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Her antics make me snort.
“I’m sure you will,” Gemma says.
Soon, we’re shown to the back to change into soft robes and slippers. The mimosas are flowing through my bloodstream, and I feel relaxed as hell as I lie on the massage table.
Gemma’s in the middle of me and Everleigh and clears her throat. “So we have some things to discuss.”
“Oh yeah?” I ask, playing stupid, but I know exactly what she’s referring to.
“Spill it!” Everleigh demands. “You haven’t given us a proper update.” I’m relieved we’re out of town, and the massage therapists don’t know who we’re talking about.
I sigh. “What do ya wanna know?”
“Everything.” Gemma grins.
“Okay, I have a question for both of you first.” My heart hammers in my chest as I delve into this conversation. “Was it really stupidly obvious that Noah had a crush on me when we were younger?”
Everleigh bursts into laughter. “I’m sorry, it’s the mimosas, but also that’s hilarious you ask. Yes, of course,undeniable.”
My face contorts, and Gemma notices. “You really couldn’t tell?” she asks.
“Well, no. You both knew I thought I was friend-zoned,” I admit. “He was my best friend, but it’s not like he ever made a move.”
“I literally told you he did!” Gemma throws back.
“Yeah, but he never acted on it, then Gabe came along and...” I trail off as the woman puts her elbow into my shoulder.
“Honey, you’re tense,” she says, and I try to relax.
“So let me guess...he finally admitted it, and you were shocked. How’d you respond?” Everleigh asks.
I suck in a breath. “I told him the truth and admitted how I always felt about him too and...”
“And what?” Gemma asks.
“And then we kissed,” I say with a grin, remembering how it felt to have his lips on mine.
Gemma gasps.
“Finally!” Everleigh shouts.
“But we were interrupted and had to finish talking about it later. Then we talked about why he pushed me away while he was locked up. It was great hearing the whole truth, but I just don’t know how to feel. I’m conflicted because of Gabe’s parents,” I admit.
“Well, what does your heart say? Deep inside, none of that logical bullshit,” Gemma asks.
I think about it as my massage therapist works out the knots in my neck. I’m scared to death to say my true feelings out loud.
“I’ve always been in love with Noah, and I guess...if things were different—“
“Things are differentnow,and you have the opportunity to create your future, so do it. If your feelings are mutual, what’s stopping you now?” Everleigh interjects.
“Exactly,” Gemma adds. “Giving Tyler a second chance was one of the best decisions of my life. I ran from him and my heart so damn much and wasted a lot of time. Who gives a shit what anyone has to say? It’s aboutyouand what makesyouhappy while doing the best you can for Owen. Anything else is just outside noise.”
My emotions begin to bubble. “But Loretta and Elliot...”
Gemma turns her face toward me, and I meet her eyes. “They’ll get over it. There’s no way they’d ever give up seeing their grandson. I know my aunt and uncle better than that. They might not agree and be angry about it, but Owen is the only piece of Gabe they have left. Now, you might get guilt-tripped and yelled at, but you can’t allow them to control you. Following your heart is all you should worry about.”
“She’s right,” Everleigh says. “I know it’s cliché as hell, but you only live once. And you deserve to be happy. We support your decision and know how good the two of you would be together.”
