Page 83 of Just Friends Forever
“Now, I’ve known both Roy and Evie for a long time, and personally, I’ve never understood why they haven’t given things a shot.”
My heart races. I wish I knew if he was expressing personal speculation or saying this because he has reason to think Troy—or Roy—would welcome something like that.
“Well,” I say slowly, “maybe Evie was really dumb and shot him down when he suggested it one time. Maybe she lost her chance and it’s too late now.” Embarrassingly, my voice cracks at the end.
“Maybe it is. Maybe it’s not. There’s no way to know unless one of them tries.”
“He hasn’t given me any reason to think he wants more, Austin. In fact, he’s given me a lot of reasons to believe hedoesn’twant more. Whenever he talks about the day he suggested giving things with us a try, it’s to make fun of himself for it. He refers to it asthat stupid day.”
Austin chuckles and sits back. “Of course he thinks of it as a stupid day. He got rejected. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t wish it had gone differently.”
I want to believe what Austin’s saying so badly it hurts. “You really think Troy might want more? Has he said something to you?”
“Well, I don’t know who this Troy fellow is,” Austin says, giving me a severe look, “butRoy…” He pauses. “It’d be asking a lot for him to put himself out there again. A man can only take so much rejection. The only way for Evie to know is to be the one to go out on a limb this time.”
I swallow, holding Austin’s gaze. CanIhandle rejection? From the person who matters most to me in the world?
28
TROY
I’ve acquaintedmyself with every on-market property in Malibu, both for sale and rent. I’ve redone (very unnecessarily) the hotsheets for all of my current clients.
In the last few days, no new properties have come on the market that match Stevie’s or Rocco’s parameters, which is normal for really high-end homes. Evelyn, however, is in luck tonight, which means so am I, since I’m desperate for distraction.
No part of my brain wants to explore what Stevie and Austin are up to right now. I’ve had plenty of time to regret and reaffirm and re-regret my decision to set them up. What will I do if they hit it off? If Austindoesn’tcome sleep at my place because he and Stevie are up late, “watching movies” on his stupid small couch?
I shake like a wet dog and refocus on my texts with Evelyn. There’s a property that’s as near as it can be to perfect for her, and I’ve already texted the agent to express our interest. They’re doing an open house tomorrow, and Evelyn is over the moon about it.
Evelyn
It’s perfect!
Troy
I think so too. Is 2 o’clock okay for you?
Evelyn
I will make it be okay. Should we go early? 1:30?
I smile.
Troy
We could, but since the open house doesn’t start until 2, it might not do us much good.
Evelyn
1:50, then?
Troy
1:50 it is. Maybe we can get some one-on-one time with the agent to help our cause.
Evelyn
Should I bring cookies?
