Page 13 of Jinxed Hearts

“Does she have a website or photos?” she asks. “Why should I use her?”

“Because you’re on a budget, and Miles will call off the engagement if you spend another dime. Jenna’s offering a discount, and her style is like yours—sage walls, some artsy mural thing, desk covered in plants. You’d love it.” Even if Jenna hasn’t officially said yes to planning this event, I feel confident she will. There was something about her expression that tells me she could use this distraction.

Gabriella sighs, handing Jaws the last bite of my dinner. “Fine. Miles will probably kill me if I blow more cash. Give me her number. I’ll call her once we finally agree on what season toget married in.” She shoves her empty plate at me. “And fix my alternator, or I’m crashing here tonight and raiding the rest of your home-cooked food.” I wouldn’t put it past her. She hates living with our mother, and Miles is old school and won’t let her move into his house until they’re married.

“Blah, blah. How does he even want to marry you?” I laugh and wonder momentarily what it’s like to find someone you want to spend the rest of your life with. Until Krueger’s chew toy flies past me as I dodge it from the couch and make my way to the stairs. Real mature, Gabriella.

I need a fucking cold shower. My mind’s too full of…her.

Gabriella’s tone drips with mockery as she picks up my phone from the counter. “Oh, Dyl-annn, I had sooo much fun last night.”

I freeze mid-step.

“Who’s Amber?” she asks, raising an eyebrow. “And Mom called you back-to-back, like ten times.”

“None of your business,” I say, annoyed. “Now get out of my kitchen and clean up your mess.”

She barely flinches, flicking through more messages. I really need to change my password. Who even is Amber? Wasn’t her name Annabelle? Or was it Anastasia? I mutter under my breath, turning back to snatch my phone.

“Damn, Dilly Willy. You’ve got a whole roster going. How hasn’t your dick fallen off yet?”

“Never call me that again.”

Her expression shifts from playful to dead serious. “Dylan, it's been almost ten years. When are you going to stop avoiding what happened? And settle down? I want to be a hot aunt, not an elderly one. You’re thirty-three, Dilly.”

My fingers grip the edge of the counter. I don’t need another reminder. “Exactly—thirty-three. Not sixty-three. Life’s short, Gabs. Not everyone’s meant for picket fences and forever. AndI’m not ‘avoiding’ anything—the past is exactly that. The past. I’m good.”

She rests her hand on mine. “You know you don’t always have to be perfect, right?” she asks. “Or act like everything’s okay.”

I pull away, reaching for my phone. But I do. It’s easier. I’ve spent so long holding it all together. Holding me together. I’m scared that if I let go of even one piece, the whole damn thing will fall apart.

“If you ever need to talk, you know where to find me.” Her voice softens.

“Yes, in my damn fridge.” I brush it off. “I’m happy, okay? Really. Now, let me take a shower.”

And release some of the tension I’ve had ever since butterfingers bumped into me.

The moon is full tonight as I run along the path behind my house. Kreuger’s panting beside me in a steady rhythm. The only other sound is my feet hitting the dirt. The quiet always clears my head. Jaws stayed behind, passed out on his orthopedic shark bed by the fireplace, probably next to Gabriella, who’s still hiding out at my place.

On the way back, I check my phone. A text from Annabelle. I chuckle—at least I remembered her name. She wants to meet up again. Another fun night of meaningless sex and zero conversation. Not sure I’m up for it.

I start to reply, but then find myself messaging Jenna instead.

Me:Hey, it’s Dylan, the contractor. My sister said she would love for you to plan her wedding. I hope it’s okay, I gave her your number.

Ten minutes pass. No response. I shouldn’t double-text. But I do.

Me:Did the dolphin we made get to your daughter’s school alive?

The second I hit send, I want to take it back. She’s got a husband. And kids. Even a new kitten, from what she tells me.

Instead, I message Annabelle hoping she can help scratch this itch I have, when my screen lights up again.

Jenna:I’m happy to report the dolphin was alive… until my youngest ate it after school. Also, I don’t remember agreeing to anything yet.

Me:Okay, let me know when you do.

I put my phone in my pocket and head inside before I say something inappropriate.