Page 80 of Blinding Lights

“Are you kidding me?” Henley’s rage returns, and her fists clench at her sides. “That man⁠—”

“It’s okay.” I grab her hand and squeeze it, offering her a smile. “Let’s call Beckett the one that got away and move on. One day my time will come.”

“One day?” Henley arches a brow. “Are you saying you’re open to a relationship? What about the douchebag?”

“He wouldn’t be as pissed if it was someone closer to home. And maybe someone a little less famous.” I bite back a smirk and Henley laughs. “Either way, I’m not ready for a relationship.” I pop Henley’s excitement bubble. “I’m saying that one day I might find someone I want to spend more time with.”

And maybe I won’t.

Everything with Beckett felt right until it didn’t. Every time he looked at me, I felt as though he was staring into my soul and working his magic to piece me back together.

I can’t imagine that feeling is easy to come by.

“I’m sorry it didn’t work out, Lily.” Henley pulls me up into a hug. “But I have no doubt the right man is on his way to you as we speak. I love my brother, but it’s his loss. Not yours.”

I laugh when she smiles, and don’t bother correcting her.

Because she’s wrong.

It’s our loss. We’re both missing out. And it’s going to be a big hole to fill.

I’m distracting myself with unnecessary cleaning for the millionth time when my phone rings, cutting into my music. If Ava was home, I’d let it ring. But since she’s not, I abandon my broom and jog to the kitchen counter, groaning when I see Travis’s name flashing across the screen.

“Travis?”

“Hey Lil. How are you?”

“I’m fine and dandy.” I hit him with as much cheer as I can muster, but since I’m not in a particularly good mood, there's plenty of sarcasm in my tone.

“What’s the matter?” he asks, because of course he'd notice the one time I wish he was oblivious.

“Nothing. I’m good. What can I do for you?”

“Shit. You’re still mad about what I said.”

“What?”

“You’re pissed that I questioned you about Beckett and you have every right. That’s actually why I’m calling.”

“What?” I repeat my confusion, only this time it’s said with an element of surprise. Why would he be calling about Beckett?

“I wanted to apologize for being a selfish prick. I’m happy for you and Beckett. If you have to move to San Francisco, I’m sure we can make it work.”

What the hell? “Where did that come from?”

“After I left your place the other day, I did some thinking while trying to figure out why I snapped like that. Because I’m not jealous. At least not about you.”

“Okay. Good.” I think. Although why did that sound like a dig at me?

“The thing is, I am jealous. Of Beckett and Ava. She couldn’t stop talking about him and how he walked her down the aisle. Did you know she likes princesses now?”

There’s disgust in his tone, making me snort out a laugh until my chest cracks open at the memory of Beckett and Ava together at the wedding.

“I did know that,” I say quietly, melancholy in my tone. “How do you think she got the dresses?”

“Right, of course. Anyway, I’m sorry. I know we’ve talked about joint custody, but the truth is, I don’t think that’s the best thing for her. And I guess I was worried that with Beckett in the picture, I’d lose her altogether. Which in hindsight I realize is crazy because I know you’d never do that to me. That’s not you.”

My bottom lip quivers as I bite back tears. Happy tears for Ava, finally seeing how much Travis truly loves her, and sad tears for me, since his concerns are no longer necessary.