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“Baloney.”
“Ex-excuse me?”
She watches me with steady eyes. “Who does your heart belong to?”
“Parker.” I rub the heel of my palm across my chest. “I wish it didn’t, but it does. Ugh, Josie, I’m so in love with him.”
She slams a fist on the table. “Then fight for him.”
“Josie,” I hiss, looking around at the nearby tables. “Keep it down.”
“You two started this because you were willing to fight for someone. Turns out, it wasn’t the correct endpoint. If Parker’s your guy, you gotta let him know.”
“He wants Yvie.”
“That’s what Lewis thought. Yvie will break both their hearts.”
“Parker has the qualities she’s looking for. I think he’s her endgame.”
“Bull,” Josie splutters. “Yvette Anderson doesn’t deserve him.”
“I can’t compete with her.”
“Didn’t Lewis try to kiss you?”
“Only to make Parker jealous. He admitted as much.”
“Look, you know I’m infatuated with Wyatt. If I had another chance to fight for him, I’d do it, no question. Don’t leave this in regret.”
“I don’t want to put myself out there just to be rejected.”
“I’ve seen the way he looks at you. It’s more special than the hubba-hubba looks Yvette gets.”
“I was crazy jealous when Yvette touched him while I was fake dating him. It’ll kill me to see them touching, or worse, kissing in front of me.”
Josie grabs my hand. “I’ll be with you. I won’t let them hurt you.”
“Do you know how to bandage a heart?”
“Yes. I believe it’s called pints of ice-cream.”
I giggle, letting myself breathe more freely. “Thanks, Josie. I can’t believe you saw through all our pretending.”
“I was just watching him to find out how much of a player he is. Who knew I’d detect real feelings?”
“I hope you’re right.”
I leave Josie’s table, getting back to work, and she sticks around until the end of my shift. We leave Morton’s Café together, and Tessa’s car is out front to take us home.
“Did he come in today?” Tess is quick to ask.
“No.” I breathe out in relief. “Jamie made the boys stay away.”
Tess smiles. “Nice. I’m glad she has your back.”
I launch forward and wrap my arms around my sister. “I’m so glad I have you. I’m sorry for lying to you, and I’m sorry for acting so bratty. I love you so much.”
Tess hugs me back, resting her head by mine. “All I want is for you to be happy and safe. Mom and Dad said Parker fit in so well. I mean, if the boy can disco dance to ‘Arnold’s Hits,’ he has to be a good egg.”
