The Name of the Game Read Online Free PDF Page B

pleasant and it drove her irrationally insane? On the defensive, she blinked and sputtered. “But you agreed with me.”
    â€œWell, yeah, until you took it too far,” Maddie said.
    She had taken it too far. She’d known that while it happened, but she hadn’t been able to stop. He just made her so mad.
    â€œYou’re so awesome with everyone else,” Cecilia said, lines of disapproval bracketing her mouth. “Why can’t you be as warm and lovely to him as you are with other people?”
    Wasn’t that the million-dollar question? Gracie’d had the best intentions. Getting ready with her girlfriends had put her in a good mood. They’d laughed, traded makeup, and been downright girly as they had gotten ready for the night ahead. After a couple of hours with Cecilia and Maddie, Gracie had felt human again and found she actually looked forward to a fun evening. After squeezing herself into Cecilia’s spandex dress, she’d twisted and turned in the mirror and determined she looked pretty awesome. She’d walked down those stairs feeling kick-ass.
    But then he’d frowned at her. And, if she was honest, it gave her the excuse she’d been looking for all day to bait him. Which didn’t make any sense. She should be happy he’d started treating her like she was a regular person. Only, she wasn’t, and she didn’t know why. So she’d acted out and he’d given her exactly what she’d been looking for, and now she was more confused than ever.
    She wished she’d never agreed to come for the weekend. She wanted to go home to Revival, curl up on her couch and watch bad TV in sweat pants.
    She nibbled on her lower lip and shrugged sheepishly at her friends. “I’m sorry. I’ll apologize.”
    Maddie nodded. “Thanks. You don’t have to like him, just be cordial.”
    Gracie tried to smile, but it wobbled a bit at the corners. “I will.”
    Maddie and Cecilia shared a private glance, and Gracie was struck by how in sync they were. She used to bridge the gap between the two women, but they didn’t need her anymore. They were bonded together, through friendship and family, in a way that would always exclude Gracie. The petty thought brought tightness to her throat.
    Maddie raised a brow and Cecilia shook her head. With a little shrug, Maddie nodded in affirmation and the silent conversation ended.
    Gracie didn’t have a clue what they’d just discussed. She placed a hand over her heart. “I’ll apologize. Okay?”
    Something shimmered in Cecilia’s gaze. “We just want you to be happy.”
    Gracie’s head snapped back. Where was this coming from? “I am happy. I said I was sorry. I said I’ll apologize. What more do you want?”
    Another glance between the sisters-in-law before Maddie said, “Nothing. It’s all good. Let’s have a fun time tonight. This is supposed to be a celebration.”
    Gracie straightened, smoothing down her dress. She would not be one of those selfish people who ruined her best friend’s engagement. From this second on she’d be a joy to be around. “I promise I’ll be good.”
    â€œThank you,” Cecilia said, but her expression didn’t ease.
    Maddie pointed to the door. “We should get back.”
    Gracie jutted her chin toward the stall. “You go on, I’ll be there in a second.”
    Cecilia stepped forward and put a hand on her arm. “Are you okay?”
    She would be, as soon as they left. She needed a moment to compose herself. She waved her hand at the door. “Yes, yes, now go before your Neanderthal fiancé comes looking for you and I get in more trouble.”
    â€œYou sure?” Cecilia asked.
    Gracie blew out a breath of exasperation. “For God’s sake, Ce-ce, I’m just going to the bathroom.”
    â€œOkay,” Cecilia said but didn’t look