Page 126 of Never Not Friends

That’s the saddest part.

“You okay?” Shane whispers beside me, rubbing my knee under the table.

I give a reassuring nod, internally praising myself for keeping it together as much as I have.

Then Sherri Brooks stands up and lists all the amazing qualities about Vinny that I love about him too.

His subtle sense of humor.

How he notices the small things about someone and doesn’t forget.

The fierce loyalty.

Gentleness led by kindness.

When we dated, Vinny’s mom was barely surviving after his dad left. We hardly interacted. But I’ve always longed to have a relationship with her.

Sherri dabs the moisture gathering at the corners of her eyes. “Vinny has always loved deeply. When you’re one of his people, you’re one of his people for life.”

I blink away tears as the truth behind those words cuts to my heart.

She turns to the couple. “So, Juliet, I have no doubt that if Vinny commits, he’ll be all in forever.”

If.

I can’t help but get hung up on that one word.

Why did she choose that? Shouldn’t she have said when? When Vinny commits.

“To the bride and groom.” She raises her glass as the entire room echoes the same thing.

I’m still reeling when Juliet and Vinny stand and thank everyone for coming.

“We’re just so excited for tomorrow.” Juliet beams up at him, and for a split second, I envy that very same happiness I used earlier as an excuse for my martyrdom.

Usually, I do a good job of keeping jealousy out of our relationship.

But in this moment, with that man beside her, I’d give anything to trade places with Juliet.

To be the one standing next to Vinny.

Forever.

I rip my gaze away from the happy couple.

There’s no use torturing myself.

The second the dinner is over, I jump up. “I have to go to the restroom.”

Shane does a half-stand like he means to come with me, but I’m already moving toward the door.

I’m suffocating in this room.

With these people.

And this outcome.

I walk past the bathroom, heading straight outside to the courtyard.