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Joy spins her wrist, waiting for something I can’t give. “And that’s all you’re going to say?”
“Yeah?”
She thumps her forehead. “As previously stated, you’re already devoted to your situationship. Might as well make it official.”
“Or we can stay friends.” Which sounds like a stale alternative even to my own ears.
Joy mutters a string of unintelligible nonsense that repeats my name too many times to be a coincidence. “When are you going to quit sabotaging your happiness? Hilary is a cheating twat waffle. It’s super unfortunate that she broke your heart and trust. I hate her for that. Trust me. But you shouldn’t let what she did dictate your faith in love.”
“I’m not. This is my choice.” The waver in my voice isn’t doing me any favors.
“It’s hard to believe you, bro. Should we take a vote?” She draws a checkmark in the air.
“My relationship preferences aren’t up for debate. This isn’t a democracy.”
“Would you prefer to be overruled? That can be arranged. Otherwise, you can admit the decision is unanimous.” My sister motions around our rectangular formation, saving me for last.
“Don’t let Grace get away, Foster. You’ll never forgive yourself.” That slice of wisdom rumbles from Jake as he sits on his favorite stool, mostly cast in shadows.
I gawk at Knox Creek’s favorite asshole. “You’re giving me dating advice, Evans? Shit, am I that bad?”
“Yes,” the group answers in unison.
“Well, fuck. Didn’t expect that.” I drag both palms down my face.
Talk about a knee to the groin. It’s tough to breathe while I muddle through this revelation. Not long ago the roles were reversed. I strongly encouraged him to get over himself to win Harper back. It’s not fun being on the receiving end. Especially from this jackass. I’d never expect Jake be the voice of reason.
That’s when I catch Joy wincing. “What’s wrong?”
“I know you’re struggling, but can you keep the cursing to a minimum. There’s a baby present.” She nods toward Belle who’s snoozing in her mama’s cradled embrace.
My jaw hangs slack. “She can’t understand me.”
“That’s not the point.”
“Fine. Whatever. Sorry,” I mumble in choppy segments.
Joy rests her palm over the fist I have clenched on the bar. “Our pestering comes from a genuine place. We’re looking out for you.”
“Sure about that?” I have to admit that their collaborative efforts are encouraging.
My sister nods. “This is a pivotal moment, Gare-bear. If you don’t make a move, she’s a goner. Don’t do that to yourself.”
“Grace won’t talk to me,” I grumble. Even the one-word replies have stopped.
“I wonder why.” Ridge’s sarcasm isn’t appreciated.
My middle finger is a raging bull ready to charge. I flip him both to get the message across. “It’s not my fault. Not completely at least. We made the decision together.”
“But you alone are letting the best thing that’s happened to you slip away in the aftermath.” Joy’s grin is kind. “She’s your soulmate. Deep down, beyond the hurt and resentment, you gave her that nickname for a reason.”
Harper clutches a palm to her chest. “It’s true. When you look at her, it’s like reading a romance novel. It makes me swoon. And also curse your name for being such a nincompoop. You’re the clueless hero who insists on remaining ‘just friends’ for whatever seemingly noble reason. I want to shake you a lotta bit.”
My mind whirls while trying to process her underlying meanings. I almost forgot they share a passion for those books. “Is this where I apologize for something I don’t remember doing? I recall some extreme groveling.”
She rolls her eyes. “Let’s skip ahead, shall we?”
“To what? “
