Page 82 of Never Not Friends

“Because he’s had multiple chances over the years to choose me over Juliet, and he never has. He just keeps going back to her.”

The words taste bitter coming out. But they’re true, nonetheless.

“But what if you’re wrong?” Camila counters. “What if he does have feelings for you?”

“Then he should’ve figured that out all on his own years ago, before he asked Juliet to marry him instead of relying on me to blow up my best friend’s wedding.”

But he doesn’t have feelings for me, and I’ve finally gotten to the place where I’m not hoping for it anymore.

“Maybe this is, like, a right-guy-wrong-time type thing,” Blair offers.

“No, it’s not that. He worships Juliet,” I add, quieter now. “Which is great because I just want her to be happy.”

There’s a pause.

The car fills with it like no one knows what else to say to convince me.

Blair exhales, softer this time. “Okay…but what if one of us casually mentions to Vinny that we think you have feelings for him? Then it will be our fault and not yours.”

My eyes fill with instant tears. “Why would you do that?”

“We’re not going to do that.” Carly gives Blair a warning look. “Even if we think you’re making a massive mistake. We won’t interfere.”

Camila nudges my arm lightly. “And we won’t keep bringing it up. We know how hard this has been for you, but we couldn’t not say something.”

Blair frowns. “I might still bring it up. This marriage ain’t over until it’s over.”

I groan, letting my head fall back against the seat. “Can we just pretend like this conversation never happened? I’m trying to get over him. I will get over him. I just need time.”

Blair’s head tilts toward me. “Emma, you’ve had twelve years.”

“I know, but now it’s really over. It has to be over. He’s getting married in two weeks.” I shrug. “And I’m dating Shane. I went out with him again last night.”

Carly sighs. “Shane does seem really great. If you like him⁠—”

“I do like him,” I insert.

“Like, like him?” Blair asks.

Camila smiles. “I mean, she went on two dates with him in one week. That’s huge.”

“It is huge. And I think I could like him.” My shoulders lift. “I have fun with him, and I want to see where it could go. And that’s exactly what I should be doing instead of sitting around hoping Vinny suddenly wakes up and realizes he’s been in love with the wrong girl the last twelve years.”

The three of them share a look.

“You’re right,” Carly says. “If you’re not going to tell him, then it’s time to move on with someone else once and for all. We can support you in your efforts to get over Vinny.”

“Really?” Blair looks disappointed. “I wanted you and Juliet to fight to the death for Vinny. I was really looking forward to that.”

Despite myself, I laugh, and for a moment, things feel lighter.

Camila smiles. “How about a group date night next week where you can bring Shane? Let’s say Wednesday at my house. We can barbecue. Just something casual to give Shane a chance to get to know all of us.”

My lips lift a little. “That sounds great.”

She drapes her arm around my shoulder, giving me a quick side hug. “You’re not alone in this. We’ve got you.”

I nod, ignoring the ache in my chest. “Yeah, I know.”