Page 91 of Falling for Keeps

“He’s been talking to my sister since my bachelorette party.”

Maybe this is par for the course with Seth, because I don’t feel remotely surprised to learn this. If anything, it makes me feel better about not continuing a relationship with him.

“Mina is at Vermont State, right?”

She nods. “Getting her master’s in special education. I thought about applying for that promotion to the South Burlington Library, but maybe Seth will take it. Maybe he already has.”

“If you want it, go for it.” My affirmation from Tuesday floats through my mind. “You’re allowed to want more, Demi.”

“Yeah? Am I?” She laughs hollowly, stepping forward as the line moves. “So are you, Em. Don’t date Seth merely because he’s interested. He’s not going to stay in Autumn Ridge forever.”

I’m so tempted to tell her about Carson, but I promised I wouldn’t. The truth is I don’t know how long we’ll last either. Our relationship—however you want to classify it—is a lot of sneaking glances and texting conversations.

Kinda like how my phone is blowing up right now.

Carson

Where did you go?

Why is it taking you so long to come back?

Okay, I see how needy that sounded. I’ll pull back.

Did I wait long enough to check in again? Seth is texting right now, so I’m guessing he’s bugging you, too.

How’s the date, btw? He’s definitely into you in not just a friend way. Ask me how I know.

I check, but nothing has come in from Seth.

Emma

He’s probably texting the other girl he’s seeing right now. He doesn’t know I know.

Carson

Hold my popcorn.

Emma

That’s hypocritical. I’m okay with it. Besides, this isn’t a date, which I’ve told him a few times.

Carson

Looks like one, though. I wish you had come with me. I wish you were sitting with me. Why are you not sitting with me?

Emma

People would talk.

Carson

Fine.

How about we start that bathroom tomorrow instead? I can skip the barn raising.

Emma

But you won’t.