Page 93 of More than Friends

She waves toward the ballroom. “Jealous.”

I scoff. I don’t know why. There’s literally nothing else to call it.

“I’m not jealous,” I say.

She scoffs this time. “Jealous. Possessive. Entitled. You’re acting like we broke up. You’re punishing me for it.”

I stare at her for a beat. She’s devastatingly beautiful, even with tears streaming down her face. She’s wearing a silver glittering gown that makes her look like the bombshell that she is. Her big blue eyes are just a puddle of tears. The weight of this moment hits me right in the gut.

Itfeelslike a breakup.

The breakup of a relationship that never was.

She softens her voice. “We were never supposed to get attached. Never supposed to get feelings involved.”

“I haven’t.” My voice comes out thick. I clear my throat.

“Where did my friend go?” she pleads. “When we started everything last year, you promised me. You promised me that I wouldn’t lose you as a friend over this.You promised.”

She lowers her voice even more and then says, “I can’t lose you.”

This is the moment where I should remember who I am. I’m not a jealous asshole. I’m everyone’s best friend. The guy that never worries. The one you go to so you can forget your problems. I should be that guy. Instead I say, “You’ve already lost me.”

She gasps like I’ve hit her. I don’t wait for a response before I turn and walk away.

“Where are you going?” she calls.

“Australia.” I don’t turn back.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Maggie

“What do you think,Maggie?” Hugo asks as he sips his cognac.

“Oh, I haven’t really followed it.” I have no idea what they are talking about. I zoned out several minutes ago. Hugo and I are having dinner with a few of his friends, Margo and Stellan. They are nice enough people, but I’m distracted.

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