Page 61 of The Nicest Thing
I wish you would've.
I don't like that kind of attention.
Emmy rolled her eyes then put her hands on my shoulders."Come on, Rose.He's not like my other brothers.Finn doesn't like the spotlight—especially not when it's being shined on him by the moms of his players."
"Really?" I asked, watching as another woman stepped up to Finn.
"Yeah, that's why he likes me to come.Having his sister here usually keeps them at bay."
That obviously wasn't working today.Even now, the woman was edging closer to Finn as he ran a hand over the back of his neck.I recognized it as something he did when he was nervous.Was Emmy right?Or was he just hot?
"Why don't you help him then?" I said.
"I could—but I think I'll let you do it."
Finn continued to edge further and further away from the woman.When I glanced at her again, Emmy was smiling.
"I just got a text about my internship," she said, holding up her phone.
My eyes brightened."With that hockey team?"
Emmy groaned."Please, don't use the 'h' word.I still may have to pull my application—even if this is the best opportunity to get real-world experience in the sports world, doing actual work under a boss who I look up to."
"But—"
"And don't you dare tell my brother, or I'll tell him what I know."
"My lips are sealed," I said with a laugh.
"Good."
As she was walking away, staring down at her phone, her words finally registered."Hey!Out of curiosity, what do you know?" I asked.
Emmy looked back at me over her shoulder.
"Best friends," she said with a scoff.
I shook my head in confusion.
"I'm not blind, Rose."
When I didn't respond, her lips tipped up in a smile.
"Friends don't look at friends the way you look at Finn," she said.
I nearly swallowed my tongue, but forced out, "I'll have to work on that."
"Yeah…or you could just own it."
Emmy waved over her shoulder and put her phone to her ear, disappearing into the parking lot a second later.I wasn't sure whether to feel embarrassed or empowered.On one hand, it was awkward to be called out like that—by Finn's sister, no less.But on the other, it was freeing to realize that Emmy knew my feelings and approved.Of me.For her brother.Even ifI wasn't sure I was good enough, at least, she thought I was. When I turned back around, most of the players were gone, and only a few parents and coaching staff remained.I spotted Finn, still talking to the same woman, leaning as far away from her as possible.He really did look like he could use some help.
And I still owed him.
For the couples' brunch.
I could do this.
For Finn.
