Page 165 of Next to Everything We Wanted
Dad chuckled as he sat down. “I’m glad.”
We made small talk as we ate our food. My parents didn’t mention anything related to Somewhere in the Sky, my relationships, or April Springs. We just had a normal family dinner, making plans to go to the beach this week.
After dinner, I went back into my room to relax. I clicked on Instagram, wanting to mindlessly scroll, before remembering that the last account I’d been on was Somewhere in the Sky’s account. Instantly, my mood dipped.
I clicked on the newest post, only for my mood to plummet even further.As much as it pains us to say it, we’ll be going our separate ways for a while.
A pain lodged itself behind my ribcage, but I pushed the feeling away. What did I expect them to say? I was done, Forrestwas done. It wasn’t like everyone else would continue without us. According to the comments, no one had said anything about seeing Ruby Estrella at Moonlight Lounge or the drama in the hallway.
Clearly determined to torture myself, I looked up my name to see if any new information had been released. Nothing interesting had popped up, other than people speculating what was the real reason I’d left Charm Street.
It hadn’t even been twenty-four hours, though. There needed to be more time between Ruby recognizing us and telling others on her team. But what would she get out of it? It wasn’t like she wanted us back. Especially not me—she’d made it very clear that I’d traded places with Lucas as her least favorite once I got fed up with her crap.
As if he could read my mind, a text from Justin Lockhart popped up on my screen.
Justin
Why is Phoenix Max from Daybreak asking me if you’re still alive?
Yeah, why was Phoenix texting him out of all people? How did he even get his number?
Gavin
Your guess is as good as mine
Justin
What happened? I haven’t heard from you since April
Gavin
I thought you were too busy smooching Emberlynn to notice
When is she announcing the positive pregnancy test?
Justin
LORD PLEASE NO
I’d drop dead
Though she is the best at kissing
Gavin
Just kissing?
Justin
SHUT UP
I laughed, warmth flooding my chest as I remembered how fun Justin was to text. His dating stories always kept me—and the media—entertained.
A few seconds later, Justin called me on FaceTime. I answered, and his face appeared on the screen. He looked the same as he did in the magazines, only he wore comfortable clothes.
“Man, you look tired,” he said.
“Well, thanks.” I scoffed. “How have things been going? Besides running your hands through Emberlynn’s perfect hair?”
