Page 149 of Never Not Friends

“Did Vinny tell you that?”

I deserve the hostility, but it still hurts.

“No, I remembered from before.” I bite my lip, trying to control my nerves. “I know you probably don’t want to see me, but I was wondering if we could talk.”

Nothing.

I try again. “Can I come in?”

Having to ask nearly breaks my heart. I’ve never needed permission to walk into the Montgomerys’ house.

Juliet looks at me for a second then steps aside, leaving the door open behind her as she goes back into the kitchen. I follow.

The house smells the same, like Kayleen lit the usual citrus candle that she loves. I see her suitcase by the stairs with the luggage tag still attached.

“Are you unpacking?”

“Packing, actually.” She glances over her shoulder. “Well, barely. All of my stuff is already in boxes—courtesy of Vinny moving me out of his house. I guess that’s one less thing I have to worry about when I move.”

“You’re moving? Where?”

She lifts her chin. “Peoria.”

“Like…Peoria, Arizona?”

“Is there another one?”

“But that’s almost an hour away.”

“Yeah, a little space from all of this will be good right now, don’t you think?”

“What about your job?”

“Same company. Just transferring dental offices.”

“So you’ve already talked to them?”

“Yeah, it’s done, Emma. My dad found me an apartment. I’m moving tomorrow.”

“But you just got home.”

“And there’s nothing left for me here.”

“What about your mom?”

“My dad’s going to take some time off work so he can be home with her.” She folds her arms, pinning me with her stare. “I’m not going to stay around here and watch the aftermath of everything. I need a fresh start.”

“But—”

“Emma, I’ve lived here my whole life and been with Vinny for years. Everybody knows what happened. I went to the grocery store with my mom today, and three different people asked how I was doing.”

My stomach sinks.

“I just want to go somewhere where I’m not the girl whose fiancé left her for her best friend.”

Technically, he didn’t leave her for me, but standing here, looking at Juliet, I’m not about to argue that.

“I’m so sorry. I know I said that at the wedding, but I need to say it again when we’re not both crying.”