Page 35 of Never Your Valentine

“Don’t bother with her,” Sophie says. “She doesn’t have anything. Not even Facebook.”

“I live in a town of two thousand people,” Lia says. “What do I need social media for? I can drop by the Lovey Dove or The Grind and get caught up on the news in ten minutes.”

“I’ll drink to that,” Sophie says. We all do. I didn’t know what to expect from something called Superior Storm, but it’s smooth and welcoming. I like it.

Lia puts down her glass, leans across the table, and lowers her voice. “Like the news of you and Grant.”

“I…what? No, uh, no. There is no…me and Grant? That’s not even—” Where did she get such a ridiculous idea? It’s nonsense.

June puts a hand on my arm. “I see the way you two look at each other.”

“I look at your brother like he’s a pain in my ass.”

“No, that’s how I look at him,” June says. “That’s not how you look at him.”

“I’m his landlord.”

“So?”

I turn to Lia for help. “I’ve been warned not to date Neverly brothers.”

“Wrong,” Lia says. “I told you not to date one particular Neverly brother, although I suppose they’re all problematic in their own ways. Right, Sophie?”

“I used to date Felix,” Sophie explains.

“The April Fool’s guy?” I ask. “What’s he like?”

“I was the foolish one,” she says flatly.

“I’m sorry.”

Sophie tugs the zipper of her sweatshirt, as if making sure it’s still closed. “It was a long time ago.”

I turn back to Lia. “And Blake’s a problem because…”

“I told you. Total player.”

I watch him shake a cocktail. The muscles in his arms flex like they’re performing for their own fan club. He pours the drink from way up high, throws a garnish on, and slides it to his customer with a graceful half bow. “Not seeing why that’s a problem,” I say. “I mean, if Blake can follow through on his promise of⁠—”

“La, la, la, I can’t hear you.” June covers her ears. “These are my brothers you’re talking about.”

I duck my head. “Sorry. I’m an only child so I forget sometimes.”

“Me too.” Lia lets out a breathy whistle. “Four brothers. I can’t imagine.”

June takes a gulp of her drink. “I used to beg my parents to have one more kid, hoping for a sister. Women like you are the closest thing I’ve got.”

“Same,” Sophie says. She lifts her glass. “To sisterhood.”

I add mine a beat too late, not sure if I’m included or not. But as the three of them each make a point to tap their glasses to mine, my insides go all sparkly. Being accepted by a group of girlfriends is the adult equivalent of being chosen first for kickball, and I’m here for it.

“I will also drink to staying away from the Neverly brothers,” Lia adds. She counts on her fingers. “Felix the fool, Blake the player⁠—”

I raise my hand. “I still don’t see why⁠—”

“Can’t hear you!” June plugs her ears.

Lia continues as if we haven’t spoken, still counting off the brothers. “Cole is a locked-room mystery, and Grant? Untouchable.”