Page 185 of Never Not Friends

I wish I had done it sooner, but at least I did it.

Vinny pulls me into his lap again and kisses the top of my head.

For the first time in twelve years, there’s nothing left to wait for.

I’m living the life I always wanted.

“You had a lot of faith in a fifteen-year-old boy.”

“What can I say? I knew what I wanted.”

“And what was that?”

I curl into him. “You.”

EMMA

Four Months Since the Wedding

I almost don’t recognize Juliet when she gets out of her car, which is ridiculous because it’s Juliet, but it’s been four months since I’ve seen her, and her hair is cut short in a long bob, and she has bangs.

And she pulls them off incredibly well.

Of course she does.

She shuts the car door at the same time she notices me. We both freeze while staring at each other.

“Hey,” she finally says.

I smile back. “Hey.”

She glances at her parents’ house. “I’m here for my mom’s birthday.”

“It’s tomorrow, right?”

Her eyes widen just a fraction, like she’s both surprised I remembered but also not surprised. “Yeah.”

I glance down at my car keys in my hand, and suddenly, I’m very aware of my outfit. The denim skirt. The boots. The cowboy hat that would be too much for any other activity besides this one.

Juliet notices too. “You look…cowgirl-ish.”

“I’m headed to the Ella Langley concert.”

Her eyes flick briefly around. “With”—there’s the tiniest pause before his name—“Vinny?”

Four months ago, I might’ve panicked, downplayed, or apologized so I didn’t hurt her. But I’ve promised myself I’m not doing that anymore.

“Yeah, can you believe I got him to agree to go with me?”

She smiles a little. “He does hate country music…like, a lot.”

“He told me last night that every country song is either about a truck, a beer, or an ex-girlfriend.”

“He might be a little right.” Her smile grows, and it’s the best thing I’ve ever seen.

“How long are you here for?”

“Just the weekend.” She adjusts her bag strap. “I have to be back to work on Monday.”