Page 6 of A Necessary Nudge Out of the Friend Zone

“You’re laughing.” She gave her sister a shove. This was not the time to laugh. This was the time to eat ice cream until she could no longer feel anything. “Stop that.”

“I’m sorry. It’s just so classic Remi.”

“Shut up. Let’s go to our room. Our entire trip is ruined. I have to get out of these clothes.”

“Ruined? No way.”

Remi rolled her eyes. What was her sister thinking? “Of course everything is ruined.” Her crocks made squishing noises as they walked through the building and out into the courtyard.

“You’re overreacting.”

“He’swith someone,” Remi hissed. “Didn’t you see? We came here for nothing. This is five years ago all over again.” At least he didn’t bring up what had happened the last time she’d seen him. Maybe he’d forgotten? Please, please let that be it.

“He’s not married, and he’s not dead. And he wants to get together with you. I’d call that a win.” Brooke flashed a smug smile. “And don’t worry, I’ll make sure this happens. Don’t forget why we’re here. You have to realize that Colton isn’t the same kid you grew up with.”

It bothered Remi that her sister was assuming the worst-case scenario. “Or we’ll realize that we’re meant for each other, right?”

Brooke paused before digging out her key card for the room door. She pressed the key to the lock and the door clicked open. “Yeah, that’s what I meant.”

Irritation washed over Remi and she brushed past her sister and grabbed her suitcase, dragging it to her side of the bed. She hefted it up onto the corner. “This is so like you.”

“What?”

“You made me come all the way out here with the promise that you’d help me, when all you’re trying to do is “fix” me.” She made air quotes.

“That’s not true. I am trying to help you. You need to purge Colton from your system, remember?”

Tears pricked at Remi’s eyes. She had ignored the purge suggestion and clung to the “maybe you two are meant to be together,” part. She couldn’t cut Colton out of her life. It would be like cutting off an arm or a leg. Colton was a part of her. She yanked on her suitcase zipper, but it wouldn’t budge, and the harder she tugged, the more stuck it got. Finally, she grunted and shoved her suitcase away. It toppled off the bed and onto the floor.

“Hey,” Brooke said, grabbing her shoulders. “Why are you so upset?”

Upset? Couldn’t her sister see? They’d flown out on this stupid trip she didn’t want to go on anyway to meet up with Colton who was right now probably kissing some famous chick who looked amazing in a push-up bra. Remi wasn’t famous. She wasn’t even feminine. She was frumpy. And she needed to shave but really hated doing it, so she’d put it off until her legs were now protected under the National Forest Management Act.

But that was beside the point. Her dream of ending up with Colton was shattering, and it was making her miserable.

“He has a girlfriend,” she finally said.

“Remi,” her sister said softly. “He’s a famous movie star.”

Remi sank to the bed. Brooke was right. How could she have thought for one minute that she could find Colton here, unattached, and wishing he were dating his high school friend who happened to be a girl? She was hopeless. Colton had a totally different life now. One that didn’t include her. She wiped at the tears that were now flowing.

“Are you okay?” her sister asked, sitting next to her on the bed.

Remi nodded, then changed her mind and shook her head. “No.”

“Aw, sweetie.” Brooke pulled her close and patted her back. “You’ll get over him.”

A knock came on the door and Brooke stood. “It’s probably housekeeping. I’ll send them away.”

She crossed the room and opened the door. Remi turned so whomever was at the door couldn’t see her tear-streaked face. Brooke had a brief conversation and then shut the door, turned, and let out a squeal. “Girl, you might just have a chance.”

Remi peeked at her sister. “What?”

Brooke crossed the room and plopped down on the bed making it bounce. “Colton sent over someone from the resort staff. He wants to meet up with you tonight. He sent you his card.” She thrust it at Remi.

Confusion swirled in her head as she took the card from Brooke. “But…he has a girlfriend.”

“So? He wants to see you. You two were friends. Maybe it’s just a friend thing right now, but that’s okay. You can work with that.”

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