Stacey’s POV
The warm sunlight filtered through the curtains of the lounge, casting golden patterns on the floor as I sipped my coffee. It was a rare moment of calm, and I let myself enjoy it. Betty sat across from me, fiddling with her phone in that absentminded way she always did when she was deep in thought.
“You know,” I began, breaking the comfortable silence, “I’m really happy for you and Brent.”
Betty glanced up, a soft smile spreading across her face as her fingers stilled. “Thanks,” she said. “That summer vacation really did something to us. Just like with you and Marcus.”
I raised an eyebrow, my cup pausing midair. “What do you mean?”
Betty chuckled, her tone light. “You and Marcus, again. And it’s okay, Stacey. I won’t let boys be the reason for us to not be in good terms again. We only got each other.”
I blinked at her, the statement so absurd that a laugh escaped me. Setting my cup down, I shook my head. “Betty, you’re insane,” I said, my voice tinged with amusement. “Marcus and I? We’re not together. He was just helping me.”
Betty’s brows furrowed, confusion clouding her expression. “But I called you that one time, and he answered your phone. I figured…”
I interrupted her, unable to keep the humor out of my voice. “Girl, I was in the hospital recovering because I donated a kidney to my dad—which, by the way, was the biggest scam of my life.”
Betty’s eyes widened in shock, and I could see the gears turning in her head as she processed what I’d just said. Her expression shifted quickly from shock to guilt. “I thought…”
I leaned forward, trying to soften my tone. “Well, does that change anything about how you feel for Brent?”
Betty bit her lip, her gaze dropping to her hands as she fiddled with the edge of her sleeve. “I don’t know,” she murmured.
I sighed, leaning back in my chair as I watched her wrestle with her thoughts. “Well, look at you. Can’t choose between two boys. You’ve come a long way, dear sister.”
Her head snapped up, her cheeks tinged pink. “It’s not like that.”
I smirked, leaning forward again. “I didn’t want to say this, but maybe it’s better you know. Back at the camp, Marcus was planning to ask you to be his girlfriend.”
Betty’s eyes widened, the words hitting her like a gust of wind. “Marcus?” she whispered, her voice laced with disbelief.
I nodded, my smirk widening. “Yep. But you were too busy swooning over Brent to notice. And now look at you, caught in the middle.”
Betty buried her face in her hands, letting out a groan. “Why does my life always end up like this?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh, Betty,” I said, shaking my head. “Maybe it’s time you stop overthinking and figure out what—or who—you really want.”
She peeked at me from between her fingers, her expression a mix of embarrassment and contemplation. “You make it sound so easy.”
“Because it is,” I said, my tone teasing but not unkind. “At least easier than donating a kidney to a dad who probably doesn’t deserve it.”
That earned me a laugh, albeit a small one. As Betty leaned back in her chair, her gaze distant but thoughtful, I could see the wheels turning again. Whatever decision she made, I knew it was hers to make. And for the first time, I had faith she’d get it right.