Collette raised an eyebrow and chuckled. “She talked about you daily. I’m just glad she ended things with the turd.”
Now it was my turn to laugh. “You and I are on the same page, Collette.”
“I’m glad she’s going back with you. She needs to be surrounded by good people, because she’s the best.” Collette placed a hand on Gracie’s shoulder. “I’m sad you’re leaving, ma chérie, but this isn’t the right time for you and Paris. You’ll be back when the timing is right.”
Gracie smiled and nodded. It was clear that she’d been suffering here in Paris, without letting me or her family know what was going on.
I wasn’t completely shocked. I mean, I was surprised she hadn’t told me.
But she was a proud person.
A perfectionist and an overachiever.
We’d always balanced one another.
I’d lightened things for her, and she’d taught me how to look forward, how to plan and dream and all of those things.
I’d always known I was a lucky man to call Gracie Reynolds my best friend.
My girl.
She’d brought far more to my life than I’d brought to hers.
“I wish I could have come here under different circumstances, but I’ll definitely be back,” Gracie promised.
“I’ll miss you. And your Bear sure did show up for you when you needed him, didn’t he?” She winked before taking our orders and walking away.
“I still can’t believe what a mess I’ve made of everything.” Gracie shook her head and shrugged.
“None of this is on you. You haven’t done anything wrong. You recognized things weren’t right and ended it with that asshole, and that’s all that matters.” I reached for my water and took a sip.
“I’m done with relationships, Bear. I think I need to try something different. Nothing serious. You know, sort of like what you do.”
I barked out a laugh. “And what is it that I do, Jeege?”
“You don’t get that invested in people. I’ve never really just dated. I always seem to be in a long-term relationship. And look at where that’s gotten me. I’m not investing in anyone other than myself for a while. All relationships are off-limits. So, teach me how to date casually, please.” She chuckled.
This was not a conversation I ever expected to be having with Gracie. I didn’t like the way she was now questioning herself. None of this shit was on her.
“Listen, we just have different ideas about relationships,” I said, reaching for my wine glass as Collette set down our drinks and a charcuterie board between us. “There’s no right or wrong way.”
“My way is definitely flawed. I’m seriously done with it. I’ve been thinking about it, and I really want to try your way for a while. I’ve had three serious relationships, and they were all kind of a bust.” She covered a cracker in apricot jam, placed some salami and cheese on it, and handed it to me, which made me laugh, because she always knew what I needed.
“There’s nothing wrong with your way, Jeege.”
“Gabriel hated that you called me Jeege, by the way,” she said as she took a sip of her wine. My gaze tracked the movement, lingering on her mouth.
On her plump pink lips.
I forced myself to look away and rubbed my eyes. Maybe I could chalk it up to jet lag.
Okay, here’s the deal.
Gracie Reynolds is my best friend.
We’ve never crossed the line.
But I’m human, and she’s sexy as fuck.
