All the Things I Didn't See by Cindy Sutherland Page B

make me feel better. But it’s not in you to do that to anyone.”
She took a deep breath. “So, are you bringing him back here to recover? Or is he going home to Evan?”
“Not Evan. No, that’s over. I found out today that he’d been cheating on Sam. I’m still trying to figure out why he stayed.” Josh shook his head, still very confused.
Stephanie had her own theories. “Well, I’m glad Sam’s done with him. The man is a complete jackass!”
Josh looked at her in surprise. “I thought you liked Evan?”
    She snorted in derision. “Are you kidding me? He kept looking at me like I was on the dessert menu. He’s a stupid asshat!”
    A near-hysterical laugh burst out of Josh. So much had happened, and he just couldn’t seem to wrap his head around it.
“So, you still didn’t answer my question. Is he coming back here?”
    Josh shook his head. “No, I don’t think so. There’s too many stairs. I need to find someplace better. I just don’t know where. Or even if his parents will agree to me taking care of him.”
“Josh, his parents already worship the ground you walk on.” She thought for a second. “What about Kismet?”
    “My parents’ place on Fire Island?” He considered it for a moment. “You know… that might just work.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “You really are brilliant, you know.”
    Stephanie blushed and shook her head. “If I was so smart, I would have let you go a long time ago.” She looked at him, speculating. “Have you told him how you feel yet?”
Josh sighed. “How can I when I don’t really know myself?”
    “I think you do, you’re just scared to admit it. Can I ask why? Are you worried about your career?” She put her hand on his knee, trying to assure him that she wasn’t judging him.
“No, not really,” Josh replied. “I’m more worried about losing my best friend. I’m not sure I could live with that.”
    “Oh Josh, honey, you won’t lose him. The way he looks at you… it made me so jealous all the time. The man loves you, Josh. I’m sure of it.”
“Well… loving someone and being in love are two different things, Steph.”
    She giggled. “Yeah, I think we’ve kind of got that worked out, don’t you?”
It was his turn to blush.
“Listen, Josh, I’ve known you for two years now, and one of the things I love most about you is your determination and your fearlessness. You’ve never shied away from taking risks.”
She got up and started to pace.
“Hell, this whole thing has been a risk from the beginning. Being a part of one of the first male couples on daytime? I mean, it could have totally screwed your career, and I was selfish enough to remind you of that all the time.”
She turned and smiled at him. “But leave it to you to come through with flying colors. Now you have a worldwide fan base and a movie in the works. Taking chances works for you. Don’t give it up now!”
Josh smiled back at her. She reminded him of the Stephanie he first met.
“You might be right. But concentrating on Sam getting better has to come first, before everything. And thanks to you, I think I have a plan now.”
“Good. Now, I’m going to call my sister and get some things packed. Maybe you should call your parents?”
He nodded. “That’s a good idea. Thanks.” He walked over and gathered her into a hug. “I really hope we can be friends.”
“Ahh, the old ‘let’s be friends’ speech. I’d be offended if I didn’t believe you mean it, but I know you really do.” She hugged him close for a second before pulling back. “Just give me a little time to get over losing you, okay? It’s not an easy thing to do, you know?” She smiled at him. “But don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me.”
Josh laughed out loud. “Steph? Do you honestly see anyone keeping Sam a secret if they’re in love with him?”
She joined in his laughter. “No, not really. The boy isn’t exactly a shrinking violet.” Her expression faltered a little. “But