Page 153 of Never Not Friends

“How was school?” I gesture to the building behind her.

“The kids have been crazy the last few days of school, but it’s summer break now, so the craziness was all worth it.”

“I bet.” I nod a few times, silently berating myself for saying nothing of value.

“I just—” We both start speaking at the same time then laugh awkwardly. I point to her. “Sorry, you first.”

“I was just going to ask how you’re doing?” she says.

“Oh, you mean after completely blowing my life up in front of all of my friends and family?”

This provokes a puff of laughter from her. “Yeah, after that.”

“It was hard, but things are finally getting better. What about you?”

“Uh…well…Juliet still hates me and moved to Peoria, so that sucks.”

“I heard.”

She looks surprised. “Have you guys talked?”

“Not to her. I’ve talked to her parents a few times, and I’ve texted Juliet just to make sure she’s doing okay. I heard you went over to her house earlier this week. How terrible was it?”

“Pretty bad.”

My eyes soften. “Eventually, she’ll come back home, and when she does, you can keep trying to earn her forgiveness.”

“I mean, I knew things were going to change. I just didn’t realize how much, and it makes me so sad.”

“I’ve been worried about you.”

Her lips lift in the softest, slightest way. “I’ve been worried about you too.”

The sincerity behind her eyes gives me the boost of courage I need. “I was thinking that maybe we could go grab a bite to eat or something, commiserate.”

Her brows hike up. “Now? At four in the afternoon?”

“Or not.” My heart sinks, but I try not to show it. “Only if you don’t already have something else going on.”

“Um.” She glances around, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I actually do have plans.”

“Right.” I shove my hands in my pockets, feeling my confidence fade in real time. “It’s Friday. You probably have plans with Shane to celebrate the last day of school. I totally didn’t think about that.”

I actually did think about that, and about Shane, but I thought that if I got here early enough, I’d be able to talk to her first.

She frowns, and it’s another cute thing from Emma that I try not to focus on. “Shane and I broke up.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really.” She laughs. “I can see how upset you are about it.”

Dang it, man! Can you try not to smile so much in this moment?

I bite back my grin. “It’s terrible news.”

A hint of a blush appears, and she glances down, absentmindedly tucking another strand of hair behind her ear. “We actually broke up the Friday night before the wedding.” Her gaze lifts to mine. “Right before you and I talked in the courtyard.”

“Really? That long ago.” Another smile breaks loose across my lips. “I guess I missed that.”