Page 18 of When Forever Falls Apart

“Isn’t she the daughter of a billionaire?” I ask, trying to remember what Eva has mentioned in the past. “And what kind of tough time? I don’t want to be stuck working with someone who’s going to bring her emotional baggage to work. Billie and I already have everything running smoothly.”

Eva raises her brows with a teasing glint in her eye. “Billie and I?”

“Get your mind out of the gutter. Besides, you made it clear that I shouldn’t get involved where I work,” I defend myself, crossing my arms. “Sorry, I ‘shouldn’t shit where I eat’ were your exact words.”

“Yeah, I guess. But if eating will make you happy…” Eva trails off.

“Okay, stop. Disturbing, coming from you.”

“Fine. I’m glad you haven’t crossed that line. Billie is one of my closest friends and a hard worker. Losing herwould be a tragedy,” she admits, her voice shifting to a more serious tone.

“Chill out. I do know how to be around a beautiful woman and not jump into bed with her,” I retort with a light-hearted laugh.

“You think Billie is beautiful?” she asks, her eyebrows lifting in surprise. “I mean, if you want to go out with her, I guess it wouldn’t be so bad if she ended up my sister-in-law. Actually, that would be great!”

“Is there a correct answer to this? Fine, yes, she is beautiful, and enough with the commitment talk,” I reply with slight frustration. “Now, what’s going on with Aston’s sister?”

Eva shrugs, her expression turning a touch wary. “She kind of left her fiancé at the altar… well, sort of.”

“People actually do that? I thought it was only in movies,” I say, raising an eyebrow.

“Nope,” she replies quickly. “But look, it’s still raw, so just… don’t bring it up. I’m sure some nosy person in town will mention it the moment they see her. I know she’s freaking out about it, so go easy on her.”

“Honestly, I don’t keep tabs on what others say. I’ve got enough on my plate.”

The man behind the counter calls our names, so I eagerly grab the two cups waiting.

“Oh, really? Like?” she prods, smirking.

“Don’t go there,” I warn, a hint of anger creeping in. “As for drinks, I’ll see how I feel. I’ve promised to meet someone for a drink tonight, and then I plan to hit the road when there’s less traffic heading out of the city.”

“A drink, huh?” Eva pries, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. “And what’s her name?”

“His name,” I correct, handing her the peppermint tea.

“Oh my God. You’ve switched teams?” she exclaims, feigning horror.

“You’re still a pain in my ass. Do you want a ride into the city or not?” I offer, trying to change the subject. “I need to get out of here soon.”

Eva shakes her head, laughter bubbling up again. “Thanks, but I’ve got a few places I want to check out while I’m over here in Brooklyn. Promise you’ll text me if your plans change?”

“Yes, Mom,” I reply, the corners of my mouth lifting in a grin as she walks away, shaking her head with laughter.

“Cheers.”

The gin flows smoothly down my throat as I sit at the bar with Matteo, a friend from Paris. We first met at a mutual friend’s restaurant opening, where our conversation centered around the culinary scene in Paris. Matteo’s uncle owns a winery in Tuscany, so Matteo and his twin brother, Nico, travel around Europe selling wine to upscale venues.

“So, tell me about small-town life?” Matteo asks with a slight chuckle. “You milking cows and riding your tractor?”

I shrug. “It’s not Paris, that’s all I’ll say.”

Matteo shakes his head with a grin, but then exhales loudly. “Nothing ever compares. Speaking of Paris, I have to fly back soon.”

“Oh yeah, work?” I ask, expecting the usual reply.

Matteo travels a lot, despite his parents and family living in the States. He spent so much time in Italy that his accent still lingers.

“Actually, no. I’m going to be a daddy,” he declares, his tone laced with trepidation.