Page 141 of The Nicest Thing
I was hers.
All hers.
And I looked forward to making sure she got that message.Loud and clear.
CHAPTER 20: Rose
"No offense, Rose," Emmy said lightly, "but green isn't your color."
"Ha ha," I mumbled.
Day one of signing ended hours ago.We were standing at the bar of the hotel restaurant, getting drinks for our table, and as I watched, another woman approached Finn—getting too close—and smiling down into his eyes like he was the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen.Truthfully, I couldn't blame her for that.Finn O'Brien was pretty, but the sight made me want to howl, an unnamed something clawing fast and furious at my insides.
Jealousy really was a monster.
"Seriously, though, forget them," she added, referring to his many admirers, not including the authors she'd invited to come to dinner with us.Unlike me, my roommate had people skills.Emmy showed up at the conference, instantly made friends, and insisted we have a 'girls-only-plus-Finn' dinner date.Maybe she could give me lessons on socializing."My brother loves you.You said he finally told you that, right?"
My lips tipped up a bit."He did."
"And?"
"I confessed my feelings too."
"Then what?"
I shot her a look."Do you really want to know?"
Emmy's brow furrowed."The part of me that's your friend is dying to find out.She's starved for romance and loves love.But the part of me that's Finn's sister"—she gave an exaggerated shiver of disgust—"yeah, no.Best keep any details to yourself."
"Good choice."
"I've been known to make a few."
She nudged my arm.
"Like driving here to see you.You looked so surprised."
"I was," I said."Best surprise ever."
Seeing Emmy's face as I exited what was one of the most anxiety-induing public speaking events of my life was like taking my first breath of fresh air after being oxygen-deprived for a year.I was so happy to see her I'd nearly crushed her with my hug.
"Sorry again for hugging you so tight," I said.
"My ribs are a little sore," she teased.
"I missed you.So much, Emmy.Especially after the absolute disaster that was the author panel."
"I know you said you were awkward, but I don't believe it.You're a good speaker, Rose."
"I tripped on air in front of everyone," I said.
"Could've happened to anyone," Emmy replied.
"I also choked on the water they gave us and had a coughing fit."
"That doesn't sound so bad."
"I spewed said water all over the moderator."
