“There’s a stunner,” she muttered, wondering if any of this was true.
“When he found out there was more going on, he was pissed. He told me to back off. I wouldn’t. He faced a real dilemma…tell you the truth and have you walk, or keep quiet until you had the surgery. You know what he chose.”
Izzy didn’t want to think about that—didn’t want to think about Nick or the secrets he’d kept from her. How he’d hurt her.
“He picked his friend,” she said.
“He picked what was right. If you’d known, you would have left in a snit and who knows when you would have gotten the surgery.”
She didn’t want to agree with that, but knew he was right. “He could have told me later.”
“When? While you were still in bandages? Afterward when he was falling for you? What would have been the best time, Izzy? When would it have been okay?”
She didn’t have an answer for that, either. There was no good time. She knew that, but so what? Nick had still betrayed her. Given the circumstances and all Garth had done to her family, she would guess that decision should make Garth a happy guy. So why was he taking Nick’s side? Was it another round in the sick game of crush the Titans?
“Why are you defending him?” she asked, figuring there was no point in avoiding the obvious. “You’re the one who told me he was working for you. You’re the one who came between us. You knew what was going to happen, so none of this is a surprise.”
“Yeah, but I didn’t count on Nick.” He leaned back in the booth and stared past her. “He never gets involved. I didn’t think you mattered that much to him. He told me to stop going after you and your sisters. I didn’t listen.” He returned his gaze to her. “Maybe I should have. He’s gone. We’re not friends anymore. He’s angry and disgusted with me.”
Garth actually sounded surprised and a little sad, she thought, refusing to pity him.
“Gee, you used your only friend to hurt people and you’re shocked he’s judging you. What an unfortunate time to be you.”
“Thanks for the sympathy.”
“You’re welcome.”
He picked up the handkerchief and stuck it in his pocket. “Give him a chance, Izzy.”
“Why?”
“Because we both love him.”
She blinked. “You can’t love anyone. You’re a cold, empty, ruthless bastard.”
“He was the only family I had. I played and lost. Our friendship is a casualty of war. I don’t like it but I can’t change it. It’s up to you. Take care of him.”
Oh, please. Was he serious? She was about to tell him exactly what she thought of him when she remembered Nick talking about his friend in South America. The one who had kept him alive. The man who had been like his brother. The one who shared Nick’s scars.
They had been tortured together and nearly died together. Nick had trusted Garth with more than his life and yet had rejected Garth’s current actions. That had to mean something. Even more confusing, what had happened to the man who had saved Nick from those frat bullies all those years ago? Where was the young man who had explained how to get the girl and fit in? Where was that Garth Duncan? When had he changed and why?
“You want me to take care of Nick while you still plan to go after me and my sisters?” she asked.
“I mostly want to take down Jed, but sure, you girls can come along for the ride.”
“That’s insane. You’re giving me advice and at the same time promising to ruin my family.”
“I have layers.”
“You have a desperate need for therapy.” She stared at him. “Nick’s your only friend, isn’t he? You don’t have anyone left.”
Garth shifted on his seat. “We’re talking about you and Nick.”
“We were and now we’re talking about you. What happens when you win? Who will you celebrate with?” Not Kathy. His mother wouldn’t understand. So who was left? Staff?
“I should go,” he said.
“No. Wait.”
What he’d done was unforgivable. She knew that, knew he had to be stopped. And yet there were hints of an actual person inside the dark, angry facade. Someone who was part of her family. Someone who might be worth saving.
“Don’t do this,” she said, reaching across the table and touching his hand. “Stop now, Garth. Come talk to Lexi and Skye. We can try to work something else out. We’re family, for better or worse.”
He pulled back and stood. “It’s too late, sis. Jed has to pay for what he did.”
“Agreed, but let us in. You don’t have to be alone in this.”