Page 25 of Book Boyfriends
“Because he’s single and breathing?” I grumble.
“It helps.”
I shoot him a death glare.
“You have things in common. He’s a big reader?—”
“Of heterosexual, white, cis, non-disabled men,” I mutter.
“Georgia…” He shakes his head.
The way my name tumbles out of him telegraphs his assessment that things didn’t work out between me and Davis. No doubt, that’s why he’s here. Davis may be a vault, but my brother is smart enough to figure out that our date hadn’t gone well. No giddy texts were sent post-date. Not like with past Mr. Potentials. Back before Will, and since then, the seemingly unending train of bad luck dates.
“We’re not a good fit,” I say, my spine straight.
“Did you even give him a chance?” Brows lifted, he rises and places his hands on his hips. “Of course you didn’t. I should have listened to my gut.”
Hurt radiates in my chest. “You and Rem and this narrative.” I slam the iced tea bottle onto the counter.
“What narrative?”
“The one where Georgia is a disappointment, still hung up on Will.”
He blanches. “That’s not?—”
“You just said you should have listened to your gut about Davis!” I toss my hands into the air. “Why’d you even bother if you knew I was going to fuck it up?”
“I thought you two would be a good fit.”
“Suuuure!” I let out an incredulous laugh. “I’m a perfect fit for one of your finance bros.”
“Judgy much? Also, he’s not a finance bro. He’s…” He shakes his head. “It doesn’t matter. He could be one of your perfect book boyfriends, and you’d still find an excuse to not date him.”
“Maybe focus on yourownlove life and leave mine alone. You don’t have a date for the wedding either.” Exasperation burns within me, its flames boiling my blood.
It’s not like I’m the only Lane sibling who will be single at our cousin Lena’s wedding. Jackson is just as single, but nobody worries about him. We just smile at his string of short-term relationships and friends with benefits situationships.
“It’s notmyex marryingourcousin.” His gaze meets mine, pity swimming in those brown pupils.
I know his words aren’t meant to hurt, but they are almost a kill shot. It’s been months since my cousin Lena’s wedding invitation arrived. An invitation for every member of the Lane family, including me, the cousin whose ex she’s marrying. We’d always been close as we are the same age. Sleepovers. Parties. Double dates. We shared everything, including, apparently, my boyfriend.
One month after the breakup with Will, I learned the truth that when he'd said, “I don’t want this,” what he’d meant was “Idon’t want this withyou.” He’d wanted it with her, and she was good with that.
“Thanks for the reminder,” I croak.
“Georgia.” He tips his head back and lets out a heavy sigh. “I’m sorry.”
“For what? For the bad blind date? For thinking I’m a fuck up? For telling me I should have listened to your warning about Will?” I swallow back the hard lump in my throat, the sting of unshed tears building.
With his thumb always on the pulse of who people are, Jackson had raised concerns. Concerns I brushed off.They spend a lot of time together.They’re just friends.I don’t like the way they look at each other.You read too much into things. I don’t know if moving in with Will is wise.You’re acting like Rem, be my fun brother.
I swipe at my face. The battle with my tears is lost. It’s all too much to hold in. Will. Lena. My brothers. My writer’s block. The three men currently hiding in my bedroom.
He takes two steps closer, but stops, his expression weary but soft. “Georgia?—”
“Don’t you dare, fucker!”
I spin to find Lars storming from the bedroom. Despite Owen’s attempt to pull him back, he breaks free and stalks toward Jackson.
