Page 186 of Never Not Friends

“Are you liking Peoria?”

“Yeah.” Her shoulders lift. “I like the new office and the girls I work with. And my apartment complex has a nice pool.”

“I cannot picture you actually getting in it.”

“No, of course not.” She smiles. “But I do lay out next to it with a cold drink.”

“Much more on brand for you.”

There’s a small puff of laughter, and for a second, everything between us feels normal. I almost forget that I hurt her and that she hasn’t responded to my texts the last four months. Almost.

My eyes soften. “Are you doing okay?”

“I’m doing better.” She looks down at her keys, turning them between her fingers before glancing back up. “A lot better, actually.”

“Good,” I say and genuinely mean it. “Are you dating anyone?”

“Anyone and everyone.” She smirks. “Who knew being single could be so fun?”

“Anything promising?”

She shrugs. “I’ve gone out with a few guys. One’s the dentist I work for.”

My brows lift. “How scandalous.”

We both laugh.

“He’s thirty-two and owns a boat.”

“So love at first sight?”

“No, but I’m going on that boat.”

“I’m glad you’re getting back out there,” I say.

“Me too.”

We stare at each other for a few seconds before I say, “I should probably go. I’m meeting Vinny at his work so we can beat the traffic.”

“Yeah, go.”

I walk around to the driver’s side of my car. “Tell your mom happy birthday from me.”

“I will.” She starts toward her house as I open my car door. “Hey, Emma?”

I pause, turning to her.

She hesitates, and for the first time during our conversation, she seems nervous. “Don’t be a stranger, okay?”

My lips lift. “I won’t.”

It’s not I forgive you or Come over tomorrow to hang out, but it’s something.

And for the first time in four months, I let myself believe that, someday, Juliet and I really will be okay.

Nine Months Since the Wedding

“Close your eyes.”