Page 57 of Best Friends for Never

“I know, Gran. I miss you too.”

“You’ve been gone so long, Noel. So, so long. Why?”

I gulp down the lump stuck in my throat. “You know why.”

“Because of Parker? Because she wouldn’t join you in LA?”

“It’s more than that, and you know it.”

“Fine. Then because you two kissed?”

I squeeze my eyes as the memories assault me. The kiss with Parker wasn’t just a kiss. It was so much more than that.

It was a promise. Parker knew it, and I knew it too.

But then she went and broke that promise, and now here we are, ten years later.

“I know it’s hard to let go of the past,” Gran says. “But sometimes you have to if you want to build a future. You kids need to work out whatever’s going on between you, because you’ve spent too many years of your life loving each other not to.”

Deep down, I know she’s right. Parker and I have too much history to just throw in the towel because we went and fell for each other.

But where do we start? How do we get back to what we had? Or even just our friendship? I miss that the most. I miss laughing with her with no discomfort. I miss sitting with her with no expectations. I miss being around her, and truthfully, I have since the day I left for LA.

How could I not? She’s funny and smart and gets me on a level nobody else does. And even after all these years and the distance, she’s still my best friend.

“Talk to her,” Gran encourages. “Do it soon before these next six weeks fly by, you go back to LA, and another ten years pass without talking.”

“I will,” I promise her. “I’ll talk to her.”

And I intend to keep my promise tonight.

Parker might have been able to run and hide earlier this week, but tonight she can’t. We’re going to be trapped together in the Community Hall. Besides, shehasto stick around. It is her event, after all.

I’m overdressed again.

Does nobody in Emerald Grove dress up for functions? At least a few people here are wearing dresses and suit jackets, but no other soul is dressed in a full tux like me.

“Gran, you let me overdress again.” I scowl down at the woman on my arm.

She grins proudly, not even bothering to feign innocence. “I know. You just looked so damn handsome and had a little pep in your step for the first time in days. I couldn’t ruin your good mood.”

“Thanks,” I mumble, though I don’t mean it.

“Oh, don’t be like that. You look great. I’m sure the bidders will agree.” She winks up at me, and I’m not sure if I hate how excited she is for this torment I’ve subjected myself to or love how supportive she is no matter what.

“Wow, Noel! You look incredible,” Fran says as she hands me the program for tonight. “Like a Hollywood movie star.” She pauses, realizing what she’s just said, then laughs. “Oh, right.” She shakes her head. “Sometimes I forget. You’re still just Noel to me.”

I give her one of my red-carpet smiles. “Thanks, Fran.”

“O-of c-course,” she stutters, clearly affected by the grin.

I laugh as we make our way into the Community Hall, which has been overhauled to look like a fancy-schmancy event room instead of just where everyone gathers for bingo on Sunday nights. Tomorrow, this place will be teeming with folks who are ready to scrap over the winning pot. But tonight, it almost looks magical with its draping curtains, high-top tables covered in expensive-looking linen, and eye-catching centerpieces.

I have no doubt who put all the effort into this.

Like the universe is playing some cruel joke on me, the crowd parts, and directly across from me stands Parker.

“Holy shit.”

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