Page 16 of Even Ground

“It’s you loving her back that Jessie struggles with.”

Josh opens his mouth before closing it again and shaking his head. “It’s not like I haven’t been straight up with her. She’s known for years I didn’t want anything more than friendship. And I made that movie with her because she asked me. I’m glad I did because it lead me back to Delaney, but the fallout was our friendship.”

I say nothing. There’s nothing I can really say. There’s no way forward for this until Jessie makes a move, which is what I suspected.

“But enough about her.” Josh tilts his head. “What are you going to do while we’re away? Mom and Dad are so happy to be looking after Amelia.”

I take a sip of my drink. “I’m not sure. I thought I could give Pania a tour of LA. Maybe take her out somewhere quiet for dinner. It’ll be nice to have some company, I’m so used to spending time with you and Delaney.”

He chuckles. “She’ll keep you on your toes. And I really appreciate it.”

I lean back and smile.

While I don’t know her well, I’m sure he’s right about Pania keeping me on my toes.

The question is how I counter that.

4

Pania

This evening is pure bliss.

Josh went to spend his last night as a single man in Reece’s apartment. His parents arrived today, but they went to bed ages ago, and Melly is fast asleep.

Delaney and I are sprawled out on her bed, in our pyjamas, eating chocolate and watching some terrible movie on Netflix.

It’s just like the good old days.

“You’ll be Mrs Josh Carter tomorrow. How weird is that?”

Delaney laughs. “I know. It’s so hard to believe there was a time I never thought this would happen. I hated him.”

“I don’t think you ever hated him. I don’t think you’re capable of hating anyone.”

She pops a chocolate in her mouth and shrugs.

“I’m just glad you two sorted out your differences and got back together. I miss the shit out of you, but I know you and Melly are loved. And you’re a rich bitch now, so I can eat all these chocolates and you can just buy some more.”

Delaney coughs, her eyes bulging a little as she struggles not to choke as she laughs. “You did not say that.”

“I did. And I’m really happy for you. No one deserves to land on their feet more than you, my brave wahine.”

Tears pool in her eyes, but I’m not sure whether it’s because of what I’ve said or because she’s choking on her last chocolate.

“I’m so happy for me. And the money and the house is amazing, but Josh loves Melly and me so much. I still can’t believe our little family’s back together, and holy shit, I’m getting married tomorrow.”

“Yes, you are.”

Letting out a long, contented sigh, she lies flat on her back. “Do you remember when we were teenagers and we used to talk about this stuff?”

I laugh. “Yes, back before we discovered what a let-down men were.”

“Not all of them.” She nudges my arm and rolls over to face me. “Reece keeps looking at you.” She pulls that smug look I know so well. “I think someone’s interested.”

I roll my eyes. “Oh, please. I’m a woman. That’s enough for him.”

Delaney shrugs. “I still think he’s got his eye on you.”

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