Page 36 of Enemies with my Bestie’s Brother
“Uh, Grayson? Earth to Grayson! What do you think of these barstools?” she asks, holding her arm out like she’s trying to sell me on them.
They are dark wood, with velvet green cushions.
“They’re a little too light, I think. They would need to be darker to truly be complementary,” I say as I’m lifted out of my train of thought.
It’s a more honest response than I would have given if I was actually paying attention, and I seriously hope that she doesn’t pick up on that.
“Hmmm,” she says as she rubs her chin, taking another glance at the stools. “You know what, I think you’re completely right. The couches are more of a deep, true green. These stools are definitely a Castleton green.”
I have no idea what Castleton green is, but I nod like I do.
“Yeah, it is unfortunate, but it would suck if something like that clashed.”
“I wonder…Do you think that the sofa manufacturers could do bar stools? I didn’t even look when I was searching the site originally, because I was so sucked into trying to find the perfect sofa, but maybe I should check out Baxter!”
She pulls out her phone and I can’t help laughing.
“Since we’re wrapping up here, why don’t we grab a bite to eat and then you can check out the website another time,” I suggest as I grab her hand and squeeze it.
Her stomach growls at the mention of food.
“Yeah, I guess that is a good idea,” she said sheepishly.
We’resittingatTheLobos Valley overlook with our burgers, watching the sun set on today.
“Oh my god, these are amazing. I can’t believe that Smash Burgers haven’t taken off everywhere else!” She bites into hers and rolls her eyes at the flavor.
“They’re amazing, aren’t they? Best burgers in the entire city!” I shout out over the overlook.
There’s no response, as the air still and quiet — leaps and bounds different than it would be earlier in the day. It feels like the days are still filled with noise and too much going on. I really enjoy the quiet, and the peacefulness that comes with it.
“It’s so beautiful out here. You’re really lucky to live somewhere that has places like this,” Whitney says suddenly, her voice soft and quiet.
I turn to her in surprise. There are tears welling in her eyes.
“Oh my gosh, what’s wrong? It’s okay.”
I lean over and wrap my arms around her. She laughs and shakes me off of her.
“Oh no, sorry, this isn’t a sad cry at all. It’s a happy cry. I feel so lucky to be here, working on this project, and knowing all of you people. I can’t believe how lucky I got at the roommate lottery to meet someone like Penny. Without her, I would have never come to San Francisco. Or met you.” She blushes at that last part, as if she is embarrassed to admit it out loud for some reason.
“I’m really happy to have met you too, Whitney. It’s lucky for all of us really, that you and Penny were roommates. But, I’m definitely the luckiest of all, getting to see you over the years, and now finally spending all this time with you.”
I brush a hair behind her ear as she smiles and looks down at her empty burger wrapper. She puts it in the paper take out bag, collecting the trash around her to keep her thoughts and hands busy.
“Thank you, Grayson, for making my life more fun in a lot of ways,” she says quietly.
“Whitney, I have something — Look, I have something that I want to say, okay? I really like you. I like you a lot more than either of us probably ever anticipated, more than I certainly did, at least. You’re incredibly smart, and funny. You always manage to make me laugh at a lot of things. Even when I’m mad, I want to laugh at some of the things you say. You’re beautiful, and charming. You have a million-kilowatt smile that I love to look at. You’re so incredibly talented and sweet, always looking out for my favorite baby sister.”
I grin as she rolls her eyes.
“I know, I know, she’s my only baby sister. You have no idea how often I hear that line. Look, the point really is that I want to be something with you. I don’t want to dance around the subject while we don’t know what’s going on. I want us to be together, in a relationship.”
I suck in a breath and hold it while I wait for her response. It almost feels like a lifetime before she turns to me and opens her mouth.
“Grayson, I really like you too, but I can’t.”
“You can’t? Why?” I ask, stunned.
