Page 12 of Let's Be Forever

I move my phone from where it’s resting against a dirty bowl and prop it against the backsplash. Em is at the front tending to customers and making sure the cabinet stocked and clean, while I’m in the back finishing the last of today’s pastries, and of course, washing dishes.

“Oh.” She stuffs a forkful of her salad in her mouth. She chews pensively. “How are you doing?”

“Good.”

“But?” she presses, eyeing me like she knows there’s more.

Jenny knows me too well. I want to lie and change the subject, but she’s the only person besides Em who I can speak candidly to and know I won’t be made to feel like shit.

“Sometimes it just feels like it’s too good to be true. You know how bad it was when we last spoke years ago. Granted, we haven’t broachedthatsubject yet, but?—”

“I know you said you didn’t want to, but I think maybe you should tell her about Sylas and his parents.” She speaks over me, an empathetic expression marring her face. “I know it’s not something you’re comfortable talking about, and I respect that, but maybe you’d feel better if you opened up to her.”

I’ve thought about telling Maya, completely spilling everything that happened. I know I was stupid, but I don’t want to hear my older sister tell me that. Or see a smug look on her face.

“I mean, does talking about it even matter? It happened over two years ago and it’s over with. I haven’t seen or spoken to them since, so it doesn’t?—”

“Don’t you dare say it doesn’t matter,” she grimly states. “They fucking threatened?—”

“Jenny,” I cut her off, softening the bite in my voice. “It’s been two years. There’s no point in bringing it up.”

She sighs, stuffing a piece of grilled chicken in her mouth. “I know.” She chews and swallows before speaking again. “Regardless of what you do or don’t tell her, I think she’ll understand. Or at least listen and be there for you. It seems like she’s really trying. Don’t let fear make you think otherwise.”

“I’m not scared,” I lie, because I’mpetrified, but I can’t tell her that. I can’t tell anyone that.

It’s not just losing my sister but my best friends. They’re all I have, but that doesn’t mean I let myself depend on them. Anyone can easily leave, and while I don’t think Clementine or Jenny would, I gave my all to Sylas. I loved him in a way I hadn’t ever loved anyone. And he left.

It was bad enough having my parents and sister cut me off. Then he broke up with me and I had to deal with theafter. I’d never felt more alone in my life. I can’t go through that again.

So yeah, I’m terrified to get attached to my sister, which is really fucking sad, but I can’t lose myself again. I’ve let her into our lives, but I’m keeping a safe mental distance from her.

“Sweets.” Em pushes the swinging door open, poking her head in. “I need you for a cake order.”

“I gotta go, but call me if you need anything,” I tell Jenny.

“Youcallmeif you need anything,” she asserts, exasperated. “I’m not going anywhere. You know that, right?”

“I know.” I smile and grab my bakery order form and planner. “I gotta go. Love you.”

“Love you.” She blows me a kiss and hangs up.

I exhale a sharp breath before I slip to the front but falter in my step when I spot a very familiar tall frame.

Marcello Galante, Sylas’s best friend, stands behind the counter, a charming smile stretched across his face as he speaks to Em.

I knew he’d be here before I moved to Boston, but considering he’s a professional hockey player, I didn’t ever think I’d run into him.

It seems like my luck has run out.

“That’s Anna, she’s the one who made…” I zone out when she hikes a thumb over her shoulder, causing his attention to stray to me.

His smile slips, and his eyes grow in size. I’m certain we’re both mirroring each other’s shocked expressions.

“Anna, hey.” Despite the evenness in his voice, there’s no masking the way Marc gawks.

I haven’t moved and realizing that, I urge myself to stand next to my coworker. Puffing out a shaky breath, I curl my lips into a smile—at least I hope it looks like one.

“Hey…Marc.”