Page 31 of Diverge

I give her a look that says drop it, and she does, swiftly changing the subject to her birthday party. “Okay then, should we plan for a cocktail bar or a gin bar? I’m kind of leaning towards the gin bar because no one really orders gin. I feel like it’s such a misunderstood spirit because everyone thinks it’s too bitter...”

I zone out when she babbles on. The only thing on my mind is what just happened this morning with Finn. How could I be so stupid to think we could keep it professional when in reality, the history there is just too strong? The ugly feeling inside my belly grows as I think about Nate and how wonderful last night was. Not just the sex, but the closeness, the way it was so easy for me to open up to him.

What am I going to do? They will both be there at the cabin in a couple of weeks.

No, there is nothing to do.

I’m pursuing things with Nate.

I’ll talk with Finn and straighten out the crinkled edges, but that’s all it will be... a platonic friendship.

“Are you even listening to me?” Grace’s voice interrupts me, slapping me back into the apartment.

“Yeah, just do the gin bar. I think everyone will appreciate trying something new.” I try to give her a smile, but it comes out as a twitch.

“Okay, what happened?” she asks, crossing her arms.

“Hmm?”

“Tell me why your mind is halfway across the ocean.” She leans back into the lounge, waiting.

I sigh, giving in, I tell her everything that happened between myself and Finn this morning. Looking away, she purses her lips.

“I’m going to ask you this once, B. Do you still love him?”

The question catches me off guard.

“What?” I get up off the lounge and begin tidying the kitchen to distract myself from her searing gaze. “Of course not, it’s been a decade, Grace.”

“Good. Then I suggest you focus on where things could go with Nate. As much as I love the idea of my best friend and my brother being together, I am not about to stand idle and watch you two tear each other apart because of something that happened so long ago.”

She’s right. Nothing good will come of it.

“Yep,” is all I can muster.

Chapter Ten

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