Page 78 of Only for Love

CHAPTER THIRTY

Emma

A million boxes surround me, and I want them magically unpacked. I pivot and stare at each label, trying to decide if any one of them calls for my attention. Nope—not really. My Prince Charming had to run out for the kind of job interview that didn’t require more than a quick shower and re-dressing in the same jeans and shirt. We haven’t had time to specifically talk about the future, but it feels as if the future is here, and Grayson will be by my side. So… does he move in? And how do I explain him to Cally? Slowly. Carefully.

One call, one night can change everything. I bite my lip, nodding to myself. Whatever plan I make, it’s with Cally in mind. I want Grayson to work, but it has to be a relationship—nothing forced out of guilt and regret.

The closest box catches my attention, and I grab it, ripping the cardboard flaps open. “So, we love each other. But are we still in love?”

The box doesn’t talk back. Great news: my exhaustion hasn’t caused hallucinations.

After last night and this morning, I’d say yes—I’m still crazy in love with the hot guy who rolled through my door and surprised me. I tear through the box, pulling out framed pictures that need to be hung. I lay them in the corner after removing their bubble wrap then sit beside them, popping bubble after plastic bubble. What happens if the feelings go away when the surprise factor fades? Does eighteen years of friendship make up for the three years I spent hurt and alone?

Knock, knock, knock.

My heart jumps, and my eyes shoot to the front door. Surprises have been my friends lately, even if I hate them, so I don’t feel the usual annoyance at having an unexpected visitor. I put down the bubble wrap and push off the floor as the knob turns, and Ryan and Cherry burst in.

“Cherry!”

Her lack of eye contact and her walk filled with too much bravado screams busybody. Couple that with my brother scowling as he’s pulled in tow, and I’m pissed.

“What?” Her guilty smile falters as she twists to acknowledge our brother. “I had to say something.”

“No. You didn’t. You’re overstepping.” I knot my fingers together. “Where’s Cally?” Cherry knows I hate changes in my plans, but she still pulls this stunt, using her status as my older sister as if she’s somehow wiser and knows better than I do. It drives me batty.

Cherry shrugs. “With Mom, picking out your birthday present.”

“Mom knows?” My eyes bulge. “You roped in Ryan and Mom. Nice, Cherry. Think you’re overstepping the line?”

“Not really. I didn’t even know he was in town.”

“I didn’t have a chance to tell you! It’s not like Grayson’s a secret.”

“So, he shows up, andbam.”

“Don’t be a bitch,” I hiss, trying to remember that I love her, appreciate her. But…God.“You have no idea. Don’t judge.”

Ryan’s out of uniform and brushes by me as though he’s going to do some cop search. As much as I long for independence, I have to rely on my family. It gives them an all-access pass to my life, though—one of the many reasons they come through the door whenever the urge hits.

Cherry and I both watch Ryan head toward the back of the house as if I’m hiding Grayson in a hall closet. “I had to tell Mom because this is some kind of family-related emergency intervention.”

“You’re creating drama where there is none.”

She opens a box marked LIVING RM but doesn’t unpack any of the contents. “This is a big deal.”

A big deal? Yeah. But not because of how they’re acting. Grayson is home. He’s back again like a prodigal son or something. I want to scream. My pulse thumps in my neck. “Unpack a box, or go.”

Still, she doesn’t unpack but just waits for Ryan. I’m ninety-nine percent sure I remember an episode ofSesame Streettelling me to expel frustration with tummy breathing. There was even a song. I can’t remember it, but I do know I should do something before I have an aneurysm.

I take a deep breath in and blow it out.

Hm. Kind of works. Until my brother comes back into the living room, obviously not fruitful in his boyfriend-back-from-the-dead search. The patronizing, overly protective stares of my siblings lock onto me, and no amount of tummy breathing is going to help this moment. “You two are being ridiculous.”

Cherry shakes her head. “He destroyed you, Emma. You think we don’t want to protect you guys?”

“You haven’t given him a chance.”

“I don’t want to.”

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