Page 51 of We're One

“I met you for the first time after this happened. I was finished with college for a couple of years at that point.”

“So, why would my name be in your box? I don’t understand.”

“I don’t either. This letter might tell me more, but I’m afraid to open it,” he admits.

I want to rip the envelope away from him and open it myself. I want to know how in the world my name became a part of this game that began years before Zach and I even met. It doesn’t seem possible.

“I think this letter is from Gramps. It might have nothing to do with the box. But why would he have me do this entire revamp of the house if I wasn’t supposed to find this?”

“This is so out of my league.”

“Are you freaked out?” he asks.

I chuckle. “Can’t lie, I’m a bit freaked out.”

“Gramps liked to keep his secrets, and he always had some strange friends, but I trusted him fully. I don’t know if he knew the lady in the lake, or what all of this means, but now that my journey is coming to an end, my brothers and I can sit down and talk about it. You’re on the last room, so as much as it kills me, we should wait to open this envelope until the room is finished. I think it’s all a part of the game. I didn’t want to play it at first, but now I’m a bit afraid of messing with fate. I don’t want to take any chances of losing you.”

His words warm my heart even more. I snuggle closer against him and we sit together as we both think about this new revelation between us. Did we come together because of a game? Does that change what will happen when the game’s over? I don’t know, but I know I don’t want to leave right now.

There’s no doubt I’m a bit scared. My life’s involved in this too. If this game he’s playing ends and then he’s done with me, I’ll be broken. I’ve figured out, though, that I’ll eventually heal. I’ve survived heartbreak before, and I’ll survive it again. I also don’t regret my time with Zach. I have no doubt that I’m right here where I’m supposed to be in this moment of my life.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Sia

I finally step into my tiny apartment for the first time in nearly a week. It seems even smaller now that I’ve stretched out at Zach’s place so much for the past month. But the one thing that’s missing at his home is Nikki. I miss her. I want the best of both worlds. I want to be with a man I love and still be with my best friend. Why not ask for everything? I might just get it.

The delicious smell of Mexican food has my stomach rumbling when I see Nikki at the counter. Her eyes light up as she turns. “You’re finally here!” She rushes over to me and gives me a big hug. It feels like we’ve been apart for a year instead of five days.

“Traffic was terrible,” I tell her. “What are you cooking?”

“Tacos of course. But don’t think you’re getting out of trouble. You’re always gone now, and I miss you.” She crosses her arms and gives me her best pouty face. It’s quite adorable.

“I know. I’m a crappy friend right now,” I tell her. “If it helps, I’ve missed you like mad.”

“That does help. It also helps that I’d ditch you as well if I could sleep next to a man as hot as Zach.” She finally grins at me, and I know all is forgiven for being gone so much.

“I need a full-blown girls’ night. I feel a bit sick so no wine for me, but tacos and lots of talking is exactly what the doctor ordered.” I lean against the back of the couch while she moves back to the counter to continue cutting up tomatoes.

“Yes, girls’ night for sure,” she says. “It’s nice to have a man, but it’s essential to have a bestie.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” I grab a chip, then take a nice scoop of freshly made guacamole. Delicious. I don’t know what she does, but it’s always perfect. With her new cookbook coming out, she won’t be able to keep her secret recipe secret anymore. I love it. I might just attempt to make a few recipes. That’s a big emphasis on might.

“Since I’ve launched my new stories for the cooking vlog, it’s really taken off. I have over a hundred thousand people subscribed now. People are making all sorts of comments about the silly things that happen in the kitchen. They like seeing the reality of cooking. The other shows make it seem like mistakes are never made. That’s so not true. We make mistakes all the time, and sometimes it leads to incredible changes in recipes. It’s changed everything on how I’m doing the vlog, and it’s growing daily. By the time the cookbook comes out, I should have a bunch of people wanting a copy.”

“Don’t you worry, though, if you’re showing them all of the recipes, they won’t need to buy the cookbook?”

She shakes her head. “Nope. Lots of people want to have non-digital copies. I like to watch videos but when I use a recipe I need a piece of paper in front of me. Cookbooks will never go out of style.”

“That’s a good point. It’s fun seeing your vlog grow each week. I’m so incredibly proud of you.”

“That goes for you too. I love how much attention you’re getting lately. You have clients applying left and right. You don’t have to sell yourself anymore, they have to convince you to take the job. We’re gonna get out of this place soon.”

“I’m torn on that. I still want out of this city, but now that I’m dating dating Zach, I’m confused,” I admit.

“Well, it’s worked for Sasha. They spend some time here, but a lot of time in Seaville too. I think you could have the same, and you know I’m willing to go anywhere. We just can’t live far apart. I don’t like long distance best friendship.”

“I agree. We’ve vowed to never live across the country from each other. Men can come and go, but friendship is forever.” This has been our motto from the time we were little.

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