Page 34 of Almost

“Can I help?” Kiera asks, smiling mischievously, a far cry from the girl who was crying and clinging to me fifteen minutes ago.

I choke on my laugh because I’d love her help, but it would defeat the very purpose of stopping us a moment ago. “Nope, this is your doing. No hand jobs, blow jobs, or sexual intercourse.Nothing.”

She frowns, twisting a strand of her dark hair between her fingers. “Tell me again why you agreed to that stupid idea?”

“Because I love you, and I’d do anything for you.”

A small smile forms on her mouth, swollen from kissing. “I love you, too, Sebastian Walker. Please, don’t ever forget it.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Thalia

PENELOPE AND I decided to repaint the living room in an attempt to stay busy now that the gallery is open.

I wanted to paint the walls black to match my mood, but I was outvoted. We ended up going with a sage green as it compliments the furniture already here.

“He surprised me with this fabulous dinner that he cooked. I swear my jaw hit the floor when I found out Owen could make something other than protein shakes and eggs. I wonder how long he’s kept that tidbit to himself,” Blake muses, laughing lightly as she edges carefully where the trim is.

“The bar is set so low for men.” I sigh, pouring more paint into the tray.

Penelope snorts, clearly finding my statement amusing. She’s put up with her own fair share of awful men, so I know she understands where I’m coming from. “Agreed.”

“I don’t know how you put up with my brother, B.”

Blake smiles widely at me, her auburn hair falling in her face as she turns quickly. “Well, I wouldn’t call it putting up with him because I love him. You on the other hand, I dohave to put up with since you’re Owen’s little sister. Sebastian I have to put up with because he’s my husband’s best friend.” She grimaces, rolling her eyes. “He came over and was groveling at Owen’s feet to forgive him for the way he’s been acting. He did say he came clean to Kiera everything about your guys’s relationship, so maybe things are turning around.”

Yeah, I don’t think things are turning around for the happy couple, but I’ll let Blake believe what she wants. It’s not my mess, and I’d prefer to be as far from the cross fire as possible.

“I never thought he’d actually do it! Are they still getting married now that Kiera knows the truth?” Penelope looks at Blake in surprise, but I wonder how surprised they would both be if they knew I already told Kiera before Sebastian did.

I’m a shitty friend. The only person I told about my slip of tongue was Chris, and now he’s is back in Florida. As far as anyone here knows, Kiera had no idea before Sebastian told her. That’s exactly how I plan on it staying.

But did Kiera tell Sebastian about her study partner that she cheated on him with? Probably not. I did keep that information to myself as I haven’t quite decided what the right or wrong thing to do is in that situation.

I don’t particularly feel like being shot for being the messenger.

“Yes. The wedding is still on.” Her amber eyes drift to look at me, and a sense of dread fills my stomach. Why is Blake looking at me like that?

“Whatever you’re going to say, just say it. I’m a big girl.”

“He’s selling the house.”

Oh.I’m not sure if I have any room to be upset because it was never mine. Maybe it’s a good thing he’s selling it; it’s only served as a reminder of what I almost had. Still, I can’t forget how happy we used to be in that house before everything fell apart.

Blake clears her throat, and I feel the weight of Penelope’s stare analyzing my reaction. “Good for him. It’s just a house so stop looking at me like that, guys. Sebastian can do whatever he wants, as he’s proven time and time again. The house is his to do with what he wants. Besides, I’m with Eric,” I say, probably overplaying nonchalance, but my friends are going to believe whatever they want.

Which I am.

Eric brought up the conversation a few days ago, and I agreed to give us another chance. I’ve caught myself wondering if I agreed for the wrong reasons, but I’m willing to give it a shot. I need to move on once and for all. Why not with Eric?

“I like Eric, you guys are cute together. He’s been staying over a lot,” Penelope teases casually, winking at Blake as my face flushes. I’m twenty-six. I shouldn’t be embarrassed for having sleepovers with my boyfriend.Wow. That’s kind of weird.Eric is my boyfriend? Has it really been that long since I’ve called someone my boyfriend that it feels weird?

“He has, but I’m surprised you’ve noticed. You’re hardly home.” I change the conversation back to her.

“I’ve been seeing someone.” Penelope rolls her eyes, but she can’t hide the smile on her face. I’m glad she’s finding her place here.

“Well typically that’s what it means when someone is rarely home. Are you going to tell us about them?” Blake asks, setting her paintbrush down.

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