Page 9

Nate stops at our table and places Ivy’s plate down in front of her before handing me my salad and turning without a word. Ivy watches him leave and scoffs.

“Okay, so he’s a little rude.”

I arch a brow and nod. “Ya think?”

“So,” she muses as I glance down at my plate and stab a tomato with my fork. “What about you? Isn’t it about time you find someone that makes you deliriously happy?”

“Ivy,” I warn because she knows better than to broach this subject with me but she’s going there anyway. She shakes her head.

“Hell, no, don’t you “Ivy” me. I’m serious. I get that what happened to you was beyond messed up and you’ve been hurting for a long time but, Car, it’s been twelve years. It’s time to let it go and move on with your life. I mean, you’re twenty-eight years old and you’ve never had a serious relationship.”

I shake my head, meeting her eyes so she can see how serious I am. “I have moved on, Vi. I just don’t think that sort of thing is for me.”

“What sort of thing would that be? Love? Happiness? A normal healthy relationship?”

“Hey, I’m happy.”

She frowns and shakes her head. “You can lie to everyone else around you, but you can’t fool me; you’ve always dreamed of your prince charming.”

“I was a kid. People grow up and the world teaches them how stupid they were to believe in shit like that.” Sighing, I set my fork down and grab my tea. Staring out at the busy sidewalk, I take a sip and try to forget the memories she’s forcing to the surface before turning back to her. “Ivy, sweetie, I’m thrilled you’re happy. I really am but please don’t try to get me to jump into a relationship now. It’s not going to happen.”

“I just want you to be open to the idea, Carly. You deserve to be happy, too. And the rotation of guys you use to hide the fact that you’re lonely will get old if it hasn’t already.”

I force a smile as I try to ignore just how much her words hit the mark. “That’s the point of the rotation, Vi. Then, it doesn’t get old.”

“Um, ew! You’re so damaged,” she teases, shaking her head as she takes a bite of food and looks out at the sidewalk. “Just think about it, okay? For me?”

Sighing, I nod, giving in to my little sister. “I’ll think about it but that’s it.”

“I’ll wear you down eventually,” she says with a wink and I sputter out a laugh.

“Why don’t you just tell me more about this guy? How did you guys meet?”

My phone buzzes on the table and I scoop it up, rolling my eyes at the text from Chance on the screen.

Chance:

Hey.

Ignoring the ridiculous flutter in my chest, I delete the message and set my phone down as I turn back to Ivy. She launches into the story about how she met her new man as I try to push my promise to her out of my mind. There is no way in hell I will settle down. Ever.

* * * *

Chance:

Hey, gorgeous.

Chance:

Having a good day?

I stare down at the series of texts on the screen and sigh as I fall back onto my bed with a groan. I knew I shouldn’t have given him my number. And yet, this is exactly what I expected and I have to admit it’s not completely unwelcome if the goofy smile threatening to surface and my fluttering heart is any indication. I sit up and stare down at the screen again.

I need to get a handle on this.

Me:

It’s fine.