Page 24 of I'd Never Date my Brother's Best Friend

“Remember yesterday when Lenny was talking about all the past failures in Jessica’s relationships?”

“Yes.”

“Well, we kinda talked about it on our way home, and…”

“‘We’? You and Jessica talked on your way home?”

“Is that so unbelievable?” I ask.

“Go on.” She waves her hand, leaning forward, her eyes shining with interest.

“So Jessica and I talked briefly on our way home,” I continue. “And I realized this is affecting her way more than she’s letting on.”

Evelyn nods. “You’re right.” Her eyes are sad and thoughtful. “Jessica just acts strong, but she’s such a softie. She hates that she doesn’t have a boyfriend but would never admit it to anyone. I hope she’ll find someone soon enough.”

“That’s why I’m here.”

Evelyn’s mouth falls open. “I—I don’t understand,” she stammers. “You want to be that man for Jessica? Her—her man?”

I shake my head at Evelyn in disappointment, ignoring the wild beat of my heart as it reacts to the prospect in Evie’s words. “Maybe Jessica is right,” I tell her. “Maybe all the romance books and movies you watch are beginning to mess with your head.”

Evie giggles. “Okay, I’m sorry. But what did you mean by what you said?”

“Remember when I worked as a dating coach on that reality TV show?” I ask her. “You loved that show, Evie. And if you remember, we had twenty people, and seven couples found their true love. Six of those are still together.”

“Oh, yes.” Evelyn nods. “The show is still on? Jessica would never agree to be one of the people on that show,” she says. “Not ever. There’ll be no convincing her.”

“You think I don’t know that?” I run my hand through my hair. “Why does Jess need to go on the show when the dating coach is right here?” I jab a finger to my chest, wiggling my brows at Evelyn.

For a second, she looks confused, then finally, understanding dawns, and her mouth falls open. “You want to coach Jessica?”

“Yes. Correct.”

Evelyn starts to shake her head and laughs. “Jess will not agree to this,” she says. “She won’t.”

I almost panic, but I keep a straight face. “That’s why I’m here. You’ve got to talk to her. She has to agree to this.”

“Why?” Evelyn suddenly looks serious. She sits up, narrows her eyes at me and folds her arms. “Why do you have so much interest in Jessica’s dating life?”

I swallow, my brain working quickly to cook up a lie. I’m usually a lousy liar, but not this time. “Evie,” I sigh. “I don’t blame you, actually. With the way Jessica and I bicker, you must think I don’t care about her, but I do. I love her, and I want what’s best for her. Just like you.”

Evelyn nods, and I continue. “After hearing her speak last night, I realized I must do something to help, I want to do something to help, even if it’s the last thing I do before returning home to LA. I want her to find someone and be happy.”

Evelyn rises from her chair and walks toward me, her arms outspread. “Oh, that’s ridiculously sweet. I’m so happy Jessica is surrounded by people who love her so much.” She hugs me, and I nod.

“So you’ll speak to her about it?” I ask when she pulls away. “You know how stubborn she can be.”

“I’ll surely talk to her. Have you told her about this?”

“Yes. Right before I came here, but she was adamant. She refused. Then, eventually, she promised to think about it, but I know that’s because she wanted to kick me out.”

Evelyn chuckles. “Don’t worry, leave Jess to me.”

Relieved, I nod. “You’re the best.”

She shrugs and sits on the edge of the table. “So, how do you plan to go through with this?”

“I can’t do it alone. I’ll need all the help I can get. Especially from you, her best friend.”

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