Page 55 of Never Not Friends

“Blind date.”

He stops in front of me and leans his shoulder against the fence in an effortlessly confident way that makes him so dang cute. The combination of it all has my heart doing the classic pitter-patter thing—the first time I’ve felt that all night.

I guess the YouTube video didn’t help me much. Granted, I only watched the first three minutes.

“Blind date, huh? That explains the fishing thing. He doesn’t know you’d rather change into your comfy clothes and watch a show instead of going fishing, but I guess this guy doesn’t know you as well as I do.”

Everything inside me hurts. “I guess not.”

“Because I’d never take Emma Lawson fishing.”

“Trust me. Dillan’s not taking me fishing either. I just couldn’t tell him in person and hurt his feelings.”

“Emma”—Vinny’s eyes slowly move across my face—“I know from personal experience that you have no problem telling a guy how you feel, even if what you have to say hurts his feelings.”

My stomach bottoms out—like, drops as if it weighs five thousand pounds.

I blink back at him, remembering those stupid five words from ninth grade. Five words that changed everything between us.

I don’t like you anymore.

I can’t even count how many times I’ve wished I could take them back, rephrase them, or even just explain them. But fifteen-year-old me was stupid and not confident enough to be honest about what was going on with my parents. I took what I thought was the easy way out, and I’ve been living with the consequences ever since.

Vinny pushes off the fence in one fluid motion, like he’s unaffected by the nod to our past, just like he was unaffected by seeing me on a date with another guy. “I guess I’ll see you this weekend.” A huge smile spreads over his lips. “Somebody’s having a birthday.”

“I’m not the only one having a birthday. We’re celebrating us both.”

“Nah, you deserve your own day. Plus, Juliet’s planned a big surprise for you.”

My face scrunches. “I don’t want a surprise.”

“Well, good luck telling Juliet that.” Vinny laughs. “You know how she gets when she sets her mind to something.”

I know.

“Hey.” He stops walking and glances up at my apartment. “I’ve been wondering how Chili is doing.”

“You’ve been wondering?”

“Yeah.” He shrugs. “Every night before I go to bed.”

This makes me smile. “Yeah, right.”

“I’m serious. I have to check behind my mattress just to be sure there’s not a giant chinchilla behind it. You’ve scarred me. I’m traumatized for life.”

“You’re not the one living with it. I think you’re fine.”

“Goodnight.” He does a little wave over his shoulder before heading to his car.

I watch for a second, stunned by the dichotomy of feelings inside me.

Half of my heart leaps with happiness from our little interaction, while the other half drowns in despair over my current situation.

How can I get over this man when he is everywhere?

My doorstep scene.

My birthday party.