Page 79 of 4 Hints You Love Your Best Friend

“Oh, he is.” Her face pinches, like she just tasted expired milk. “He has a knack for ruining lives. A talent he seems to be extending to you and Jo. My advice is to cut him out and get on with living. No good comes from Jake Bower.”

She marches up to the counter, looking furious. The guilt termites living under my skin take a few more bites. I assumed Larkin shrugged off the rumors I spread. Dealt with the backlash and moved on. Apparently, she still hates Jake with vigor, and I’m an even bigger bastard than I assumed.

My phone chimes. I pull it from my pocket, but the device shakes in my unsteady grip. It’s a reminder to pick up the extra wood I ordered for the Liang fence—this afternoon’s scheduled project. The one I need to work on before meeting Javier for his bathroom reno, after which I planned to tackle more of Jolene’s apartment.

Since Jake and I are clearly not working today, I can contact E before then, ask to sleep on his couch. Find Jake once he’s cooled down and grovel my ass off.

Who needs sleep, anyway?

My phone chimes again, this time with a text from Sandra, even though she’s sitting nearby. I glance at her. She doesn’t look my way, just pretends I’m not here. When the rest of my life goes to shit, I can at least count on Sandra’s staunch professionalism.

Sandra: Buyer for Jolene’s building is on the hook.

Me: Lock them down.

Sandra: You’re not thinking clearly.

I frown at her message. Tiredness aside, my objectives are crystal clear. I have to win back Jake’s trust, an uphill climb with no end in sight. Jolene and I will revert to being non-kissing friends. Since that outcome will hurt her, I’ll do whatever I can to improve her life.

Me: I’m as clear as a bell. She told me last night she wants out of the bar. Go ahead with the purchase.

Sandra: I’m not talking about the building. You’re not thinking clearly.

Me: About what?

Sandra: Jolene and Jake. You have the facts wrong.

I almost jump up from my chair, storm over, and confront Sandra. Demand to know what nonsense she’s spouting, but we’re in a public place. Delilah is behind the counter. One hint that I know Sandra more than casually, and our cover is blown.

Me: What facts?

Sandra: There are as many sides to a story as there are people.

Me: Did you read that in a fortune cookie?

Sandra: I read people. You’re not thinking clearly.

Me: Then clarify things for me.

Sandra: Knowledge is best learned when discovered by oneself.

She definitely got that nugget from a fortune cookie. She’s also an excellent spy, and her hints have trepidation creeping up my spine.

I try to catch her eye. She continues ignoring me. Gathers her belongings and leaves without a glance or text to shed light on her unsettling clues.

I’mmore unbalanced than ever. Jake. Jolene. Lennon’s prodding. Larkin’s cutting words. Sandra’s vague hints that I’m not seeing the forest for the trees, and I’m so fucking tired. Too overwhelmed to think clearly.

I stand and march for the door. I need to get moving, but the idea of working has me feeling sicker. I can’t go home. Even if Jolene’s not there, too much of her perfect chaos is in my space. I could go for a hike or head to Bear Lake. Stare at the water until the knots in my brain unwind. But there’s only one location that’s ever been my safe place.

My fortress away from the world.

I have no clue if it’s still there. If it is, using it would be trespassing. Still, I find myself walking then practically jogging, hoping like hell the tree house Jo and I built still exists.

chapterthirty-three

Jolene

Leave it to Callahan Bower to shock the breath out of me. I thought this morning was the first and last time I’d ever taste his lips. I thought he’d bury our kiss and never mention it again. Then he goes and confesses it all to Jake, like he maybe wants to find a way through this mess together? Or this was his form of penance. Now he’ll be so remorseful, the remains of our friendship will be scorched to dust.

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