was going on when I saw Emmett at the airport.But being enclosed in his truck together on the drive back home meant that we had to talk.And we were able to clear the air."
Shelley raised her eyebrows."So?"
"So, I'm okay to keep hanging out with the girls, and I don't have to avoid him anymore."
