Page 124 of How to Break My Heart 1

“Me?” Maddy points her finger at herself. “I’m done.”

“For now.” I roll my eyes, then knock into her shoulder playfully. “You’re not done forever.”

“Why not? Men are too complicated.”

“Right…” Billie grins, then says, “I’m glad you said that. Because it’s not a man asking.”

My head tilts with curiosity. “Have you thought about playing in the same field?”

“You mean, have I thought about chewing the cooch?”

I scowl, then bury my head in my hands. “Maddy, it’s a wake, for God’s sake.”

Billie laughs, snorting unexpectedly. “Oh, sorry, but Mom would have laughed, too.”

“You know what? Life is too short. Give her my number.”

Billie motions for Maddy to glance out the window where the young woman is standing. She’s pretty, with long ginger hair tied into a bun. A man is conversing with her, and he looks remarkably similar, so I assume it’s her brother.

“Oh, you didn’t tell me she had bangs,” Maddy says in a disapproving tone.

I throw my hands up in the air, then smack them on my thighs. “Okay, now that’s taking it too far.”

“What about you?” Billie questions with a smirk.

“What about me?”

“The reverend’s son asked about you.”

I scratch the back of my neck. “Um… isn’t that frowned upon? You know, dating someone holy. Besides, I’m really not interested.”

Maddy crosses her arms. “She’s not interested because she and my brother can’t seem to get their shit together.”

“Maddy, I have my shit together… kind of,” I answer defensively.

“Then why are you so miserable?” Maddy questions with annoyance. “Why is he so miserable?”

“It’s complicated.”

“Well, by the time I get back from this wellness retreat, you better be married and giving me nieces and nephews.”

I turn and gaze into my best friend’s eyes. Maddy’s expression softens as she reaches out to squeeze my hand. “My forever might have fallen apart, but yours doesn’t have to.”

We may have been walking in the opposite direction in life, but I know Maddy will always remain by my side.

Because that’s what best friends do.

And I count myself the luckiest girl in the world to have a best friend in Madelina Eleanor Beaumont.

CHAPTER 32

Eva

What in the ever-loving world is going on here?”

Elliot stands beside me on the corner of the street as we stare at the long line waiting to visit the store. He arrived yesterday morning, so I picked him up from the airport and told him to crash at my place.

We both tilt our heads at the same time, counting the people, but lose track when we notice many are in groups. They’re sitting on the ground, all on their phones, but appear to be in good spirits.