Page 80 of If It Can't Be Us

He’s nervous. Leo Weston is nervous right now, and I can’t help but laugh to myself.

“Who are you and what have you done with my friend?” I ask playfully.

Leo’s famous grin, complete with deep-set dimples, spreads across his face. “Are we friends?” he asks, a hint of nostalgia in his voice, echoing our first night together.

“Are we not?” I ask, feeling a rush of emotion that surprises me.My God, I’ve missed him.“Are you one of those men who believe that men and women can’t be friends because secretly one of them will want to be more than friends?”

Leo chuckles softly, shaking his head. “Turns out, that’s more nuanced than I originally believed.”

“And do you still want to have a go with me?” I tease lightly.

He laughs. “I respectfully decline answering that.”

I fold my arms, a smile playing on my lips as I lock eyes with him. “Sure,” I say confidently, “we’ll go to Paris. What the hell, right?”

“We, as in you and me?” He raises an eyebrow skeptically.

I shrug nonchalantly. “Unless you’re having second thoughts?”

“Oh, I always want to go to Paris.” He takes a deliberate step up to be closer, bringing us eye to eye. “And I definitely want to go with you if you’re sure. It’s been ten weeks since we’ve talked, besides a few texts.” His gaze pierces mine, and a sudden wave of nerves hits me. Did I just make a mistake agreeing to this? I feel my heart racing in my chest.

I shrug it off as nothing. “Yes, I’m sure. I’m in a good place right now. I’d love for you to come with me… as a friend.”

Leo’s lip curves up on one side, a half smile playing at the corners of his mouth. His eyes fixed on me, “As a friend,” he agrees.

“Okay,” I say softly.

“Okay,” he mirrors. “Breakfast Sunday?”

I nod, a smirk sneaking onto my face. Well, damn him. He just snuck his way back into my life and I didn’t even see it coming. We’ll see how this goes, but right now, this feels good. Maybe, just maybe, things will be different this time.

Chapter 26

LEO

April 17

One Month Later

Being patient with Vivian has finally started to pay off. Over the past month, we’ve slowly rekindled our friendship. I’ve made a conscious effort not to be possessive of her time. We’ve only seen each other a few times during this period, and I’ve been careful to ensure our interactions remain entirely platonic and respectful of her relationship with Nick.

I haven’t shared any details of our plans for Paris with her. I offered to tell her, but she chose to be surprised and said she’s just along for the ride. All I provided was a packing list.

After a brief layover in New York, we’re now boarding the Air France flight to Paris. Vivian pauses in front of our seats, 1A and 1B, and turns around to face me.

“This can’t be right. It says these are our seats.” Her face shows a mix of confusion and awe.

We flew first class from Chicago to New York, and Vivian has flown first class in the States before, but I decided to go all out and splurge on two of Air France’s La Première cabins. These aren’t your typical first-class seats. Each suite is a private cocoon of luxury with a fully flat bed, plush bedding, and privacy curtains. The cabin crew treats you like royalty,and the gourmet dining experience is like eating at a top-notch restaurant, complete with fine wines and impeccable service.

“These are our seats.” I gesture toward them with a smile. “Take your pick, love. It’s an early birthday present.”

Her eyes widen with excitement. “Shut up! Are you joking? Is this for real?”

“No, I’m not joking. Now hurry and sit—we’re holding up the line,” I say, chuckling as she practically bounces into her seat.

I settle into the seat next to her, a seat divider separating us. She grabs my arm, her face alight with joy. “I’ve always wanted to sit in one of these seats. This must have cost a fortune. Really, it’s too much… thank you.” Her smile seems permanently fixed on her face.

Itdidcost a fortune—close to twenty grand for the two of us—but seeing that smile was worth every penny.

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