Page 91 of Leave Before I Love You

“I don’t know, June.”

“I do,” she says firmly. “Henry is a good guy. And sure, I don’t know everything that’s gone down between you two—clearly, because you were keeping sneaky secrets from your best friend.” She eyes me knowingly. “But I know the way he looks at you. I know the way he’s looked at you for years.”

“And how does he look at me, June?”

“Like his whole heart is in his eyes.”

God, I hope she’s right.

“Just tell him, Ave. Just go to him and tell him.”

“I…” I pause, trying to find the words. “I think I need a moment, you know? I need to wrap my mind around all of this.”

“I know you’re scared, but now isn’t the time to run. Now is the time to face everything head on.”

I nod, but deep down, I’m not so sure. I feel a lot like running—straight back to my condo and burrowing under my comforter for the next nine months. Surely my baby and I can survive on DoorDash takeout. Hell, maybe Dr. Moretti can make house calls for all my OB appointments.

“You’re strong, Avery,” June says, holding both of my hands. “One of the strongest people I know. You’ve got this. And you know that I’m here for you. I’m always here for you.”

Right now, I don’t feel very strong at all. But with the way June is looking at me, the love and care that sit in her eyes, all I can do is hug her tightly.

“Thanks, Juni,” I whisper into her ear. “I love you.”

“I love you too. Even though you were keeping all these secrets from me.”

“I’m sorry,” I whisper.

“It’s okay.”

I think about how amazing June is. How amazing she’s always been. She never judges and she doesn’t hold a grudge, and she hasn’t even brought up the fact that I wasn’t quite so demure when she was keeping secrets from me. She’s the best best friend anyone could ever have.

“So…” June pauses. “How are you going to tell Beau?”

“How am I going to tell, Beau?” I scoff. “He’syourhusband. Pretty sure that’s your job, babe.”

“Avery.”

“What?” I say, feigning innocence. “He got signed over to you when you said ‘I do.’”

“Oh my God, Avery.”

I hug her again and start to head for the door.

“Where are you going?”

“I don’t know.” I grab my purse, but before I can leave, June takes my phone.

“What are you doing?”

“Nothing.”

When she hands it back, I realize she’s set it up so she can track my location. “You’re fucking with me, right?”

“No. I’m not. And don’t you dare turn it off,” she demands with an index finger pointed directly in my face.

“You’re a psycho.”

“No, I’m not. I just love you, and trust me, now that you’re about to be amom…”