Page 46 of For Keeps. For Always.

“You said yes, right?”

“Of course, I said yes!” she yells at me.

“Engaged at twenty-two.”

There’s no judgment or shock in my tone. A simple statement.

“When you know, you know,” she murmurs.

Henley’s face blurs my vision.

Of course, there are feelings there. But look at us.

“Obviously, we’re in no immediate rush to get married,” Addy continues, oblivious to the dilemma of my heart. “But when we settle on a date, do you think you could trek back to our neck of the woods to help us celebrate?”

“Wouldn’t miss it, babe.”

My coffee tastes like lead, the bitter taste of regret and resentment settling in my stomach like an anchor, pulling me further into the abyss with every second.

I throw the cup into the first trash can I see, watching the milky liquid spray along the sides in its own frustration.

“I feel like I know nothing about what you’re doing, where you are, or what you’re up to.” Addy easily moves into different conversations without prelude, expecting me to follow without confusion. In person, I can see the change in her demeanor. It’s harder to do over the phone; it’s as though I’m aimlessly grabbing puzzle pieces, praying they fit.

“I send emails.” I don’t let myself feel guilt at the accusation in her tone.

“A generic email three times a year is not keeping me updated on your life. You need to join the world of social media. You’re a little late to the party.”

“No.”

I can feel her roll her eyes down the line. “It’s a way we can stay in contact while you’re conquering the world. You can post pictures and see ours.”

I remain silent.

“Henley joined.”

Sneaky little shit.

“I can’t believe I never picked up that you two would develop romantic feelings. Still psychs me out. You’re not supposed to fall in love with your best friend, Brooks.”

“We were young, and those feelings were a long time ago now,” I lie.

“Serves you right for stealing my best friend.”

I can’t stop the bark of laughter that creeps up on me. “You should really get over that. It was years ago. And the way I see it, you won out anyway. She talks to you.”

“You should call her. You’re single. She’s single. No one is going to get hurt feelings. For once, you won’t be crossing any lines.”

What she doesn’t know is that everything Henley and I do is stepping over the line. We’re torn between friendship and emotions we can’t settle on at the same time. Our love for one another isn’t unrequited. It’s forever mistimed.

“Maybe,” I murmur.

“I should go before I spend my entire wedding budget on a phone call to your best-friend-thieving ass,” Addy teases.

“I’m happy for you, Addy,” I tell her. “Really happy.”

“Thanks.” She smiles, the gesture forcing its way down the phone line.

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