Page 148 of Gold Rush

“I’m going to take that murderous look on your face as a yes,” Perry comments.

“Everyone thinks we’re together,” I bite out. “It’s disrespectful.”

He shakes his head, then swigs more beer.

“Plus, I’ve known her forever. Literally, we were in elementary school when we met. It’s normal I’d feel protective.”

“I’m not arguing, Flynn. So, who are you trying to convince? Me or yourself?”

Him. Because I can’t convince myself. Because I’ve been there all the times I defended Rory, long before I was expected to. Because I despised Carson long before he cheated because he was bland and predictable, but mostly because Rory smiled when she saw him and pursed her lips when she saw me.

I sigh. “Fuck.”

Perry pats my shoulder. A little awkwardly, but I appreciate the sentiment. He probably thought he was showing up for fifteen minutes of small talk, and instead, this has practically turned into a therapy session.

“You’re engaged to a girl you’re in love with,” he comments. “Could be worse.”

“Unless she still sees me as her cousin’s immature, irritating best friend.”

“Only one way to find out. And I’ve never seen you take no for an answer when it’s something you want. Honestly, I feel badly for her, having to deal with your persistence.”

I grin for the first time all day. I spent all morning with a fake smile pasted on my face, so my cheeks are sore. “Thanks, Perry.”

“You would have figured it out on your own.”

I would have. But it might have been too late to change Rory’s mind. It might already be too late, but at least I’ll know I’ve done everything I could to fix it.

“So, what’s new with you?” I ask.

“Well, Macie and I aren’t actually together. We’re undercover agents, trying to infiltrate a criminal organization.”

I roll my eyes, but I’m still grinning. “Shut up, or I’ll stop sharing.”

“You mean, how’s it been our entire lives?”

Perry’s kidding, but he’s also not.

“Yeah.” I exhale. “Sorry about that.”

“I could have made more of an effort too.” He lifts his bottle, tilting it toward me. “Cousins?”

“Cousins,” I agree, tapping it.

We both drink, and then Perry starts telling me about a trip he’s planning for him and Macie.

45

The phone rings while I’m reading through the police report for a knife fight we’re intending to argue was self-defense. I close the folder and pick up my phone.

“Rory Kensington.”

“There’s a man here, requesting to see you, Ms. Kensington. He says his name is Julian Parks.”

“I’ll be right there,” I say, hanging up the phone and closing the folder. I grab my trench coat, phone, and ID badge, pulling the coat on as I walk toward the lobby and sliding the items into the pockets.

Julian is waiting just inside the main doors, looking outside at the busy street. His profile is eerily similar to Flynn’s.

He glances over at the sound of my heels hitting the marble floor, a tentative smile appearing. “Good morning.”