Page 277 of Small Town Firsts

“Let’s order first and then we can talk, okay?”

“I guess. What’s good?”

“The nachos,” I answer without hesitation. “They hand-cut the chips and the pico is made fresh for each order.”

“Sold.”

“We can split an order. The chicken is good, too. Local, free-range, and all of that other shit people like.”

“Oh, um. Sure.”

Our server walks up at that very moment, and once Emmalyn orders her drink, I order our food.

“Now then, where were we?” I ask once we’re alone again.

“You were about to explain your personality transplant.”

Unintentional but genuine laughter spills out of me.Who knew my little mouse was so funny?

“Maybe I’ve seen the error of my ways?”

“Sterling, I’m not in the mood for games. Either tell me why we’re here or I’ll leave.”

A million shitty responses sit on the tip of my tongue, but I swallow them down, bitter as they are. “I’m not playing any games.” I lean forward, bracing my elbows on the table. “It’s just...” I trail off, laying bait.

Which she eagerly eats up. “It’s just what?”

“Everything with Rob, no one really bothered to really hear you, and I guess it doesn’t sit right with me.”

“Oh, sure.” She nods thoughtfully. “That totally explains why you’ve been such a nasty asshole. Because you were upset my voice was minimized. Makes perfect sense.”

Swear to God, she wants me to spank her ass.

“Look, I won’t deny that I’ve been... less than welcoming. I’ll even go a step farther and admit my behavior is a byproduct of my loyalty to Rob. He’s been my best friend my entire life, but that doesn’t mean he’s telling the truth.”

Her eyes are laser focused on me, not quite in a glare, but close. She’s angry, but she’s eager to hear what I have to say. She’s so desperate for someone to buy into her lies that she doesn’t even realize she’s playing right into my hand.

“And what brought about this change of heart?” she asks after our drinks are dropped off.

I sip from my whiskey, weighing which reply will soften her the most. Another sip, and I decide to go for broke.

“Honestly? Rob’s a little unhinged, and I just kept thinking, what if it wasmysister?”

“You don’t have a sister.”

“Right.” I drum my fingers over the tabletop. “But,ifI did, I’d want people to listen to her. To be there for her. To support her, to stand with her.”

“So you... you believe me?”

Not even a little… at least I don’t think I do. She’s so convincing, I can’t help but wonder who’s actually the liar.

“I’m starting to think there’s more to it, and I’d really like to hear your side of things, Emmalyn.”

Right before my very eyes, she softens. Melts, practically. “Emmy. Call... call me Emmy.”

My God, this is almost too easy.

“Okay, Emmy. So, yeah, if you’re open to it, I’d like to hear your side of everything. And I’m not saying to spill your heart in the middle of lunch, but in time. Is that okay?”

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