AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“How?”
“I think back in the day, she wasn’t really into me. Just the idea of me… and I was like a challenge. Once she became my girlfriend” —I shrugged my shoulders— “I think her mission was over, and she became disinterested.”
“My thoughts are still rattling around my brain trying to figure this out.” I shook my head. “I just can’t imagine leading a guy on, no matter my age, that he’s the father of my child when I knew otherwise.”
“Well, it takes all kinds.”
“We aren’t all like that,” Emily said softly.
“I know.” I tucked a piece of her dark hair back behind her ear and nodded. “I know.”
I thought about her words about my not trusting women. Was she onto something? Was that why I never wanted anything serious?
I pushed away the thoughts and focused on my friend in front of me.
Maybe she was right. It was best for us to stay in the friend zone.
Would I have been able to tell her if she were my girlfriend?
“I’m glad I didn’t let her buy the poodle,” she revealed.
I laughed, pulling her into me, and felt her body relax against mine.
“I missed this,” I whispered, the words skating across her hair.
“Me too,” she said, looking up at me. “See? This is too important to let slip away.”
I nodded, knowing what she meant. But I wanted to believe that there was a way to have the best of both worlds.
Somehow.
Some way.
“Did she ever tell you why she misled you? Was it on purpose or a miscalculation or…?” Emily asked.
I bit my bottom lip and groaned. “I’d like to tell you it was one of those reasons, but she said she knew from the beginning.”
“Okay.” Emily waited for me to continue.
She could always tell when there was more to the story.
“She knew I had more money than my friend.”
“So, Clara wanted to use you for your money.”
“I suppose. Anyway, that is why when I told you there was nothing there and I had zero interest, I meant it. I don’t care if she’s completely changed. I just… can’t.”
“No. I get it. It’s crystal clear now.” She stood from the rock and scanned the water before turning toward me. “I’ll let my jealous thoughts drift away.” I grinned.
I eyed her, unsure whether she was kidding or not.
“I’d appreciate it if you never told anyone.”
Emily pretended to zip her mouth and nodded. “Lips are sealed, but it explains a lot to me. It really does. But I should probably get back home to check on Mimi and Grandpa. I just grabbed a couple of things from the grocery. They’ll probably start to worry about me.”
I stood and rested my arm over her shoulders as we walked along the rocky beach. The couple had left, and it was just us.
Emily was so understanding.
