Page 37 of A Necessary Nudge Out of the Friend Zone

CHAPTER15

Remi pushed the cold scrambled eggs around on her plate. The resort restaurant had good food, she just wasn’t hungry. She’d spent far too long last night doodling in her scrapbook and wondering why Colton couldn’t see her as anything other than a friend. And why wouldn’t Brooke help her? She sighed and glared at her sister. “I can’t believe you won’t do this for me.”

Brooke sat back in her chair. “Why do you even want me there?”

“Because. I obviously don’t know what I’m doing. If you come, you can help me out. Get Colton to see the side of me he’s refusing to see.”

“And what side is that?” Brooke asked, her gaze traveling over Remi’s oversized hoodie.

Remi didn’t want to say it. She balked at even thinking it. But she forced the words out. “My sexy side.”

Brooke busted a gut, her laugh echoing around the breakfast area.

Remi clenched her jaw. “Stop it. Just forget it.” She should have known her sister wasn’t going to help. She exhaled. “What am I supposed to tell Colton? He asked you to come.”

“Tell him I have a boyfriend.” Brooke grinned and swirled her ice water. “Because I totally do now.”

Of course. That was how Brooke’s life just went. Remi tossed her sister a flat look. “That doesn’t explain anything.”

“Yes, it will. I’m spending the day with Mark. We’re going snorkeling.”

Annoyance tightened Remi’s chest. “You just met this guy. And now you’re abandoning me to spend time with him?”

Brook set her water down on the table with a clunk. “I’m not abandoning you. You may not realize it, but Iamhelping you.”

Frustrated, Remi huffed. “Why won’t you just come with us this one time?”

“Because. I have plans. And if this is meant to be, it will be. If not, then you tried your best, and he just doesn’t feel the same way about you. That’s all.” Brooke shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal. But it was. It was the biggest deal of Remi’s life. Without Colton, she would wander around forever with a massive hole in her chest.

These last two days had been amazing. She hadn’t thought it was possible to fall even more in love with Colton, but that was exactly what was happening. Her feelings had intensified. If he didn’t see her as anything more than a friend after all this, she was worried she would be broken forever.

Remi set her fork down on her plate. “I think I’m done.”

“You barely ate anything.”

“I’m not hungry.”

Brooke frowned. “Don’t worry. He wants to spend time with you. That’s half the battle right there.”

A sadness settled in Remi’s chest. “We were friends growing up. We spent all kinds of time together. And look what that got me.” She exhaled and sat back. “Nothing.”

A redheaded woman from the resort approached their table. Remi had seen her around. She looked like the owner, and her nametag said, “Kay.”

“How is everything? Enjoying your breakfast?” Kay’s gaze flickered to Remi’s plate, and she felt guilty for the mound of cold eggs sitting there uneaten.

“Everything is delicious,” Remi said quickly. “I’m just not that hungry.” She offered a lame smile.

The woman slowly nodded. “That’s all right.” She paused, then looked at Remi. “I wanted to let you know about the singles dance we have scheduled in the Diamond Hall tomorrow evening. It’s kind of a spur of the moment thing, but we’ll have a live band and tight security. No paparazzi allowed. I’m hoping you’ll come.”

Before Remi could say anything, the woman left, vanishing into the crowd. The faint smell of her perfume was the only proof she’d been there at all. Brooke leaned over. “Hey, you should get Colton to go to the dance with you. Sounds like the perfect opportunity to get closer to him.” She grinned. “And I could help you find a great dress.”

No way. Remi scoffed. “I’m staying away from dances. I’m not going to have another repeat of five years ago.” That was the most embarrassing moment of her life.

“What happened five years ago?” Brooke raised one eyebrow.

Oh, shoot. Remi had forgotten that Brooke didn’t know about that. She stared down at her plate. “I decided to tell Colton how I felt about him.”

Brooke raised her hand. “Hold up. You told him you love him? Why did you not tell me this before?”

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