Page 121 of Summer Ever After
“You would’ve careda lot.You hated when people only saw you as Walker’s little sister or used you to get to him. I didn’t want to pile on and add to that.”
“That was in junior high. I was insecure and immature back then, but I would’ve known you weren’t hanging out with me just to get to Walker. You consistently proved yourself as my friend.”
“Well, it doesn’t matter now, because I didn’t tell you, and he moved away, and I thought it was over.”
Her lips push to a frown. “But then he came back.”
“He came back.” Tears pool at the backs of my eyes. “I tried to stay away from him, I really did.”
“Jane, you didn’t have to stay away from him because of me. I only said that so you wouldn’t end up on my lawn at six a.m. with a broken heart.”
“I should’ve told you. I just got scared that you’d be mad at me for not listening to you.”
“I could never bethatmad at you.”
“Uh…”—I blink back at her—“we both know the best-friend’s-brother trope never ends well. There’s always a massive friendship-ending fight.”
“This isn’t fiction. We’re stronger than the best-friend’s-brother trope. Besides, I should’ve stayed out of it, but I was trying to protect you. I love Walker. He’s a great guy. He’s been trying really hard to build a relationship with me since he came back to Sunset Harbor. I’ve noticed and appreciate all his efforts. But none of that changes the fact that he might not be a good fit for what you want. We both know golf is his first love.”
Wet tears pour down my face at a steady speed. “I know.”
“I don’t care that you dated my brother. I just didn’t want to see you get your hopes up only to be brokenhearted when he left.”
“I should’ve listened to you.”
She laughs with a somber smile. “Sounds like you couldn’t have stayed away from him even if you wanted to.”
“Probably not.” I sniff out a laugh.
“So is itoverover?”
I bite my lip, fighting off the next wave of tears. “Yeah, we both know there’s no way it could work out. I live here. He doesn’t.”
“Well, look at the bright side.” She smiles. “You finally got to date Walker Collins, like every other girl on the island—a notch on your belt buckle. Now you can move on and find someone better.”
“Capri…” My lips quiver. “I love him.”
I thought I loved him in seventh grade, but this is different. This is real and powerful.
Her shoulders slump. “Oh, Jane!”
“I know.” I fall into her arms, crying all over again.
“Does Walker know?”
“I couldn’t tell him. I didn’t want to make him feel guilty or pressure him into more than he wants.”
“It will be okay. I know it hurts right now. But we’re going to get through this.” She grabs my shoulders, forcing me to look up at her. “We’ll get through this together.”
“You don’t have time for me. You’re with Tristan.” I sob some more until it turns to laughter.
“Shoot. I know. Terrible timing, but I’ll still be here for you. And you will get over Walker.” She smiles down at me. “He’s notthatgreat.”
I laugh to appease her, but inside, I know Capri is wrong.
Walker Collins is the greatest thing that ever happened to me.
Walker
