Page 126 of Don't Be in Love

I twisted, finding a small smile curling upward. It made me burst with a giggle. Her smile heightened until a laugh sparked from her.

“And for free,” I added, laughing again.

“You didn’t charge him?”

“Talking to him was painful enough in the beginning!”

We collectively exhaled.

“You really didn’t know it was him that night?” She turned to me.

“I had no idea,I promise.”

She nodded. “So … is he a good kisser?”

“Brina!” I shrieked, covering my face.

“Fine, fine, too soon!” Her cheeks slowly deflated from their blush pink joy. My hand tingled with warmth as she pressed her palm over mine. “I’m sorry about the article … I should’ve said something sooner. I can’t imagine what it was like to read about your … past, and not have your friends by your side.”

My throat swelled. “It’s alright. I deserved it.”

“You didn’t deserve any of it. And you should’ve told me about Dorian the second you realized it rather than keeping it from me like I’m some terrible friend who would resent you for who you love.”

“No, no, I don’t love him. I want nothing to do with him. For all I know, he leaked those photos.”

“You really think so?”

“He was the only other person who knew where we were—”

“No not that. You really think you don’t love him?”

“I—” I lost my breath. “I don’t.”

“Of course you love him. Oh my gosh, don’t tell me you’re doing this because of me?” She threw her hand to her chest. “I would never take that away from you. You love him and he loves you. What’s more magical than that?” Her eyes darted across my face with optimism. “Youmusttalk to him.”

“I’ll think about it.”

She rolled her eyes as if she had expected that. “Alright, now,” she exhaled, “the crescent purse?”

“From him.” I winced.

“The time you said I couldn’t come to the bookshop?”

“Him.” I winced again.

“The Christmas tree you brought back that had a squirrel in it?”

“That was not my fault! How was I supposed to know the tree was hosting animals?”

She laughed so hard that she swung her head back and hit the bed frame, causing me to snort. I attempted to soothe the back of her head, but I was laughing too hard.

And in that happy moment, I let herself think about what it would be like to be with Dorian.

But sitting in the bookstore hours later, surrounded by women who have loved and lost, I was terrified.

“That’s amazing! What did Dorian say?” Evelyn asked.

“What do you mean?”