Page 55 of Feels Like Love
Wren: The sexting portion of my dating exam. I have a date with an Aussie named Arlo this afternoon.
A date? This afternoon?
Me: With flying colors.
I hit the “Send” button with more force than was necessary. I was angry. Not at Wren, at the situation. How could I have been so stupid to let this happen?
Was I really so willing to betray my best friend? And it wouldn’t just impact my friendship with Liam. It would change the entire dynamic of our friend group. And for what? A woman who would never look at me as anything more than a friend? Who could never be anything more than my best friend’s little sister?
Sometimes, I’d wonder if she was using the “coaching” as a ruse to get close to me. But then she’d tell me she was going on a date or we’d dissect one after the fact, and I knew it was nothing more than wishful thinking.
“Hey.” Liam clapped a hand on my shoulder. “You okay?”
I forced a smile. “Oh yeah. I’m great.”
He quirked an eyebrow, reminding me of Wren, and I pushed away the thought. I waved to Stacy on my way out, and fortunately, Liam talked most of the drive to the winery.
“How’s it going at Wren’s?”
I nodded. “Good. Yeah.”
“She dating anyone?”
I debated what to tell him but figured in a small town like ours he’d probably hear about it anyway. It was best if the news came from me. At least then, I could spin it to Wren’s advantage.
I shook my head. “She’s gone on a few dates. Nothing serious.” Though she certainly seemed excited about this Arlo guy.
He coughed. “A few dates? With who?”
“Guys she’s met on a dating app—LoveBirds.”
“Tristan’s latest project?”
I nodded. “Yeah. Don’t worry, though. I got an account, and I’m keeping an eye on everything.”
I’d done it on a whim, but now I was glad for it. I could check out the guys she’d matched with and see if I knew them. I didn’t intend to do anything beyond that—just make sure she was safe.
“Good thinking. What about Tits McGee? Did you meet her on that app?” He grinned, glancing over at me from behind the wheel. “Hell, maybe I should check it out if that’s any indication of the women on there.”
Inwardly, I cringed. “It’s nothing serious.”
“Oh, I’m not looking for anything serious.” He twisted his hands on the wheel. “Sometimes I think Tristan is the only one of the four of us capable of anything serious.”
I chuckled. “Well, it helps when you meet your soul mate in high school.”
“True. Though Asher and Bianca were pretty serious, at least before it ended.”
Before Asher had moved home abruptly, he’d been engaged. He still hadn’t told any of us why they’d called off the wedding. Or his reasons for moving home. But we all assumed the two were linked.
“I’m not sure I can ever see myself settling down and get married,” Liam said. “Don’t tell my mom that, though.”
“At least she has River.”
“It wasn’t easy.” He shuddered, and I wondered what had really happened.
I knew it hadn’t been easy for Wren, but everyone adored River. He’d brought so much joy and light to so many people’s lives. I couldn’t imagine my life without him. And every time I thought about the fact that I’d be moving out soon and not seeing him every day, it felt as if an English Mastiff were sitting on my chest.
“How are the repairs coming?”
