Page 32 of Never Not Friends

“Yeah, too bad,” I answer, not knowing what else to say.

“Would’ve been fun, huh?”

Fun? More like something I’d pay for later with a massive broken-heart hangover.

“Well, well, well, look who’s here.” Avery pops her head through my back door, probably wondering why I haven’t appeared outside at recess yet. There’s accusation behind every word she says. “Vinny, right?”

“He came to deliver a chair. Juliet bought it for me.” The words fly out of my mouth so fast, like an alibi for a criminal. Except, I’m innocent…I think.

“And you’re Avery?”

My eyes turn to him, disbelief written all over my face. “How did⁠—”

“Amazing that you remembered my name, since we’ve only met once so long ago.” Avery took the words right out of my mouth.

“Well, you’re Emma’s friend, so…” He doesn’t finish his thought, as if remembering small details about my life is self-explanatory.

“I see.” Avery nods a few times, glancing back and forth between us. “So you’re just here to deliver a chair?”

“Yeah, sorry. Do you need Emma out at recess?”

“No, I’ll cover for her.” She’s still doing that thing where she narrows her eyes at us, as if she’s hesitant about whether she should leave me alone with Vinny.

“Okay, so maybe go outside with the students, then.” I gesture for her to leave.

“Right. The children.” She smiles at me as she turns to go, but there’s a warning behind her eyes. A don’t-do-anything-stupid-he’s-engaged kind of look that’s not necessary.

As if I’d ever do anything to hurt Juliet.

I’m sweet, wholesome Emma. We’ve already established that.

“I better let you get back to work.” He spins, walks out into the hall, and reappears with the chair. The corner of his mouth tips upward. “Leave it to Juliet to pick the biggest one there is. It wouldn’t fit in her car.”

“Oh, so that’s why you’re the one who came. It all makes sense now.” I can’t help my silly disappointment.

“No, I volunteered. I wanted to come. See you in your element.”

“Yeah, right,” I scoff. “The inconvenience you needed right in the middle of your workday.”

“Em, you’re not an inconvenience. You’re my friend.”

The label stings, but I’m always grateful for the reminder.

Vinny is my friend.

Juliet is my friend.

End of story.

9th Grade - March

I fly up to a sitting position the moment Vinny’s text lights up my phone. You can’t be lying down for something this monumental.

Vinny:

I’d rather be friends with you than be nothing at all.

His text is our first communication since our breakup two weeks ago.