Page 110 of Gold Rush

“Back in May?”

I nod.

A smile slowly spreads across Wren’s face. “How … irritating of him.”

I roll my eyes. “I can take care of myself. Violence is never a solution.”

Wren smirks. “Did you tell him that?”

“No,” I admit.

“You liked him taking care of you.” It’s a statement, not a question.

My younger sister sounds older. Wiser.

I’m proud of her. I’m also unsettled by it. A large part of my identity has always been being Wren’s older sister. I was the one she called to help her sneak in after she stayed out too late. The one who comforted her. Who ensured she was being somewhat responsible, even during her most irresponsible moments. She’s close to graduating college, to embarking on an independent life of her own.

“Imagine you’re at the gala next year. You and Flynn got engaged, then broke up—whatever the brilliant, misguided plan was. You see him. How do you feel?”

“I can’t predict how I’ll feel a year from now.”

“What if you feel the same as you do now? Wouldn’t it have been worth trying? Telling him how you really feel?”

“He’s Kit’s best friend, Wren. They’re like brothers. Crew and Scarlett love him. Mom and Dad love him. I’m going to have to be around him. What if I tell him, and this was all pretend to him, and it’s incredibly awkward forever?”

“More awkward than everyone thinking you guys got engaged, then broke up? Because that doesn’t sound like a simple dynamic either.”

I groan. “We would be simple though. I’d rather everyone think it was awkward and it not feel awkward than it feel awkward.”

“Option three: You and Flynn could live happily ever after.”

“We don’t want the same things, Wren.”

“He said that?”

“It was … strongly implied. Commitment? Marriage? Kids? Not interested. That’s why he wanted to do this. His dad was pressuring him to settle down, and Flynn’s solution was to pretend he did.”

“Well, duh. What guy gets married just because his dad tells him to?”

“Uncle Crew did.”

“Okay, one example. And obviously, he wanted to marry Scarlett. She’s amazing. But it’s human nature to not want to do something because someone told you to. Unless Flynn flat-out told you he’d never get married or have kids, I’d bet he’s open to both. Sometimes, it takes the right person to change your perspective. Sawyer was pretty relationship-averse when we met. Or look at Kit. He never talked about marriage or kids before he and Collins got together.”

I nod slowly. “I’ll think about it.”

“Good.”

“Enough about me. How are you?”

“So busy. I’m trying to get ahead on everything so I can spend a few extra days in New York while I’m there for Lili’s wedding. Most of my professors have been great about it, but a couple have given me extra assignments to complete instead. Basically, I’m being punished for being responsible.”

I smile. “I’m proud of you.”

“Someone had to be the academic in the family now that you’re through your bazillion years of school.”

“Law school was only three extra years, Wren.”

“I know, but⁠—”