“You two were out here talking about your perfect little families and your adorable kids—Noah with a baby that owns his soul, Austin over there in his suit with all his dad energy—and McNeal wanting people who are grounded and happily married. I didn’t want to look like the sad, single guy eating frozen dinners and talking to his houseplants.”
“Youarethe sad, single guy,” Noah says flatly.
“Exactly,” I say, pointing at him. “And I didn’t wantMcNealto know that!”
Austin shakes his head, laughing under his breath. “So you lied about being engaged?”
I throw my hands up. “I didn’t know what else to do! I didn’t think he was gonna invite us to Key West for afamily weekend! I thought he’d shake our hands, sign a contract, and be on his way.”
Noah leans back in his chair, arms crossed like he’s watching a train wreck he can’t look away from. “What are you gonna do now, dumbass?”
I shrug, leaning back with the same energy. “I guess I need to find me a fake fiancée.”
Austin covers his mouth to hide a laugh. Noah just stares at me.
“This is gonna blow up in your face,” he says.
“Probably.” A grin plays along my face. “But it’ll be fun while it lasts.”
Chapter Five
Eva
Ilook in the mirror and give myself one final once-over before heading out to meet Payton and Ashton at The Honey Tavern. We’ve been talking about having a night out for weeks, and it’s finally happening. It's been way too long. I’ve been so busy with the move and settling into my new apartment that I haven’t seen my friends since I arrived last week.
Smoothing my hands down my dark skinny jeans, I adjust the hem of my flowy blouse. It dips just low enough to show a little cleavage, cute, but not trying too hard. The soft fabric moves with me, and paired with my tan ankle boots, I feel like I pulled off the casual-but-hot look I was going for. My makeup is simple; just a little bronzer, mascara, and a nude gloss. My dark hair is straight and parted to the side. It feels like me. The confident version, the one I haven’t seen in a while.
Satisfied, I grab my phone, keys, and coat from the hook by the door. The thick wool jacket is a lifesaver tonight, the temperature’s dropped again, and when I step outside, thecold hits me like a wall. My breath turns to mist as I exhale, white puffs dancing in the night air.
I glance back at the apartment as I lock the door. Josy and Noah really came through for me. The place is a perfectly cozy, two-bedroom space with an open layout that sits above their detached garage. It’s warm, bright, and fully furnished, which made the move way easier. All I had to bring were my clothes and my skincare stash. It’s quiet, too, peaceful in a way I didn’t realize I needed.
As I walk to my car, gravel crunching under my boots, I feel something shift inside me. Excitement maybe. Or hope. Something that feels like I made the right choice by moving back home.
Just as I pull open the door, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I glance at the screen.
Brandon.
I stare at the name for a second, but I don’t answer.
Less than a minute later, a text lights up the screen.
Brandon: Please, baby, can we talk. I miss you. Just pick up the phone, please.
Locking the screen, I slide the phone into my cup holder without responding.I don’t have space in my life for the past. Not when my future is finally starting to take shape.He needs to understand that we are over. There’s nothing else to say, he showed me who he really is and I’m better off without him. I shake my head and focus on the road.
The drive into town is short; one of the perks of small-town living. The roads are nearly empty, and Christmas lights still hang across a few shop windows even though January is almost gone. Honey Springs does things on its own schedule, and honestly, I kind of love that.
When I pull into The Tavern’s parking lot, the glow from the inside windows makes the cold feel less sharp. Laughter spills out when someone opens the door, and for a moment, I just sit there in my car, watching it all. The twinkle lights strung outside, the group of friends clinking glasses inside, and the faint hum of music.
I finally grab my purse, fluff my hair in the mirror, and head inside. The warmth hits me instantly, along with the familiar scent of sweet bourbon, citrus, and whatever delicious thing the kitchen is working on tonight. I look around and see that the place is full.
Payton spots me first and waves wildly from a spot in the corner. “Eva!” she calls out with a grin.
Ashton is already on his feet, holding his arms out like I’m a long-lost sister returning from war. “Would you look at this goddess?” he says, pulling me into a hug. “Honey Springs is not ready.”
I laugh, squeezing him back. “You’re ridiculous.”
“And you look amazing,” Payton adds, standing to give me a quick hug of her own. “Seriously. That top is doing themostin the best way.”
