“I understand, though. And I won’t stand in your way. If you want—”
Emma shook her head. “I’m not in love with Mateo, Nadine.”
Her friend paused, confusion overwhelming her features again. “What?”
“I’m not in love with Mateo.”
Nadine’s nose scrunched up. “Then who are you in love with?”
The name was there on Emma’s tongue, but she paused. The minute she said it, everything would become real. The truth would be out in the open and there would be no way to ever go back. Everything could change and the realization sent a slice of fear through her chest.
“Knightley,” Emma said, releasing a shaky breath. “I’m in love with Knightley.”
It was quiet for a moment, so quiet that Emma wasn’t even sure that her friend had heard her. Maybe she hadn’t said the words out loud at all. Emma made a move to speak again, but then Nadine’s face broke into a wide grin as she squealed, “I knew it!”
Emma watched her, mouth agape. “Wait, what?”
Nadine’s head fell back as she laughed. “I knew it! That first time I saw you two together, I knew there was something between you two!”
“What are you talking about?”
Nadine rolled her eyes. “Oh my God, Emma. From the minute you brought me to that Sunday dinner months and months ago, I knew. I just couldn’t believe you didn’t! I mean, you’re so close and you find every excuse to spend time together and it was obvious you never liked Davina—”
“I liked Davina! I just didn’t think she was right for Knightley. Which, considering how she ran off with Montgomery, was kind of prescient.”
“Yes, but even before that.”
Emma bit her bottom lip. “I just thought Knightley didn’t like Montgomery.”
“Are you kidding? He was so jealous! I mean, rightly so. Montgomery is a player. Hot and charming, yes, but still a player. I never liked him for you. And I didn’t get why everyone was pushingyou two together. Like, he clearly was not relationship material, so why—”
“Nadine,” Emma said, trying to keep her friend on track.
“Right, sorry. I’m just saying he wasn’t right for you. Knightley is. He always has been.”
Emma turned, staring dumbly at the windows against the far wall. Nadine had only known them for a little under a year andshewas able to see what they’d both been blind to for years? And if she saw it…
“Do you think anybody else suspects anything?” she asked.
Nadine snorted. “I think it’s pretty obvious to everyone thatsomething’sgoing on.”
Oh my God.A pit of worry opened up in Emma’s belly as she imagined everyone already knowing her secret. The weight of it made her feel nauseous. They’d make assumptions. Margo would demand all the details. Mrs. Pawloski could already be planning the wedding. And what would her dad think?
“No. No way,” she said, shaking her head.
“I don’t know. You and Knightley are always flirting, and—”
“We’re not alwaysflirting,” Emma interjected. “We argue all the time! And he’s always throwing around his opinion even though no one asked. And yes, he checks in on me and makes it a point to hang out every weekend, but…”
Nadine had a smug smile on her face as she watched her friend begin to connect the dots.
“How did I miss this?” Emma finally whispered.
“Sometimes you don’t see what’s right in front of you unless someone hits you over the head with a frying pan. Well, that’s what my nana always says.”
Emma let out a breathy laugh. “Your nana is a wise woman.”
Nadine shrugged.
