Page 40 of Let Me Keep You

I chuckle. “No, we weren’t.”

I’d actually remember that.

“Well, I was gonna talk about Gemma. You said women act uncomfortable around you, so I just thought I’d ask how things are at the shop with you two working together.”

“She pretends I’m not there, so it’s going as expected.”

“Not surprising. What about Jerry? I’m sure he’s happy you’re there.”

“He’s a good boss. Doesn’t micromanage. Gives me tasks and lets me figure it out without hovering. It’s a godsend of a position in this godforsaken town.”

“If it doesn’t work out, you can always come work for me,” she sing-songs.

“Keep dreamin’.”

“Don’t worry, I will.”

“But seriously, it’s nice to feel like I have a purpose again and something else to focus on.”

“Any more surprise visits from Gemma’s fiancé?” Everleigh asks, and I stiffen.

I keep my breath steady, not wanting her to notice the slightest change in my behavior. I overcompensate and put my feet up on the coffee table.

“Nope.” I shrug, keeping my opinions about the guy to myself because they wouldn’t be very nice.

“I only ask because Gemma mentioned you two met at the garage the other day.”

“Yep.”

“Between you and me, I don’t think Gemma’s ready to marry the guy. She’s my best friend, so I’ll support her no matter what, but I’m wondering if she’ll go through with it or not.”

Stay. Calm.

“Wow, that’s bad, Ev,” I say, keeping my eyes on the TV.

“I know, but seriously! They’ve been engaged for eighteen months and just recently set a date. If you’re madly in love with someone, you don’t wait that long unless there’s a good reason—like a death in the family, or someone’s sick, or you’re saving up money—and those are definitely not the reasons.”

My throat tightens as she rambles on. I feel bad talking about Gemma like this, but it seems my sister needs to vent to someone, so I let her continue.

“She’s stalling. At first, I thought it was nerves, and some of it still might be, but there are other issues now.”

Everleigh drinks half the glass of wine she must’ve poured when I was in the bathroom. In about five minutes, she’s going to have loose lips and tell me everything I already suspected.

“Gemma’s a grown ass woman and can make her own decisions. Marriage used to be a big deal to her, so I doubt she’d jump into a relationship just to do it.”

But I’m not convinced either after meeting the guy.

Everleigh finishes her drink, then leans back against the couch. I can feel her eyes peeling me apart, like she’s trying to dissect my thoughts.

“Do you still have feelings for her?” She lifts a brow. “Like you used to?”

“What’s it matter? Even if I do, it wouldn’t change anything. She’s planning a wedding, and I won’t ruin that. After fucking up her life enough already, I promised myself I’d stay away.”

Everleigh grins. “You didn’t say no.”

“I didn’t say yes, either,” I counter. “I’m Switzerland—completely neutral.”

“Oh, that’s bullshit.” She scowls. “You’ve been an opinionated badass my whole life. You ain’t fooling me.”