“Now,that’sa good kiss,” Eliza said before taking a bite of pizza. On the screen, the iconic kiss between Cameron Diaz and Jude Law’s characters played out.
“So good, but not as good as my kisses with Wes,” Jules said in a daze.
I rolled my eyes, although I couldn’t help the smile on my face. Wes and Jules were so in love and perfect for each other. I was obsessed with them together, especially because I’d never seen my brother this happy before. His face lit up and his eyes always followed her when she walked into a room. It was like no one else existed.
“You two are so in love it’s sickening.” Eliza shook her head, but I could see the tiny smile on her lips. “Although, he’s been way more chill at work ever since the two of you got together, so no arguments here. I’m happy for you both, really. It’s just the whole being in love thing…well, I don’t think it’s for me.”
Eliza might have claimed to not care about falling in love—and to not be looking for it—but she had a soft side. She was like a mini cactus: prickly but adorable. She’d hate being called adorable, but…I was her best friend, which gave me immunity.
“That all might change when you meet the right person.” Jules used her elbow to nudge Eliza’s side. “Your soulmate is out there. I know it. For both of you.” Jules looked between us.
“Considering the last few guys I dated wouldn’t be able to find my clit if it slapped them in the face…my hopes are not high.” Leave it to Eliza to put it bluntly.
I snorted, and Jules let out a laugh.
I wanted to believe Jules, but I had my doubts that kind of love was out there for me. And it wasn’t like I had time to find him, which was part of the reason I was in this situation with Gabe. I had my café, I had my cats, I had my family. That was enough for now. Love would come later.
I did wonder what it felt like, though. To fall in love. Tobein love. While I’d dated here and there, none of it was that all-consuming, life-altering feeling. I wasn’t sure if it was even out there for me. Maybe some people got it and others didn’t. Julesand Wes got it. My parents got it. As long as those around me got it, that would be okay. At least I’d know it was real, even if it wasn’t in the cards for me.
“Oh my god,” Eliza blurted, “I almost forgot.” She reached over for the remote to pause the movie.
“What?” Jules and I both responded, eyes wide.
“I think Cooper was talking to Jade on the phone today. In between the poker games, he went to the back hallway, and I had to walk past him to grab more limes and lemons from the fridge. I couldn’t make out much of the conversation, but hedefinitelysaid her name and something about how they can’t keep avoiding each other.”
Jade and I were close growing up, but she spent a lot of her time with Cooper and Wes, who were two years older than her. Them being closer in age—whereas I was six years younger than Jade—meant they spent a lot of time together. Jade and Cooper always seemed close, up until she left after college and moved to California. Everything changed after that, but she never said anything to me, regardless of how many times I tried to subtly ask. Whatever happened, they’d kept it so close to their chests that there was no gossip around town that I was aware of.
“So thereissomething going on between them?” Jules asked. “I could’ve sworn I picked up on it over the summer when you FaceTimed Jade during the first family dinner I was at.”
I nodded at the memory. “Yeah, that was super awkward. But I have no clue if there’sstillsomething going on. I mean, therewasat some point, right?”
“There had to have been,” Eliza agreed. “Is Jade coming home for Christmas?”
“No, my mom said she has to work, and it’s not like she’s been picking up my calls,” I grumbled. “Do you think that’s what they were talking about?”
Eliza shrugged. “It’s possible. Either way, she has to visit at some point, right? I mean, it’s been a few years since she’s been in town.”
I was painfully aware of how long it’d been since Jade had been in Golden Falls. My sister and I kept in touch here and there over text and FaceTime, but I still missed her.
I was proud of her and knew how much she’d dreamed of getting out of town to travel and pursue her career. I never wanted her to worry about us or visit because she thoughtweneeded it. I wanted her to visit because she wanted to.
As proud of her as I was, I felt like she had forgotten about us or thought less of Wes and me for not getting out of Golden Falls. She’d never said anything to make me feel that way, but I wondered.
Once the comfortable silence fell over us, Eliza reached for the remote again, resuming the movie. “How is this going to work out between them? I mean, their homes are on opposite sides of the world.”
Jules and I shared a knowing look with a smile, watching as Eliza, who started out the least invested, was glued to the screen.
“Guess you’ll have to keep watching,” I taunted playfully at the same time Jules said, “Because love always finds a way.”
From: Lily Richards
To: Gabriel Nelson
Date: Saturday, December 18, 1:27 p.m.
Subject: Dinner at Pasta Fresca
Hi Gabe!
