Page 94 of Love is an Open Book
“It was on sale,” Joe says, before Sera can ask. “A dresser.”
“We have a dresser.”
“But this one is solid oak. The other one is particleboard.”
Sera is giving him what can only be described as a wifely look. “I thought you went for a wrench.”
He palms the back of his head. “We may have forgotten that.”
“Are you kidding me?” They start arguing, and I take the chance to slither out of the closet, but that leaves Gavin and me with nothing to do but stand in awkward silence.
After a moment, he says, “I didn’t realize you’d be here.”
“Same. I wouldn’t have come—”
“It’s fine.” He heaves an audible sigh. “When I said I didn’t want to be friends, I didn’t mean we’d have to avoid each other forever.”
“What’s the alternative?”
He shrugs. A quick, jerky motion, like he’s uncomfortable. “Coexist, I guess.”
“Right. Simple.”
“You do just fine with Ted.”
I turn toward him, scowling. “Are you kidding me?”
He shrugs again, not meeting my eyes. “You seem to think I’m just like him.”
“Sorry that you don’t know what it’s like to be related to an ex,” I say, temper rising.
“Stop using what happened with him as an excuse when we both know the truth is you’re never going to trust anyone enough to fall in love because life isn’t one of your carefully scripted romance novels.”
There’s an audible gasp, and we both turn to find Joe and Sera gaping at us. Joe’s mouth is open, and Sera’s brows are nearly touching her hairline. This is the first time they’ve heard us fight. One of the few times we’ve fought, period. It feels all wrong.
Goose bumps break out on my skin, but inside I’m burning up, and I wonder distantly if I’m about to faint. But since this isn’t one of my precious books, as Gavin pointed out, no well-timed swoon overtakes me. “I have the right to protect my heart,” I tell him, unable to let it go.
“And I have the right not to go along with a charade,” he says. “I can’t shut off my feelings and go back to being friends just because it’s easier for you.”
“Then you never should’ve kissed me in the first place.”
“You’re right. I shouldn’t have.” He crosses to the door, and a moment later, his truck engine rumbles to life, punctuating the absolute silence in the nursery.
I can’t bear to look at my friends. “I didn’t mean to bring our mess here. Stress can’t be good for the baby.”
Sera waves a hand. “Please. I binged an entire season ofTheReal Housewivesthe other day. But, Mia,” she says, and licks her lips, “you do realize that’s the first time I’ve seen you two fight.”
“We argue.” Never so intensely. I’ve always felt that I could be honest around him, and bottling things up has me feeling like a simmering pot.
“Maybe.” She looks doubtful. “But not like that. It’s like we weren’t even here.”
My shame grows. I’ve managed to mess up so much today. “I’m sorry. I never would’ve come if I knew he was here.” Where would I have gone, though? To Kim’s, maybe. But the thought of not being able to see two of my closest friends when I’m hurting because I might run into Gavin...
“You’re not understanding,” she says. “Whatever is going on with you two, it doesn’t look like it’s over.”
Joe nods, still looking stunned. “Believe me when I say, that man has feelings for you.”
“Serious ones,” Sera adds.
