Page 62 of I'd Never Date my Brother's Best Friend

“Jess!”

“What?” I wave her off and walk to my car. My irritation increases when I drive down the road and see Sean’s car a few vehicles ahead. I roll my eyes because, at this rate, we might get home at the same time, which would be all shades of awkwardness.

As I contemplate what to do, my phone starts to ring. It’s my agent, Winnie.

“Jessica?”

“Hey, Winnie.”

“There’s something I’d like to talk to you about. Can we meet up?”

I’m not a fan of unplanned meetings, and I almost say no, but a glimpse of Sean’s car ahead changes my mind. “Where are you?”

“At the diner in town,” she says.

“Alright. I’m on my way. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

“Great. See you in a bit.”

I turn right at the next block and head on back to the center of town. Shortly, I’m walking into the diner, my eyes scanning the semi-busy space for my agent. She always stands out because of her red hair, and I spot her sitting by the window.

“Winnie.” I wave, walking toward her. She gets up from her seat and gives me a hug.

“You look wonderful, Jessica.”

“Thank you.” I smile. “Why did you need to meet up so suddenly?”

“How’s the new book coming?” She asks. “There’s been a lot of demand, and we want to make sure it’s published while we still have momentum and demand on our side. Do you understand?”

“Yeah.” I nod. “I only have a few chapters left; then I can send it in. I’m looking at forty chapters in total; that means I only have seven chapters left.”

“Can you have it to me by next Monday?”

My breath catches in my throat, and I ponder the request. “I’m not entirely sure, but can we push it back to next Friday? I am positive that I can make that work.”

She nods. “Next Friday then. I’ll make sure that everyone is on alert and ready for your manuscript when it comes in.”

I lean against the chair, watching Winnie with amusement. “You couldn’t say this over the phone?”

Winnie rolls her eyes. “You know you hardly listen on the phone. You’re always in a hurry to get off. Plus, I wanted to look into your eyes while I told you.”

I nod. This isn’t the best time for me to focus on my books. My mind is still stuck on an annoying blue-eyed man and everything he said to me. Since he’s so good at dating, he could go home and date every actress and model for all I care. He’s never had a stable relationship. Who does he think he is lecturing me about relationships and dating? I swear he’s the most annoying person who ever walked the earth.

“Why are you frowning?” Winnie suddenly asks, bringing me to the present. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah. I’m fine. Just a few things on my mind.”

Winnie raises her hand to signal a waiter. “This place has the best daiquiri in Willow Falls. Want to try one?”

I have nothing else planned for the day, so why not. “I think I would.”

“Two daiquiris please,” Winnie places an order with the waiter and smiles at me.

I have an insane urge to go home, pack all my things, and disappear until Sean leaves town. But why should I be the one who leaves? He’s the one who should go! Everything was fine until he came back into the picture. This is all his fault.

“Uh-oh,” Winnie says. “There’s the frown again.”

I roll my eyes and smile. At that moment the waiter arrives with two chilled daiquiris. I take one sip and feel a smile creep across my face. Winnie is right, this is the best I’ve ever tasted.

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