Page 109 of Never Not Friends

I try to fit that information into what I now know about Vinny and me.

“Was it before or after college?” one of her work friends asks.

“It was actually after college. We never said the ‘L word’ when we dated in high school.”

I flinch, dropping my eyes to my clasped hands in my lap.

Vinny and I said we loved each other so much back then. And the worst part is, we meant it.

“Okay, next question,” Carly continues, “when did you know Vinny was the one?”

My head slowly lifts. I paste a perfectly crafted smile on my lips as I wait for Juliet’s answer.

“I don’t really know.” She looks off into space as she thinks. “Probably just when I realized how loyal he was.”

And with that, my eyes drop again, the guilt of earlier slapping me square in the face.

“But it took me a while to know. I mean, we’d been together for a few years after college before I really knew.”

My fingers twist in my lap. Everything she says is a papercut to my heart.

“What’s your favorite thing about him?”

“He’s just really sweet. He would never hurt me.”

I can’t.

I stand abruptly and head for the kitchen, pretending like I’m checking on the food. Yes, let’s replenish the water. I grab the glass pitcher and carry it over to the sink as the game continues in the living room.

“Who made the first move?”

A trigger warning should’ve come with these questions.

“I made the first move.” Juliet chuckles with embarrassment. “Both times.”

Everyone laughs as my fingers close tighter over the glass handle.

“Hey!” Camila’s suddenly behind me. “You doing okay?”

“Oh, yeah.” I smile. “The water was out.”

She leans against the counter, facing me. “Are you sure?”

I widen my smile as much as humanly possible. “Of course. It’s a great turnout in there. Don’t you think?”

Her lips push into a small frown. A pity frown. “This must be torture for you, Emma.”

“No.” My head kicks back. “I’m fine. I’m dating Shane, remember?”

Shane definitely wasn’t on my mind when Vinny was inches from me in this very kitchen an hour and a half ago. But Camila doesn’t need to know that.

“In fact, I was going to text him after this and see if he still has to work tonight. I kind of miss him.”

“That’s great.” She smiles, but I can tell she’s not convinced, but she pats my arm anyway. “Okay, I just wanted to make sure you’re alright.”

“Doing great!”

“Count up your answers, and let’s see who got the highest number correct,” Carly says.