Page 45 of Forever to Fall
Evan was incredulous. “Um, are you serious?”
Unable to stop himself, Beckett puffed out his chest. “I mean, now I am. You don’t think I’m good enough for your sister?”
“I’m not saying that, but I think it’s a horrible idea. I can’t have my best friend and sister fooling around. When you guys break up, I’d have to pick sides, and that sounds terrible.” He chuckled, clearly not picking up on Beckett’s inner turmoil. “I’ll find you someone for the wedding. Don’t worry about it. You won’t have to resort to taking Mallory. I know you guys used to be each other’s backups, but we can do better.”
“If you say so,” Beckett mumbled, following his friend out into the cooling evening air. “Say hi to CeCe for me. Tell her if she wants to change her mind, I’m still available.”
Evan threw back his head and laughed before flipping him the bird and getting behind the wheel. The sound of his favorite K-Pop station blasted from the open window as he drove back to the woman he loved.
Beckett could barely get himself back inside before he collapsed onto the couch and covered his face. There had been his chance to tell Evan the truth, and he’d blown it. Worse still, Evan made it perfectly clear how he felt about Beckett and Mallory together. In fact, it was crystal clear. Perhaps this was the universe telling him to give it up. Pack up the farm house and figure out his next move. He’d be damned if he lost his friendship with Evan.
Judging from what Evan said, he already blew it with Mallory. Beckett hadn’t felt this low in months, and he yearned for just five more minutes with Gramps. The old man’s advice would go a long way now, especially since his directive was too simple. Beckett couldn’t just get the girl, he needed to get a time machine.
CHAPTER 14
After a week of nothearing from Beckett, Mallory’s curiosity got the better of her. He’d stopped texting and calling after three days of being ignored, and she couldn’t blame him. Yet she herself hadn’t come to a decision on how to move forward. Evan had happily informed her of the impending engagement party and his expectations for her and Beckett to plan it. She needed to find a way to talk with him that would not drive her up the wall with nerves.
As luck would have it, Beckett was due back for a follow-up appointment for his wound, and she decided to take matters into her own hands—literally. Mallory cornered Janis at her desk when she arrived for her shift. Did she put a little extra effort into her appearance? Maybe. Did she hope Beckett would notice? Definitely. Did she think this was a fool’s errand? Hell yes.
“Hey, hun,” Janis greeted from her perch, four different pens stuck in her up-do. Since it was the beginning of her shift, she was involved in a complicated array of spreadsheets.
Janis was a little older than Mallory and had fallen into the older-sister role on the job. She looked out for Mallory, but also knew when to have a little fun. They were overdue for a drink after work, and Mallory made a mental note to not close herself off again. Having friends was important, no matter her dating status.
“Hey, Janis. Can I ask a favor?” Mallory held a clipboard with the day’s schedule and a hopeful expression.
At her words, Janis looked up and blinked. “Someone is all dolled up today. Did I miss your birthday?”
Mallory laughed. “No, just thought I would wear a little makeup.” Any by a little, she meant mascara, lip liner, and some highlighter she borrowed from Alice. Her chocolate hair was braided into a complicated twist that gathered in a halo around her crown. Compared to her normal top knot and chapstick, she looked like she was ready for the prom.I’m an idiot,she mused.
“Well, you look lovely. What can I do for you?”
Mallory warmed at Janis’s compliment and brandished the clipboard. “There’s a patient coming in this afternoon for a follow-up from last weekend. I see that Nancy is listed as helping Dr. Shuptar, but I was hoping you could swap our bookings. It’s Mr. Fox at four o’clock.” She offered a smile that probably looked more deranged than friendly, but Janis didn’t seem to notice.
“No skin off my back.” Janis clicked away on her screen for a moment before turning around and retrieving a stack of papers from the small printer at her desk. “You mind updating everyone’s clipboards? The digital calendar is set.”
“You’re the best, Janis.” Mallory greedily took the sheets and spun around on her heels. Before she ran away, she hastily added, “You want to grab a coffee next week after a shift?”
