Page 103 of The Jealousy Pact

I let out a sigh. “Yes. Of course. Have you?

“Of course,” Eve answers.

“Do you think we need to discuss it more? I know I showed up with two tickets to the social as if that solved everything …”

“I don’t think we need to … I’m aware of the less than ideal things I did.”

I chuckle. “Me too. Alright, we’re both forgiven. Back to being friends.” I catch something in her face. “What?” I demand.

“I need to confess something.”

My elbows slide off the balcony railing. Her face changed when I said the words “friends”. I’ve made a mistake.

“No. Don’t tell me,” I say. “Please.”

“No! It’s not a bad thing,” she explains. “It’s an emotion thing. Not abademotion thing!”

I rub a hand over my face.

“Damn it,” she says. “I’m not good at this. I … I wanted to tell you this before, and I’m telling you now since this night seems to be full of confessions.” She inhales. “I missed you so much, Noah. I love spending time with you, and … you’re not only a friend. You’re one of my best friends.”

I break into a wide grin. “How hard was that for you to say?”

“You have no idea,” Eve says, nudging me. “I might go a vomit because of all that cheesiness.”

I laugh and pull her into a hug. “Before you go, I need to tell you something.” I lean back so I can see her face. “You’re one of my best friends too, Eve.”

She blinks up at me. “I am?”

“How are you surprised?” I shake my head. “Of course you are, Eve.”

She smiles. “I have a question.”

“Please, no,” I say, covering my ears.

“It’s not a bad question,” she says. “Why do you call me Eve? All your friends call me Knightly.”

Oh. That’s a question I wasn’t expecting. I bring my hands down. “I wanted to make up for years of calling you Eva.”

She blinks.

“Do you want me to call you Knightly?”

“No. Call me Eve.”

“Okay.”

A giggle escapes her. The breeze strengthens, lifting her hair and tangling it, and Eve tries to tame it while I laugh.

Eve Knightly. Six weeks ago, she was a stranger. Hours ago, life was a disaster. But now, my chest is bursting with happiness. It’s a perfect night.

The End