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

We all knew it was an act. But that’s how I was going to play it, like nothing was wrong.

Like my heart hadn’t been ripped from my chest and stomped on when Jamie left. Like it wasn’t in pieces at my feet at how cold he was. I would act like everything was fine because I had to.

I didn’t know what to do with myself after that day. I was confused, angry, hurt, and more than anything, I felt abandoned.

This wasn’t just anyone; it was Jamie. My best friend’s brother, my brother’s best friend, and the son of my parents’ closest friends. Someone I’ve known my entire life.

Yes, he’s always been somewhat of a serial dater, which I never fully understood. I just never thought he would do that with me.

All of these different thoughts and feelings have me so confused. Can I trust Jamie? Will things be different? Or do I just want them to be different?

I let out a sigh.

“You know you can talk to me, right?” I take a deep breath and blow it out at Jess’ question. “Right, Evie?”

“Yeah, I know,” I say quietly. “I’m just not sure how to talk about this…”

“It’s hilarious how you can get me to talk about anything and everything, yet you tend to keep things to yourself.”

I don’t say anything because, once again, she’s right, and I don’t have any words. I’ve always been better at helping others with their feelings than expressing mine. It makes no sense, and yet, it’s the truth.

This thing with Jamie has always scared me, not because of what my family or his family would think. After they had embraced Sean and Jessica, it was pretty obvious they would be thrilled to have Jamie and me together.

But what would crossing that line with Jamie mean?

Jamie and I have always been the two stable siblings, and I don’t mean that in a bad way. Jessica and Sean have always had big dreams, which have both come to fruition. Jamie and I were the cheerleaders in the background who picked unexciting jobs—me, a baker, and him, technology.

Because of that, we have always been paired together, and it’s been a comfort all this time. When things started changing between us, it just sort of happened and felt…natural. Inevitable, if you will.

Why wouldn’t the two stable siblings end up together?

I don’t mean boring; Jamie and I were never boring—we just fit together…easily.

But then Jamie left. My trust in him always being there was shattered. Can I trust him not to run again?

“Evie?” Jessica interrupts my thoughts. “You don’t have to go through this alone. We all love you and want you to be happy.”

I take a deep breath as I process her words.

“Plus, me being happy and you being grumpy is freaking the entire family out.”

A smile crosses my face at her words, and I can’t help but laugh out loud. “You know it’s been a bit fun keeping everyone on their toes as to which Evie they’re going to get. Is this how you feel?”

She lets out a slightly maniacal chuckle. “I must admit it has been a bit fun.”

I laugh with her. “Thanks, Jess. I will talk when I know what to talk about.”

“Remember, sometimes talking is what helps us gain clarity about a situation. You not talking hasn’t served you.”

I pause while putting my purse on the table at her words. When did my best friend get so very wise?

Chapter 14

Jamie

I pull up in front of my house, turning off the ignition. I breathe and run a shaky hand through my hair while I watch the snow gently fall onto my windshield.

“I’m completely out of my element,” I mumble.

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