Page 145 of The Nicest Thing

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She thought for a second.

"Actually, she is.I don't think we'll be friends for much longer."

A shrug.

"Have a good day, you guys."

"Same to you, Tessa," I said.

After they'd left, Emmy looked to me."What the hell was all that about?"

"She doesn't like me."

"Obviously.How do you even know her?"

"Keely started publishing around when I did," I answered, "not that I knew that.I had no idea who she was until she emailed me.She said she read and liked my books.She was very complimentary."

"That woman?"

"Yep."

Finn leaned in."What happened?"

"Keely talked about me with other authors," I said."I found out about it.What she said…was unflattering and untrue."

"Bitch," Emmy said.

Finn nodded his agreement.

"Eh, I know I'm not everyone's cup of tea."I shrugged, ignoring how much it hurt to learn that someone I'd trusted stabbed me in the back."But I hate gossip.I'd never talk about someone like that."

"Of course, you wouldn't," Finn said."You're a good person."

"Am I?"

He continued to stare, but Emmy rolled her eyes.

"Please, Rose.Don't let someone like that make you think less of yourself," she said.

I looked between the two of them."She was right, though.I am a liar."

"Because you use a pen name?That's—"

"Because I made everyone believe Finn and I are married when we're not," I cut in.

Emmy frowned."What's wrong with that?Marriage of convenience is one of my top 10 tropes.It's right after brother's best friend and enemies-to-lovers."

"Emmy," I groaned, "this is my life.Not fiction."

"Well, I say you shouldn't feel an ounce of guilt."

"I agree," Finn said."You did this for Grandma Rose.No one would fault you for that."

I wasn't so sure.

"But she's fine now, and I'm still lying," I said.

He stared at me."It really bothers you, huh?"

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