Page 98 of Friend Zoned

“You want me to get out my violin?” I ask. “Why can’t you people just leave me alone?” I grab my spoon and try the bisque. It’s delicious, but Leah’s presence here takes away from the thoughtful lunch Aiden sent me.

“Listen, I didn’t come here to fight or to bring up old wounds. I just wanted to point out that you’ve won. Quintin dumped Camille after humiliating her at her own baby shower. Her baby is unwell, and Quintin still can’t let you go. Meanwhile, you’ve found love again.”

I should feel some joy after hearing what Leah just said, but I don’t. All I feel is annoyance at her for coming here and bringing this shit to me.

“Why are you here?” I ask.

“I’m here to ask for a favor.” I put my spoon down. My appetite is completely gone now. “I didn’t know Aiden Walsh was connected to this.” She looks around my office. “I’ve been trying to get an interview for a while now, but it’s really tough. I was thinking that since you are practically part of the family—”

I start to cough at that. We’ve never talked about marriage, not that I’m going to tell Leah that. The only time we’ve come close to it was when I told him I’d never marry again, and that was before we were together.

“I’m going to stop you right there, Leah. No, I’m not going to help you. My relationship with Aid is not about that.” That’s not true. He’d do anything for me, and I know it. If I asked him to help a friend of mine, she would have an interview by the end of the day, but I’m not about to help Leah. “The best I can do is not sabotage you. For the last time, please leave my office.”

She stands, but she opens her mouth to speak just as my phone rings. It’s Aiden. I gesture toward the door and pick up my phone. “Hey, baby,” I say, greeting him the same way he greets me when I call. “A very handsome football coach sent me a very elaborate lunch.”

Leah looks down at me but doesn’t head for the door right away. There are unshed tears in her eyes. I hope she finally gets the message.

“Your very handsome football coach is checking in. I know you read my message, but you didn’t reply. You okay?”

“Yeah. Hold on.” I put the receiver down and say to Leah, “Goodbye,” with a little bit more force.

“I’m happy for you, Jeannie. I still love you, and I hope one day, you can forgive me.” She grabs her jacket and slithers out of my office.

I pick up the phone. “Sorry, baby. Just putting out a few fires. I love my lunch almost as much as I love you.”

Chapter 52

Jeannie

“Aid! Did you see the itinerary for this wedding? Tara texted and said I can go there on Thursday, but you won’t get there until late Friday night or early Saturday. I think I’ll just wait for you because—”

He takes the iPad from me before I can finish my sentence. He lets out a loud whistle while he reads it. “You should go. I thought you liked Vickie and Tara.”

“I do. They’re nice, but I’m not family, and I don’t want to be there alone. I wish I could figure out a way to bring Layla.”

“You won’t be alone. Go and have fun.” He puts the iPad down and pulls me to his side. “It’s okay to make new friends, baby. Camille and Leah aren’t worth alienating yourself from others.” He grasps my chin and forces me to look at him. “You didn’t do anything wrong. Not a single thing. It’s time to move on to new friendships.” I look into his eyes and give him a gentle kiss. “Just not with that brother of theirs, or I’ll be forced to beat his ass. I still remember how he made you laugh all those months ago.”

I kiss him again and smile against his lips. I think back to that night but don’t remember laughing at anything Vickie’s brother said. “You’re crazy.”

“Yeah, crazy about you.” He picks up the iPad again. “Look at this. It’s like a full day of pampering. Massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and lunch. Pure luxury. Everything you deserve, and don’t be afraid to swipe your card if they want to go shopping.”

I sigh and say, “Don’t tempt me, or I’ll start shopping like Tara,” I warn.

“How does she shop?”

“How do you think? Like a woman who’s about to marry a billionaire, that’s how.”

“Well, you can do the same,” he tells me.

“Vickie’s hosting watch parties at her place since she’s on baby watch and can’t go to the games. She’s convinced some of the other wives and girlfriends to come watch with her. She says I should join them.”

He kisses my forehead and says, “I think that’s a great idea, and you can take Layla with you to those. You can host here too. Just tell Cook what you want to serve.”

He hired a full-time chef the week we got back from his sister’s. It’s like he was holding back until I found out about who he really is. Now, it’s bodyguards, private planes, and personal chefs.

“Cook, Aiden? His name is Stanley.” I roll my eyes at him. I rest my head on his shoulder and throw an arm around his torso. We intertwine our legs, and I sigh in contentment. “But you’re right. I’ve got to let the old stuff go. I’d love to be friends with Vickie and Tara, but I—”

“No buts. They’ll be lucky to have you as a friend, but remember who your bestie is,” he says.

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