Chapter 4
Jemmas eyes instantly welled with tears. Though the didn’t push the issue, she barely left Harper’s bedside over the next several days []
During that time, she casually dropped Dylan’s name into conversation repeatedly, clearly fishing for Harper’s reaction.
“Look. Harper,” she said while fluffing pillows one afternoon, “I know my brother better than anyone. If literally anyone else had thrown themselves at him the way you did he would’ve gotten a restraining order years ago. But he’s put up with you all this time. That’s gotta mean something, right? Even if the lint does realize it himself. Are you absolutely sure you want to just write him off-
1f Harper had heard this right after regaining consciousness, she might have bought it.|]
But after being pushed into a pond, such hopeful theories felt like pure delusion||||
She pulled up her phone and showed Jemma the photos coworkers had been texting her–Dylan and Ruby shopping at designer boutiques, having dinner at exclusive restaurants, catching movies–her voice completely devoid of emotion.]
The only reason he tolerated me was because of you Liv. If the universe decided I should forget everything about him, maybe that’s a sign we were never supposed to happen. Miss Perfect is back now, and it’s time I finally stop embarrassing myself over a guy who’s clearly never going to want me
Seeing that Harper had genuinely moved on, Jemma finally relented with a dramatic sigh.||
“God, I always hoped Dylan would wake up one day and realize you were perfect for him. Then you’d be my sister–in–law for real, and we’d never have to deal with in–law drama.” She squeezed Harper’s hand. “But if you’re done with his emotionally constipated ass, I won’t push anymore. I’m officially staying out of his thing with that ex of his. You and me–we’re ride or die, with or without him.”
Harper nodded firmly pulling her into a gentle hug
After gossiping a bit longer. Jemma handled the discharge paperwork and helped Harper into her Tesla
“You’ve been trapped in hospital hell forever. Let’s round up the gang and celebrate your jailbreak. What do you say to cocktails and embarrassing stories?”
Thinking this might be her last chance to see everyone before leaving for Boston, Harper agreed and joined her at the trendy lounge downtown |
When they pushed open the private room door, bath women stopped dead in their tracks
Seeing Dylan and Ruby at the center table, Jemma’s face f fell.
“Dylan? What the actual hell?”
The friends who had organized the gathering quickly explained while ushering them inside.
“You said the bigger the bener, right? So I texted your brother. He brought Ruby along. Pretty awesome surprise, huh? ||
Jemma shot the messenger a death glare that could have melted steel.
Harper understood her panic and quickly pulled her aside.
so it won’t mess me up.
“Chill, its fine. They’re already here, whatever. It’s not like I remember our history anyway, so it
Jemma reluctantly let it go and led Harper to their seats.
Throughout the evening, despite the drinking and laughter, an awkward undercurrent persisted.
Harper quietly observed Dylan taking off his designer jacket to drape II over Ruby’s shoulders, smoothly intercepting shots meant for her, meticulously cutting fruit and feeding it to her..
Every gesture screamed devoted boyfriend, making absolutely zero attempt to hide his feelings
Harper watched impassively. Though she felt a strange hollowness in her chest, it wasn’t painful ||
Maybe ausis was the universe’s way of giving her a clean break ||
Jemu, misreading Harper’s quiet onervation as heartache, quickly
y organized drinking games, trying to
to divert her attention.||
Harper had ridiculous luck, winning abant ten rounds before finally losing. Everyone immediately demanded her penalty ||
Not Interested in chugging or embarrassing dares, she opted for truth instead.
Suddenly, all eyes bounced between her and Dylan, volors hushed with anticipation ||
*Perfect! Tell us about the most epic crush you’ve ever hadi
beturi (tarpet could respond. Dylan’s expression hardened, his jaw visibly clenching
He spot her a warning glance, his eyes practically screaming “shut up.”
Harper recognized his silent command not to say anything that might upset Ruby
But since she genuinely remembered nothing.
g she could only offer what she’d been told.]
My most unforgettable crush would probably be my first serious one,” she said with surprising nonchalance. “He was my bestie’s brother. Total love at first sight situation. I wrote, like, a million sappy letters and filled entire photo albums with creeper shots rd taken from afar. Everyone in our friend group knew I was absolutely obsessed with him, but he never gave me the time of day
She spoke casually, almost amused by her own story, but the room fell deadly silent
Ruby, who had been quietly observing, sensed the tension and turned to Dylan with questioning eyes.||
“Dylan, is she talking about you…?
Dylan suffened, squeezing Ruby’s hand tightly as he shut it down.
“Absolutely not. There’s never been anything between us. It was just her delusional fantasy.”
