Page 42

“No. She was just…unavailable.”
“After all this time, what makes you think she won’t reject you?”
“She might. But deep down, I think she feels the same way. I just haven’t figured out a way to know if that’s true.”
“Why don’t you tell her how you feel?”
I could remind Mia the rules of the game, but I decide not to. Not when the conversation is getting where I want it to go. “It’s more complicated than that.”
She leans forward. “Wait, if you want to pursue this woman but haven’t been able to, why hold yourself back? Get it all out.”
“Admittedly, I’m afraid to hear her response.”
She leans back, sighing. “I know the feeling. I hate that my own emotions make me feel so helpless.”
“What would you do?”
She hesitates. “I’d like to say I’d just tell him how I feel, but I’m too chicken.”
“Do you like someone?” If she does, does she mean Vance? Or could she be thinking of me?
“Isn’t it my turn?” Again, she dodges my question. “Let’s just stick to the game, okay?”
I realize if I continue with my personal questions, she might shut down on me. And no amount of alcohol will change that.
Tread carefully. “Of course.”
“Never have I ever vomited after a roller-coaster ride?”
I shake my head. “I haven’t, but Jonathan has.”
“Seriously? My brother?”
“Oh, yeah. I tried to tell him not to mix nachos, a hot dog, and a soda with one of those spinning rides, but he did it anyway. Stubborn man.”
“Stubborn is the understatement of the century.” She giggles. “And serves him right.”
I smile. “Never have I ever had, or have, a favorite sibling.”
Without any hesitation, Mia takes a long sip of her drink.
“Mia Knight,” I chastise.
“Are you really that surprised?”
I shake my head. “No. Not really. Who is it?”
She looks at me incredulously. “I think you know.”
“Would I be right if I said Nathan?”
She pauses. “You said it, not me.”
“Is it because Jonathan constantly has his nose in your life?”
“Like a stick up my butt.”
I laugh. “Well, you wouldn’t be wrong.”