Page 18 of The Enemy Face Off

Amiel: "It's purely a coincidence that I'm switching places and moving away from Beth."

Hannah: "…and it turns out that in romance-novel land, people who pretend to hate each other end up loving each other."

Me: "Too bad we live in Comfort Bay and not in romance-novel land. And who says I'm pretending to hate Milo?"

That earns me a win—a rare beat of silence. But my victory fades quickly. They're quiet from exchanging grins and eye rolls—and in Evie's case, finishing her first coffee—not because I made my point.

Evie: "I'm ready to join in the conversation. I can't miss out on the opportunity to rib Little Miss Anti-Love here."

Me: "Why is everyone ganging up on me?"

Evie: "Because I want you to have what me and Fraser do. Or what Hannah and Culver have. True love is a wonderful thing."

Me: "True love is a scary and daunting thing."

Hannah: "That's what makes it so wonderful."

Me: "Not when you get hurt."

"Hey." Hannah gently takes my hand. "Not all men are like your exes. You just had bad luck."

"Sure. But twice?" I ask, meeting her gaze.

She nods emphatically. "Look, it happens. I'm sorry that's been your experience, but hopefully, things will be different next time with?—"

"Let's talk about something else." I pull my fingers from her grip and clap, cutting her off before she can bring up Milo again.

I don't even know what I feel about him, or why I'm thinking about him so much. I'm perfectly happy living in blissful ignorance for as long as I can. Men have only ever caused me pain, so if I'm going to fall for someone, it can't be a guy like Milo. I need the next guy to be a good one.

Me: "I'm changing the topic and not even bothering to try and fit it into a neat segue. Summer, how are you doing?"

Hannah: "So not done with this. We're circling back to you later."

Me: "Fine. Later. Summer?"

Summer: "I agree with Hannah about circling back later. But I'm doing well."

Evie: "Define well."

Summer: "Work is good, and Dad's condition isn't getting worse, so we're all happy about that."

Amiel: "Any news on the love life front?"

Summer: "That would be a big no."

Me: "So nothing has progressed with you and Bear?"

Summer: "Also, no. And unless you want to circle back to yourself way sooner than you'd like, can we drop it? Please."

Amiel: "At least you have someone interested in you."

Summer: "I don't even know if he is interested."

Amiel,Evie,Hannah,me: "HE'S INTERESTED!"

Summer: "Whatever. I'm moving the circle along. What about you, Amiel? Are you seeing anyone?"

Me: "Are you even ready to date again?"

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