Page 90 of How to Break My Heart

“Wedding planning? Whose wedding?”

“Didn’t I tell you Maddy’s getting married?”

“No, but then again, maybe you did and I forgot. It’s been busy, and I haven’t had a moment to stop. Everyone wants a taste ofCannes,” he says in an overdone French accent.

“Right, because you’re a Michelin star god.” I smile proudly, even though he can’t see me. “Do you mention that when trying to hook up with the ladies?”

He chuckles. “No, I rely on my good looks.”

“Gross.” I laugh loudly. My brother is a good-looking guy. He’s always been one to capture the girls’ eyes, but much like Aston, he never settles down. “So, what’s new with you?”

“I’m dating someone,” he says, with a weight to his admission.

“Get out of here,” I shout, then calm down. “Really?”

“Yes, her name is Nicole, and she is American. We’ve been seeing each other for four months.”

“Four months? Wow! Is this the longest relationship you’ve ever had? Do I smell wedding bells?”

“No,” he quickly informs me. “Since you’re so nosy, remember Briella? I dated her for longer.”

“Oh God, how could I forget?” Briella is someone my brother dated while still living here in Cinnamon Springs. She ended upfollowing him to college, but things took a nasty turn. Apparently, once she got a taste of freedom, she no longer wanted her high school boyfriend and was caught hooking up with other guys at frat parties several times. Poor Elliot had his heart broken over and over again. “More like Cruella. What a waste of time. Do you even know what she’s doing these days?”

“Some husband in finance and three kids.”

I chuckle. “Consider yourself lucky.”

“So, what about you? Are you actually trying to let men date you, or are you still red-flagging everyone?”

“I don’t red-flag everyone.” I sink into my sofa, annoyed. “God, you’re just like Billie.”

“Wait, is Billie the hot one?”

“Don’t go there,” I warn him. “To answer your question, my dating life is complicated.”

“Complicated because you make it that way.”

I sit up, pulling my legs to my chest. “I don’t make things complicated. I’m theleastcomplicated person to go out with. If it’s not working I—”

“Pull the plug,” Elliot finishes. “And there’s your problem.”

My guard is up while annoyed by my brother’s comment. He makes it seem like I don’t care and just end things if the guy isn’t working out. It’s not at all like that. What’s the point in pursuing a relationship if I think my heart will get broken? I know what it feels like, and I would never wish it upon anyone, let alone myself, again.

“Eva, just admit it. It’s not complicated, you’re spooked.”

“You’re spooked,” I retort.

There’s a knock on the door, so I jump up to answer it. I expect it to be Maddy after her dinner, but I open the door to Aston, who is standing on the other side in his gray sweats and his usual navy coat.

“Um… Elliot, I have to go.”

I hang up the call as Aston tilts his head in curiosity. “Elliot?”

“My brother,” I blurt out, quick to remind him.

“Right, yes, forgot about him.” Aston’s expression softens. “Can I come in, or am I banished to the hall for being a naughty boy and breaking thefriendcode?”

The corners of my mouth lift. “You can come in, but just letting you know, Maddy is coming over.”