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I physically wince with pain just thinking about the expression on her face.
“And then you said that Vinny started to say something, right? Like he was going to stop the wedding first, but then Juliet beat him to it?”
“I think so, but maybe I’m remembering wrong.”
She throws her hands up as if she’s irritated that I don’t have every moment tattooed permanently into my brain. “That’s something we need to find out, because if he had already made up his mind to call off the wedding, then you’re golden. He totally called it off because he loves you, not her.”
I shake my head, feeling defensive on Juliet’s behalf. “It’s not a competition on who he loves. I know Vinny loves Juliet. I just think, at the end of the day, they weren’t the best fit for each other.”
“Yeah, because you are. So what did he say when you guys talked afterward?”
“Nothing.” My eyes drop to my sandwich. “We haven’t spoken since.”
“You haven’t spoken!” Avery practically yells. “What are you both waiting for?”
“Well, he texted just to say that he’s processing everything, and that’s why he’s not reaching out.”
Mr. Watson walks into the teacher’s lounge.
“No!” Avery stands, waving him back. “You need to leave. We’re having an important conversation in here. The teacher’s lounge is closed.”
“Avery,” I say through gritted teeth.
Mr. Watson looks confused. “Can I at least grab the salt and pepper?”
Avery nods at the counter. “Do it quickly.” She glares at him until he leaves, then her eyes flip back to me. “Okay, so you and Vinny are staying apart because why?”
“Because it’s too soon. He’s mourning the loss of his relationship, and my best friend pretty much hates me right now. I sent her an apology text yesterday, and she didn’t respond. She’ll probably hate me even more if I immediately go after her ex-fiancé, don’t you think?”
“I thought you said earlier that Juliet went on the honeymoon alone.”
“She did, but it’s still too soon.” I lift my chin, trying to seem brave. “Or maybe Vinny and I won’t talk. Maybe we’re never going to happen. It’s just too messy of a situation to overcome.”
Avery's eyes narrow into a sharp look. “If it were socially acceptable, I would slap you across the face so hard right now.”
“What?” I lift my shoulders. “I’m just being realistic, trying not to get my hopes up.”
“Em, he called off his wedding for you.”
“He didn’t call it off for me.”
“Emma.”
“He didn’t. I was part of it, but Vinny and Juliet had problems before any of this happened.”
“Fine. Semantics,” she relents. “But if you guys don’t get together after this, then I’m literally going to strangle you.” Her eyes pop wide. “Unless your hesitancy has something to do with Shane. Is this a love triangle in reverse now?”
“No.” I bite my lip guiltily. “Shane and I are over.”
“Because he saw the groom pining for you during the ceremony? That would be a deal-breaker for most guys.”
“No.” I scoff. “I mean, yes. We ended things because of Vinny, but that was Friday night.”
“Wow.” She rests her chin against her hand. “All I did this weekend was laundry. You managed to break up with the perfect doctor guy and break up a marriage.”
I cover my face with my hands. “Stop! It’s so bad. What if Juliet never forgives me for lying to her?”
“I mean, she might not. But you can’t worry about that. You’ve legitimately loved Vinny for over a decade. You’re single. He’s single. The stars are aligned.” She pulls my hands down from my face and looks me in the eyes. “It’s finally your time to tell him how you feel. Go get the man of your dreams.”
