“The night Raegan came to your house for dinner, after your grandfather’s wake, your brother cornered her in the hallway. I think he was drunk, but that doesn’t matter. He told Raegan that if she loved you, she would plant the ring back in your apartment and never tell you about it. But your dad caught them. He heard everything Josh said. He agreed with Josh, and forced the ring into Raegan’s purse.”

Becca blinks, waiting for my reaction.

Josh? My father? Heat rises in my neck, and it’s suddenly hard to breathe. “Look, Becca. I don’t know what kind of crazy lie Raegan concocted but she’s the one who stole the ring. It’s pretty sad that she’s trying to use my family against me.”

Becca’s shoulders droop. “I know this is difficult to digest, but it’s the truth. I was the one who told Raegan to go along with your brother’s idea. I thought it’d be the best way to get your ring back to you without any drama. But now she’s heartbroken and I feel like it’s my fault.”

“You’re her best friend. Why would I believe anything you’re telling me right now?”

“Because if Raegan was lying, I wouldn’t be in here corroborating her story.” She stands and smooths her blouse. “I know you have no reason to trust me, and I get it. But you fell in love with her for a reason. Trust your gut. Listen to your heart. It won’t steer you wrong.”

I sit in my office for a long time after Becca excuses herself, lost in thought.

I wouldn’t put it past Josh to steal the ring. He’d be a likely suspect in this case. But my father? Why would he protect Josh? Why would he lie to me? And why would Raegan go along with it?

Any way I slice it, someone’s lying to me.

But I need the truth. I need answers.

It’s time I go get some.

“Jaxon, what a pleasant surprise.”

I pull my mother into my arms and hug her tight. “I’m sorry I’ve been ignoring your calls.”

She touches her hand to my cheek. “I understand.”

“Are Dad and Josh home? I think it’s time we had a talk.”

“They’re here. I’ll go get them. Would you like something to drink?”

“I’ll take a glass of Dad’s scotch.”

Mom eyes me warily. “Maybe a cup of coffee? It’s not even five o’clock, Jax.”

“It’s five o’clock somewhere.” Josh waltzes into the living room wearing a smirk. “At least that’s my motto.”

I slide my jacket off and hang it on the coat rack. “Have a seat, Josh. I’m here to talk to you and Dad about something.”