Page 141 of Never Not Friends

“It’s over, Emma. Just leave.”

My chest caves in. “Can’t we just talk and figure everything out?”

“No.” Her face hardens. “I can’t even look at you right now.”

I nod because if I try to speak, I’ll sob.

I turn toward the door, but she stops me.

“Emma?”

I look back, feeling a rise of hope in my chest.

“Go anywhere else but to Vinny.” A tear drops from her cheek onto her wedding gown. “Not everything today needs to be about you and him.”

Regret slams me in the chest.

I turn, reaching for the door, and the two tiny houses on my bracelet slide down my wrist.

Now our houses will always be right next to each other no matter what happens.

Earlier, when Juliet said that, she obviously didn’t plan for any of this to happen.

VINNY

There are still eighty people inside waiting for Juliet and me to get married. Yet, I sit silently on a bench in the courtyard with my mom.

Waiting.

For what, I don’t know.

The marriage is off.

We already came to that conclusion when we spoke.

Me, because I know us getting married isn’t right.

Juliet, because she knows I have feelings for Emma. Right now, that’s what she’s blaming all of this on. Maybe someday she’ll remember the doubts we both had before anything with Emma happened. Maybe she won’t.

And I’m okay with that.

I deserve that.

Her dad steps toward me. “Is Juliet okay?”

“No.” It’s the only answer I can give him.

“Did you do something to hurt her?”

I look him square in the eyes. “Yes, but not in the way you probably think.”

“Is the wedding still happening?” Her mom leans forward, concern etched in her brows.

I shake my head solemnly.

My eyes drop when Kayleen whimpers.

I don’t know what Juliet will tell her parents, but whatever it is, they won't think highly of me after this. A spark of sadness pulls at my chest at the thought of the consequences. I’ll no longer be welcome in the Montgomerys’ home. Kayleen has been like a second mom to me for the last twelve years, and suddenly, she’ll disappear from my life. My sisters will no longer have Juliet to go shopping with. And Juliet and my mom won’t spend Saturdays baking cakes anymore.