Page 78 of Gone for You

“Not surprised. She’s more than a little freaked out by the idea of a relationship. You’ll need the patience of a saint.”

No shit. “Trust me, that’s not lost on me.”

“If you’re wanting my approval, you’ve got it.”

“Appreciate it, man.”

“So what else is new? How are things going at The Goat?”

“Excellent. Busy, as usual. Last week we had to turn people away because Lily and Drew had their party here. Wedding’s tonight.”

“Liv mentioned that.”

“She told me that she and Lily grew up together, right? Have you met Drew?”

“Yeah, we’ve known Lily forever. Never met Drew.” His response comes back harsher than I expected, voice a little angry.

“I met him last weekend. Seems like a nice guy. Assistant Coach to her cousin for the Warriors.”

“What’s with the small talk? I told you I knew she was getting married. I don’t need a rundown of the guy’s work history.”

I raise my eyebrows. “Whoa. Maybe you’re the one who needs the tampons. You on your period or something? You’re awful cranky.”

He sighs. “I’m just irritated. Kind of a shitty day.”

“Glad you chose me to be on the receiving end of that,” I grumble.

“That’s what friends are for.” I can practically hear him grinning.

And then it hits me… it’s something in the way he was completely relaxed until I brought up Lily’s name.

“Holy shit.” I say.

“Holy shit what?”

“You’re pissed that Lily is getting married, aren’t you?”

“Now why would I give it a shit that my little sister’s friend is getting married?”

“And that it’s not to you,” I remind him, digging it in so he admits it.

“Fuck off,” he growls.

“Holy shit.”

“Stop repeating yourself.”

“Wow. I never realized you’ve been in love before. Or that it was your little sister’s best friend.”

I hear rustling in the background, what sounds like the slamming of a fridge door, then a bottle opening and the top pinging across the counter. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Uh huh. Lie to yourself all you want but you can’t lie to me. I can read between the lines. You have feelings for Lily, or you did at one time.”

I gather my coat and keys, shut down my computer and load it into my laptop bag. Press my phone against my ear with my shoulder.

“Have fun at the wedding,” his voice now is quiet, a little sad, resigned and it makes me feel pretty fucking awful for him.

“Yeah. Sorry, man.”

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