Page 22 of The Friend Situation

“Me?” Her brows furrow in disbelief. “Why?”

“Why not?” I reply, a smile tugging at my lips. “You’re aWestoncyclopedia. You would immediately know who’d becompatible with me. Plus, you’re agreatmatchmaker, considering you keep taking all the credit for Lexi and Easton.”

A grin spreads across her lips. “You’re serious?”

“What do I have to lose?”Other than her.

I quickly shoot a text to the restaurant I’m visiting tomorrow. The response is immediate.

“Reservation made,” I state.

“I look forward to it.” A hint of cockiness drips from her tone as if she’s already taking pride in this little venture of ours.

“It shouldn’t be this easy, should it?” The question has lingered in my mind since we met last on Wednesday.

“What’s that?” she asks.

“Us.Our friendship,” I say.

“But shouldn’t it? When it’s easy, that means it’s right. Sometimes, we meet people who we instantly connect with—friends who will stay in our lives forever. They’re the family we choose. Look at me and Lexi. Me and you. It’s serendipity. Completely meant to be. Wouldn’t have it any other way,” she admits.

It’s the little things she says that strike a chord within me. I appreciate her sincerity; she doesn’t just string words together for the sake of conversation. She wears her heart on her sleeve and isn’t afraid to share her inner thoughts and feelings with me. That’s trust—something we’ve built brick by brick.

I’m convinced Carlee sees the world through heart-shaped, rose-colored glasses. I wish I could.

She’s right though; relationships should be easy.

That’s just never been my experience,except with her.

“That was my trauma talking again,” I acknowledge, a weight settling in my stomach.

For years, I fought tooth and nail for a woman whonevertruly loved me. Lena was obsessed with what being married to me could bring her—money, fame, and endless connections—all while smothering me in layers of deceitful lies.

“Healing takes time, Weston,” Carlee says gently, her fingers briefly wrapping around my hand under the bar, squeezing me with assurance.

When she pulls away, I instantly feel the hollow ache.

Carlee understands to an extent, but she has no idea how deeply my ex-fueled anxiety runs. I’m still navigating the treacherous waters of trust, working to mend the fractures of my heart that Lena left behind. Every day is a struggle. Every day, I find myself questioning who is seeking to exploit my family’s name and the connections it brings. It’s a place I don’t want to be.

Carlee is the only woman I’ve let into my world since Lena tried to dismantle it. She’s sunshine on a cloudy day.

“Were you contemplating going home with Double-E?” I ask curiously.

“No. I knew within the first five minutes that I wouldn’t,” she replies, leaning closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Doubt he could’ve gotten the job done. Not sure he knows where the little man in the boat is.”

I burst into laughter, the sound genuine. “You were serious earlier—about your sex life?”

“You weren’t supposed to hear any of that,” she groans, her cheeks tinged with a rosy hue.

“Not my fault Lexi had you on speaker. But I’m sorry to hear that. Condolences to your lady parts.”

“Appreciate it. I’ve learned that if I want something done right, I have to do it myself.”

She winks at me, and I find myself lost in thought—imagining her alone in her bedroom, shadows flickering around as she explores her body.

Shit.

I swallow hard, adjusting myself, desperate to push the visual away as she locks her gaze on me, sultry and mischievous.

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