Page 46 of Best Friends for Never

Parker takes a steadying breath, then pushes her shoulders back ever so slightly.

“Thank you for your questions, Leonard. I love that you’re so concerned about the theater and its longevity. Studies have shown that the presence of a theater in a town or city, no matter how big or small, enriches the lives of the people living there and creates a safe space for those who need it. I know that Emerald Grove is a tight-knit community, and surely, they want to create a haven for all who need one, right? I have full faith this town can come together and make this happen and keep the doors of this building open for all, for many, many years to come.”

Leonard’s jaw tightens at her answer. “So you want the townspeople to donate and resurrect this place on hopes and dreams because you had a happy youth here? What happens if you can’t raise enough funds? Will the theater sit empty like it is now?”

“I don’t believe we’ll have any issues raising funds.”

“Why?” Leonard counters quickly and sharply. This inquiry is becoming heated.

I try to step in again, but Axel still holds me back. I could easily shove him off me, but I know it’d create a scene, and I don’t want to ruin Parker’s special day.

And I fucking hate it. I hate sitting back and watching her get torn into like this. I want to help. I want to fix it. I want to be there for her.

“We have some creative ideas,” Parker tells him. “We’re hosting our first fundraising event, the Restoration Raffle, next weekend. I’m sure you’ve seen flyers all over town for it.”

“We’ve also all seen the signs suggesting peopledon’twant this theater to happen.”

“Yes, true. I—”

“So while this all sounds great in theory, what happens if nobody donates?”

“I have faith the town will rally together and—”

“This sounds like you have a lot ofhopesfor this project but not a lot of cold, hard facts, or cash, for that matter.” Leonard keeps pushing. “Do we really want to waste this generous donation—one that could benefit the town in much better ways—on your faith?”

“That’s it,” I mutter, and this time, when I push forward, Axel lets me go.

I stomp toward the ambush I’m watching unfold, not stopping until I’m next to Parker, who is struggling to answer Leonard’s bullshit questions.

I place my hand on the small of Parker’s back, and she jumps at the contact, peering up at me. Just like that, she’s no longer tense. No. She relaxes into my touch.

“Ah, Noel. Just who I was hoping to speak with next. How doyoufeel about this restoration that could fail bearing your name?”

“Proud,Figs.” I use the nickname he hates intentionally. He’s riling Parker up, so why can’t I rile him up? “Because I know without a doubt that it won’t fail.”

He shoots daggers my way. “And why are you so certain it won’t fail?”

“Because I plan to help.”

I do? Fuck me. What the hell am I saying?

Parker whips her head up at me. “You will?”

Her hazel eyes are so wide and full of such surprise and ... Is that gratitude I see?

I can’t let her down now. Not like I did before by never coming back.

I nod. “My schedule is clear for the next six weeks.” It’s not, and my agent is going to kill me for this, but the words keep coming anyway. “I’m staying in Emerald Grove to help raise the funds needed to complete the renovation, starting with the raffle next weekend.”

“So you’re auctioning off a date with yourself next weekend?”

Wait, what?

Leonard lifts the little recorder he’s holding, eager for my answer, but that’s not what I meant. Sure, I’ll help, but auction myself off for a date? No way in hell.

“I didn’t mean—”

“Yes!” Parker interrupts. “Yes. Next weekend, you can win a date with Noel Carter himself. Right, Noel?”

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