Page 226 of Boots, Bucket Lists & Bad Ideas
“Seriously, how did we not know this?” Josie sits in her chair.
“You were too young,” Jade says.
“Sit down.” Levi points to one empty seat by the fire.
A folding sofa.
A two-seater, suspiciously perfect sofa for us. Just like the one he shares with Hope, arm draped over her shoulder, and pulling her snug into the crook of his arm.
It hits different today—a Wilde with a Fox. My brother is living his best life with Hope.
The anger I’ve carried for a year is gone. The unimaginable jealousy I’ve had to bury deep down in my soul has vanished.
I’m just left knowing Jade and I have this chance. The same opportunity to explore whatever is between us and make our way back to each other, like my brother and her sister.
“Tell us everything.” Hope snuggles into Levi.
She’s reluctant, and I see it. I understand it, but I also hate it.
My steady steps ensure we meet at the fire pit together, across from one another, but only one seat is empty by the fire.
A folding sofa.
A two-seat, suspiciously perfect sofa.
“Guess, that’s all that’s left,” Levi mutters, his eyes flicking from the sofa to the rest of the group.
Does he know he’s as bad as the Quylt sisters? They all are. The way they’re irritatingly quiet and watching our every move like they’re waiting for us to declare our eternal love, or taking notes to report back to Wilma and Faye.
“After you.” Gone is my steady and confident tone, replaced by an awkwardness that makes me sound like a clumsy, love-struck teenager.
We sit.
Our legs rub.
Our arms bush.
I don’t pull away. She doesn’t pull away.
Our eyes lock with a flash of something old. Something familiar. And we both pretend nothing’s happened because it’s been so many years of wanting exactly this.
That’s when I notice the silence. Everyone is watching us like we’re an after-school sitcom.
“For fucks sake,” I grumble. “There’s not much to tell. And quite frankly, it’s not any of your business.”
“You guys hated each other in public.”
“Not until later,” Natalie says. “You guys were too busy, caught up in your own lives, but these two spent a year falling in love.”
“You knew?” Hope’s gaze whips to her.
“How did you not know?” Natalie quips back.
“How did I not know?” Hannah asks, but mainly to herself.
“I don’t really care that I didn’t know, but I’m curious how we didn’t see you two together?” Levi props his leg on his knees. “Like ever.”
“We hung out in Jade’s favorite hiding spots.” My tone is chill. “The old greenhouse behind the science wing. The attic in The Underwood School—where the bat lived.”
