Page 69 of The Bitterroot Inn (Jamison Valley 5)
“You’ve never kept a secret from me.” Gigi’s whisper broke my heart.
“I know. I’m sorry.”
My phone dinged in my shorts pocket but I didn’t answer. It was probably a text from Hunter, saying they had arrived.
That ding meant I had minutes to apologize again and work things out with Gigi. All of our friends would give him the third degree tonight, especially my big brother, and before Hunter was fed to the sharks, I needed Gigi’s forgiveness.
I needed her on my side.
“I’m sorry,” I told her. “I know this is an awful time to tell you and I should have done it sooner. I’m stupid for waiting. Forgive me? Please?”
The group stayed quiet as my pleading eyes looked up to Gigi in silent apology. When her arms fell from her chest, I let go of the breath I’d been holding.
“What’s his name?” she asked.
I opened my mouth but Milo and Sara interrupted. “Hey, guys!”
The seat shuffle started again, and when we were settled in our new arrangement—sitting this time—Sara leaned down from her seat.
“Maisy, why is Coby with Dr. Faraday?”
Dr. Faraday?
“What did you say?” I asked Sara.
“Dr. Faraday,” she repeated. “I was just wondering why he had Coby.”
My eyes followed her pointing finger down the bleachers to Hunter and Coby standing at the base of the stairs. Coby had a huge smile on his face as he clutched Hunter’s hand.
Dr. Faraday was scanning the crowd, looking for me.
“Do you know him?” she asked.
Do you know him?
Easy enough question. Did I know him?
No. No, I really didn’t.
My palms felt clammy and the blood drained from my face as I stared down at Hunter.
He was still scanning the crowd with an easy smile. It grew wider when he spotted me but fell fast as he studied my face. Urging Coby up the stairs, he made the slow climb with his eyebrows worried in the middle.
“Maisy?” Gigi bent down to talk into my ear. “Are you okay? You got all quiet.”
I shook my head but kept my gaze on Hunter.
“What?” she whispered. “What’s the matter?”
“He’s a doctor,” I whispered.
“Uh, yeah. I assume since he’s with Coby, he’s your secret boyfriend?”
I nodded.
“Well, now I’m really confused why you didn’t tell me about him. He’s the guy we wanted to set you up with.”
“But he’s a doctor.”
