Page 20 of Old Habits

“And he’s too young for a strip club.”

Sara crosses her arms, standing a little taller every second until I finally cave.

“Jovie was there,” I say.

She exhales. “Dammit.”

“Sara, it’s fine.”

“No, it’s not fine, Will. This isn’t fine. Who told you she was back?”

I pause. “Did you know she was back?”

“Yes.”

“Wha—” I throw up my hands. “Why was I the last to know this?”

“Because Jovie destroyed your life and no one in this town wants to see that happen again. That’s why.”

“She did not,” I chuckle. “Don’t be so dramatic. Wait a second…” I furrow my brow. “Is this why you tried to set me up with your friend? And why women have been coming into the shop all week throwing themselves at me? Because you all wanted to distract me from Jovie?”

She hesitates. “Well…”

My mouth sags. “So, that’s one mystery solved.”

“Will, we watched you pick up the pieces of your shattered heart for months after Jovie took off—”

“I guess you didn’t hear the part about not being dramatic,” I mutter.

“I’m serious. We just want you to be happy.”

“I’m not happy? Who says I’m not happy?”

“You live here alone in a house meant for a family,” she says, gesturing around my kitchen. “You’ve barely gone out on a date in years.”

“That’s not true. I date all the time.”

“Name the last time you went on a second date,” she counters.

I think quickly but I can’t come up with a single name.

“So, what?” I ask. “I worked hard and paid for this house because I liked it. What’s wrong with that? And what business is it of yours who or when I date?”

Sara presses her lips together. “Okay, Will… I want you to be honest with me. As your sister and your friend, just answer this question…”

I sigh. “What?”

“Have you spent the last four years waiting for Jovie to come back?”

“No, I haven’t,” I answer, shaking my head at the floor.

She takes a step closer. “You didn’t ask her out, did you?”

I hesitate. “Well…”

“Ugh…” Her face screws up in disgust. “God, Will...”

“We’re just meeting up for drinks. As friends. That’s all,” I say. “It’s not a date. And hell, aren’t you the least bit curious why she came back?”

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