Page 26 of My Scorned Best Friend

I slide into my seat, and he tucks in my chair.

“I suppose.” He sits down across from me, and we both put our napkins in our laps. After that, Xavier relaxes back in his seat, one arm stretched across the table. “How’s Ben?”

“Next topic.”

Chef Colin comes out, and we don’t say anything while he fills our glasses with merlot. He’s quick to leave, probably sensing the tension in the air.

“Why can’t we talk about Ben?”

“Because it’s uncomfortable.” I sip my wine, hoping he’ll drop it.

“Okay then, how about the fundraiser? I’d love to contribute a large sum of money to get you closer to your goal.”

I shake my head. “I don’t want you to swoop in as the savior. The town will benefit from the addition. I’m confident we can raise enough money.”

“I’d pay for the whole thing if you let me.” He winks.

Prior to the past few years, Xavier was never one to throw around his money. Sure, he tried so many times to pay my student loans or buy me a new car, but he was never flashy the way he was when he was up here with Giulia.

It doesn’t matter though. His money is not what I wanted from our friendship. He’s given me comfort, companionship, and stability over the years, but the one thing I ended up needing from him the most, he was unable to give me.

“Stop. I don’t want your money.”

“The money is for the town.”

“X, enough.”

He stares at me and the candlelight flickers in his hazel eyes.

“What?” I ask.

“I miss you calling me X. I miss you, Clara.”

I shake my head. “I’m not ready to talk about this.”

“Come on, it’s been over two years.”

I look outside, and even with the drapes drawn, I spot Rylan and Calista eating ice cream with no Dori or Ethel in sight. Young love. Maybe that’s all this is with Xavier, even if I’m not young anymore. Maybe the seed was planted when I was young. He probably filled some void when I’d lost everyone in my life, and I’ve confused what’s between us for love.

“I’d just rather forget it,” I mumble.

“I can do that.”

I huff because of course he’s willing to forget it, he was in the wrong. “You’re really okay with me and Ben?”

He shrugs one shoulder and stares into his wineglass. “It’s sort of weird, but if he’s who you want… plus, he hasn’t been out with anyone else, so he must be pretty into you. Which I think I knew would happen.”

I know this conversation is making him uncomfortable because he’s looking at his hand and playing with the tablecloth.

“Why would you say that?”

His movements freeze and his gaze flicks in my direction.

We’re interrupted by Chef Colin placing bowls of soup in front of us. Lobster bisque. After we say our thanks, he nods and heads back into the kitchen.

“Any guy would be lucky to have your heart. Of course he’d fall for you,” he says softly.

“Just not you.” The words slide out of me before I can catch them. “Forget it.”

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