Page 71 of Endgame

“I mean it can’t be that unexpected. You know how incredible Callaway is. I’m not superhuman, Navs. There has been a spark between us since we met; it didn’t take long for him and I to both see that. Despite how often he’s asked me to date him, I still say no. It’s becoming more difficult to be around him without falling for him more. But I’m trying. For you and for my job.”

I haven’t let myself accept that part yet, until now. I don’t think I want to. I don’t know what the future holds, but I’d give anything at this point for him to be a big part of it.

The reality that he might not be is beginning to be the new root of my pain.

Her hands find mine as she gazes off into the distance, looking to be lost in her own thoughts. “You deserve happiness, Kodi. I’ve always believed that. I’m starting to regret I asked you not to pursue things with Cal.”

“Don’t. It’s fine, really. I understand it, and I respect it. I’d never want to be the reason for tension within your family. You both are so important to me. Although I doubt Callaway would ever be okay with just being my friend if we couldn’t be together, I would at least hope that could be a possibility one day. To still have you both. As friends.”

There’s an eerie silence lingering between us. I can’t remember the last time that’s happened. Most of our time together is usually spent in fits of laughter—this is strange for us.

“I’m so stupid.”What?

“What? Don’t say that, Navs. It will all work out. It always does.”

She’s shaking her head over and over again, seeming to be frustrated with herself. “No. No. That’s not what I’m saying. I’m so stupid for asking you to stay away.”

Uh. Where did that come from?

“You had good reason.”

Navy’s hand cups over her mouth as she shakes her head again, whispering under her breath something I’m unable to hear.

“How could I do that? How could I not see past it? Kodi, Callaway is the best guy I know, and I’m not saying that because he’s my brother. He’s incredible. That’s why my family has been so upset over him not meeting anyone who he cares enough about until you. I’m so stupid. Why would I not want the best guy I know to be with the best woman I know? It just so happens to be my brother and best friend. Cal never pursues anyone the way you say he’s been pursuing you. I’ve been so selfish. You lost your parents, Kodi, and I wanted to keep someone who would be so good for you away. He chose you months ago, and I’ve been too worried about my own fucking feelings to see it. I'm so sorry.”

I’m crying. I’ve never heard her open herself up like that. She thinks I’m the best woman she knows? The weight of her words cause my tears to rush forward, making a mess on my face. I could never think bad about her in that way. As much as she has been there for me, especially this past year, I’d sacrifice it all for her.

One glance at Navy tells me she’s crying too.

She’s been my best friend through several difficult seasons in my life. Ups and downs. And to think this is wherewe ended up—with me telling her I’m feelingsomethingfor her older brother.

We’ve come a long way, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

“Navs. I love you so much. You know that, right? You have nothing to be sorry for.”

She wipes at her tears before reaching into her purse to pull out her compact, checking for any signs of imperfection on her face.

She won’t find any.

“I need you to hear me when I say this, Kodi. If you feel something for Callaway, don’t let him go. Let yourself love him. I can promise you; he will love you well and choose you every day. Just like I know you’ll do the same for him.”

Mother trucker. I did not plan on crying like this today.

I want to make sure she knows my motive. “You saying that means...so much.” I’m fighting back the continued tears. “You are my family, Navy. What’s left of it at least. I won’t take that for granted. I still have my job to consider, but if you’re okay with it, I’d like to take a chance with him.”

Saying that out loud feels surreal.

She nods her head kindly before wrapping her arms around my neck, pulling me into a warm embrace. Her whispers are filled with love and acceptance. “Go for it. He’s all yours.”

I’m falling for Callaway Hayes, and it feels good to finally admit it.

It feels good to finally accept it.

To finallyembraceit.

Now what am I going to do about it?

31

---