Page 103 of Special Delivery

Just when I connect it to the charger on my nightstand, my doorbell rings. I zombie-walk to the front door, afraid to think about who it could be.

My heart pumps faster, remembering the last time the doorbell rang while I was feeling this shitty. I found Ryan on the other side, and while the whole thing was mortifying, it led to plenty of wonderful memories. I look vastly worse today because there’s not a hangover in the world that can ruin you as much as heartbreak. Maybe the person at my door will give up if I pretend I’m not home.

“Paige, open up! I know you’re in there,” Jordan’s voice booms out, and my plan crumbles.

I open the door, finding Emma, Jordan, and a box of ice cream so big it deserves its own mention on the other side. Even though I knew it’s them, from the sound of Jordan’s voice, my chest still deflates not finding Ryan’s stupid, grinning face.

With a sigh, I turn and head toward my living room, the two of them following me.

“Want to tell us where you ran off to last night?” Jordan asks.

“Here,” I deadpan, dropping onto the couch. I might be a horrible host, but they’re hardly guests.

Emma enters the kitchen and returns with three spoons. “We figured as much, but we want to know why.”

“Oh, you do, don’t you? The little yappers want more information about me so they can spread it around town. Traitors,” I spit out, but it lacks bite.

“Sorry, but it was for your own good.” Jordan stares me down.

“Says who? You?” I purse my lips.

“Yes, me. The person who’s known you for literally ever.”

“Pfft. You can’t always play the twin card.”

“Fine.” She lifts her hands in surrender. “You know I cried yesterday? I cried seeing our dad getting married to someone who actually loves him. Just a few weeks ago, I wanted to do stupid shit to break off the wedding. Do you know who knew better?” I open my mouth to respond, but she’s quicker. “You did. And do you know who knows better now? I do.”

“Cool, but it was my choice whether I wanted to share the story.” I press a finger to my sternum. “Since you forgot about that, you don’t get to hear anything else about me. Sister privileges revoked.”

Emma shifts her gaze from one to the other, as if she’s watching a tennis match.

“Oh, no. How will I ever survive without you telling me about the sex life of your plants?” Jordan’s mocking tone grates on the very last of my nerves.

“It’s called propagating, you animal. Plants can’t have sex.”

“Big difference. Newflash, Paige. The life you’ve been living doesn’t have any news to share.”

“Yeah? So I guess you wouldn’t want to know that Ryan invited me to spend a month in Peru with him? Got me a ticket and everything.” I cross my arms in front of my chest, but the smug look on my face disappears as soon as I notice their excited expressions. “Shit.”

“Are you kidding me?” Emma practically squeals out. “Peru is your dream. So romantic.” She presses a hand to her chest, literal hearts popping out of her eyes.

My gaze drops to my fingers, fidgeting in my lap.

“You’re not going, are you?” Jordan asks, her voice void of previous teasing.

My shoulders shrug, my eyes now studying the hem of my shorts.

“Open that ice cream, Ems, will you?” Jordan tells her wife and Emma pulls the lid off the ice cream box.

“Aren’t you going to tell me I’m being stupid and that I have to go with him?” My brow lowers as I glance up at her.

“I don’t think I will, Paige. To be honest, I think Ryan deserves more than for me to force you into that decision.”

Her words hit me like a slap in the face. “It’s not…”

“Do you love him?” Emma asks.

“You know it’s not about that,” I respond, as tears start forming in my eyes.