Page 38 of Summer Ever After
That feels like a win.
Walker
What else does she say about me?
Capri
Nope. I know you, and when it comes to women, you have the attention span of a toddler. You are not allowed to flirt with Jane or get her hopes up that you’re interested in her.
My smile grows even bigger.
Walker
Would her hopes be up if she thought I was interested in her?
Capri
No, Jane is way too good for you. She’d never be interested. But I still want you to stay away from her this summer. She has a lot on her plate, and I don’t want you getting mixed up in her summer plans.
My lips press together into a pucker.
Walker
What summer plans?
Capri
Nothing that concerns you. She just mentioned that you're always around, and I wanted to make sure that you know Jane Hayes is off-limits when it comes to your love life. She’s not your summer distraction while you’re in Sunset Harbor, your rebound girl after Lydia, or how you console yourself while you’re down in the dumps. She deserves more than that.
Walker
Wow, why don’t you tell me how you really feel?
I add a wide-eye emoji at the end of my sarcastic text, hoping Capri gets the hint that she went a little too far with the insults.
A lot of what she saidmightbe true, but she doesn’t need to say it out loud or in written word. Has she never heard the saying,If you can’t say something nice…?
Capri
Jane is my best friend.
Yeah, well, I’m your brother.
Capri
When it comes to men, Jane is looking for more than just a good time. And she’s looking for someone who lives in Sunset Harbor. I just wanted to make sure you know that.
There’s a push and pull of feelings happening inside me. I’m irritated at my sister for assuming I’d carelessly bulldoze over Jane’s heart if given the chance. But there’s also a surprising amount of disappointment orbiting my thoughts at the prospect of Jane being off-limits.
Despite the disappointment, I tell my sister what she wants to hear.
Walker
Relax. Nothing besides normal conversation is happening between me and Jane. You can put away your protective-best-friend card.
Capri
Okay, good. Besides that, are you doing alright?
