Page 50 of Between Here and There

“Just go, Rob, please,” I add.

Rob rubs his jaw, his eyes teasing. “Why are you acting so sensitive about this? Are you getting your period or something?”

Oh, wow. Josh steps forward, and Rob steps back, but I hold Josh’s arm to keep him in place. He understands me and lets me step in front of him. He remains behind me, unwavering and supportive.

I scoff, shaking my head. “You’re never going to get it, are you?” My voice drops to a whisper, steady but cutting.

“What?” Rob snaps, his frustration barely concealed.

“You don’t see me—or any woman—as a person. To you, we’re just a category.” I shrug, a bitter smile tugging at my lips. “When I stand up to you, it’s hormones. When I told you what happened in that toxic office, you chalked it up to my ‘pretty face.’ And when I landed the job in New York? You didn’t call me capable or deserving. You called me lucky. Always lucky.”

I watch his face shift, his mouth opening to protest, but I don’t let him. My voice remains calm, deliberate. “You need to be on top. And the moment you’re not, you tear me down to make yourself feel bigger. When I got to New York, you couldn’t handle the idea that I’d outgrown the little box you shoved me into. So you were done—already off to find someone else who’d make you feel important.”

I take a step closer, my gaze steady on his, unwavering. “If you want to keep her around this time, remember one thing: women don’t exist to fit into the boxes you build for us. We’re not trophies for your ego or mirrors for your self-worth. We’re people—whether you choose to see it or not.”

I manage to stun Rob into silence. So I turn on my heel, ready to leave this conversation behind, but something makes me pause. I glance back over my shoulder and add, “You know? Things would have been a lot easier if I hadn’t listened to you and just called Joshua when I first landed in Manhattan.”

Rob opens his mouth, probably to fire back something cutting, but I don’t give him the chance. I walk away, feeling the weight lift from my shoulders with each step.

“That was amazing, you deserve a reward for that,” Joshua says as he keeps up with me.

“Well, what are you waiting for? Hand it over,” I joke.

Without missing a beat, he wraps his arm around me and presses a soft kiss to the top of my head. “There. Rewarded.”

I nudge him with my elbow, smiling up at him. “That’s not a reward, you goon. That’s a distraction.”

The sun is up in the sky, and it’s almost time for the ceremony. I can see Haley jogging behind us, and Kate making last minute checks on the cake she baked. Everyone is slowly coming to the hall, dressed in pristine fashion.

As we walk toward our places, I say to Joshua, “You didn’t have to save me back there, you know.”

“I didn’t save you, Emily. I helped you. There’s a difference.”

Everyone is gathered in the hall, which looks like something out of a dream. The space is filled with fresh sunflowers and lush tropical plants, their colors popping against the elegant decor. Guests are dressed in vibrant floral dresses, while the men sport traditional barongs that add a formal, timeless touch. Us bridesmaids are in flowing pastel gowns, each of us a different color—I’m in soft blue, like the sky.

As everyone rises to welcome Bon, I glance over and catch Joshua already looking at me. He flashes a subtle smile, one that doesn’t look like a smile if you don’t know him well enough. Just as I’m about to look away, he winks, sending a flutter through my stomach that I have to fight back.

Then Bon enters, and all my attention is on her. She’s radiant in a champagne-colored wedding dress that sparkles softly in the light, capturing her joyful, free-spirited nature. The gown flows with every step, playful yet elegant, perfectly matching the orange sapphire ring on her finger.

When they exchange vows, the words are so sincere, so full of love, that they feel like the most beautiful vows ever uttered. I can’t help the tears as they trickle down my face.

Love like this… it’s so breathtaking and terrifyingly rare. I watch Bon, my best friend, standing there with her entire heart in her eyes, and I realize I want this too. A relationship that’s fierce and fragile, honest and safe.

I hate how my brain immediately conjures the image of Joshua, just as I’m opening myself up to this hope. It's like he’s found his way into my thoughts, into places he shouldn’t be, where I promised myself I’d never let him go.

But I know better. I can’t fall in love with him. We’re just in a stupid ruse; he’s my best friend’s brother, he’s someone who could undo everything in my life if I let him. The list goes on. Yet even as I say it to myself, over and over—I can’t fall in love with him, I can’t fall in love with him, I can’t fall in love with him—I can’t help but think that knowing better doesn’t make me want it any less.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Joshua

As Bon and Ryan kiss and seal their marriage, I look over to Emily. She’s subtly wiping her eyes, not wanting anyone to see. But I do. I see it all. The way she tries to hide her emotions behind her mask of indifference. The way she tries to put up invisible shields so she can protect (and hide from) those around her.

The wedding is beautiful. It’s intimate, passionate, and emotional. If I’m being honest, it stirs something deep within me, a longing I didn’t know I had.

When the ceremony is over, we all gather at the garden for the reception. There are string lights overhead, a makeshift stage, and rustic wooden tables and chairs for everyone. The entire space is decorated with flowers and garlands. On one side, there’s a long buffet table filled with all kinds of food. At the far end, between the buffet table and the stage, is the cake. I can see Kate making final adjustments to the cake, making sure it’s perfect. She baked the cake and the pastries that were served earlier.

I’m scanning the area for Emily so we can eat together, but I can’t seem to find her. Just as I’m about to walk further, my mother stops me.

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