“No, it’s not me.”
“Who else would it be? And why would you let this happen?”
Grace’s shoulders went tight. “You moved out, Brooke.”
“But it’s stillmyhouse.”
Grace took a breath and tightened her shoulders. “It’smyhouse. And I’m not sure if you’re aware, but things are busy here because I’m having a baby soon. Dean’s mom is staying in your room because she’s been helping.”
Brooke blinked, obviously not expecting Grace to say no. “Well, she can get a hotel. Hopefully, for forever.”
“No,youcan.” The room went silent. Grace’s fists were tight. I could see she hated this, but she was doing it anyway.
I’d never been prouder of her.
“Excuse me?” she said lowly.
“Virginia was here first. She alsoaskedif she could stay. You haven’t talked to me in weeks, and you showed up here with no warning. That isn’t fair to me or anyone else here.”
“I’m obviouslybusy. Can’t you see that I have bigger things in my life than you?”
Grace’s voice came out harder. “Watch it, Brooke.”
“No,youwatch it—” She stepped toward Grace, and that was when I’d had enough. I didn’t know what Brooke would do, but I had a feeling it wouldn’t be good. Grace hadn’t told her no before. There was no telling how Brooke would react.
I used my arm as a barrier. “Get out.”
“What?” Her voice was high-pitched. “Are you fucking kidding? You’re doing this on the worst day of my life?”
Grace looked away.
“We are,” I said. “She’s got enough going on without you making it worse.”
Brooke finally stared at me. “I guess Daddy is protective, huh? You’ll regret this.”
“If it means you stay out of my woman’s hair? Gladly.”
Brooke rolled her eyes and stomped out of the house, slamming the door behind her.
“Did she just threaten you?” Grace asked. “God, what iswrongwith her?”
“What’s wrong with who?” Mom came around the corner. “What happened?”
“That was my sister,” Grace said.
“I’ll tell you the whole story later.” I looked back at Grace. “Are you okay?”
“Y-yeah, I’m ... sorry about her. Her selfishness knows no bounds.”
“It’s okay, Grace.”
She took a breath, but then shook her head. “This isn’t over,” she warned. “This is only the beginning of her tantrum.”
“Tantrum? Isn’t she a grown woman?” Mom asked.
“Physically, yes.” I said it harshly.
“Whatever it is,” Mom said, “we’ll handle it. You don’t need to worry about a thing, Grace.”