Page 6
“Hey!” Frankie’s eyes narrow into deadly weapons. “I never claimed to be a relationship expert. If you want actual advice, go ask those two.”
I don’t need to turn around to see who she’s referring to. Paisley and Bianca are parked on the bleachers to witness my continued shortcomings. My stomach sinks. Just what I need are more women telling me I suck.
To make matters worse, they’re not innocent bystanders. Paisley is Gemma’s older sister and my cousin’s best friend. Bianca doesn’t bite her tongue under any circumstance. Her brother Brody is still on her shit list after he forced Paisley into a marriage for his convenience. I’m pissed that Gemma’s sister became a Benson before she did, but we’re saving the best for last.
My stomach turns over on itself. If I want to make that a reality, I need help. A lot of it. It’s safe to say that if anyone is going to call me a dumbass, it’s these two. But I cast aside my pride and approach them slowly.
“Hey, Chance.” Bianca slides her mirrored sunglasses down her nose. “Why do you look like someone ran over your puppy?”
I scrub at the back of my neck and lean against the metal railing. “Well, umm…”
“Gemma is still giving him the cold shoulder,” Paisley fills in for her friend.
Bianca narrows her eyes. “And you’re hoping we’ll put in a good word to warm her up for you.”
A smile dares to appear. “That would be great.”
“You’re an idiot,” they say in unison.
Called it.
I square my stance, checking my ego before they launch another attack. Paisley and Bianca are my best shot at getting back on Gemma’s good side. If I have to face their ridicule to get there, it’s well worth the jabs. I’ve already been thoroughly humbled by my mistakes.
“What do you suggest?”
Bianca buffs her painted nails on her jeans. “Oh, jeez. I dunno. Move on. Get over it. She’s not interested.”
“That’s not possible. Gemma is the only one for me.”
“Should’ve thought of that before you set fire to your friendship.”
My jaw clenches. “I’m aware, thanks.”
“Welcome.”
Paisley is studying me quietly. “What have you tried so far?”
There’s a brief pause while I consider how much to reveal. Admitting to lightly stalking her sister probably won’t do me any favors.
“I try to see her as often as possible.”
Paisley quirks an eyebrow. “By cornering her at work?”
“Not always,” I defend.
“How’s your grovel game?”
“My grovel game?”
Both women stare at me like I’ve personally offended them. Bianca is the one to speak.
“Please tell me you’ve groveled.”
“Well, I text her at least once a day.”
They don’t need to know what the messages say or that I’ve started referring to them as ‘meadow memories’. Gemma doesn’t respond to my reminiscing. I’m beginning to think she blocked me.
“You text her,” Bianca deadpans.
