Page 178 of Next to Everything We Wanted

His brow furrowed. “He did?”

A pain wedged its way between my ribs. “That’s when I dumped him.”

He shook his head. “Listen, I love that guy with all my black heart, but he was an idiot for saying that.” His lips curved in a smile. A genuine smile, one that reached his eyes. A jolt of surprise punched through me. “You’re not bad, Sienna Rowan.”

“So, I’m not bad nor a pain in the butt.” I smiled back. “Good to know.”

He let out a soft chuckle. “And who knows. Maybe he’ll come to his senses one day and realize that he can’t move on without the love of his life.”

I nearly choked. “He didn’tloveme. We dated for a month—and broke up twice.” I wasn’t an expert on relationships, but you couldn’t love someone in that amount of time. Sure, Dallas and Raina were in love, but they’d been best friends since fifth grade.

Everett shook his head again. “The guy tries to hide his feelings, but I know him. There’s no way he’s never loved you. From the look on your face, I know you feel the same way.”

“It doesn’t matter when we can’t be together. I mean, he fled to another state just to get rid of me.”

“Sorry, but I’d be a little flattered if my ex went to another state to get over me. You know, if any of my exes didn’t belong in sewers.”

That made me snort way too hard. “I’m not sure if Gavin is sewer territory. He doesn’t want me, though. And even if a pieceof my heart will always belong to him . . . he’s not meant to have the whole thing.”

Everett bit his lip. “I don’t want to get your hopes up in case he never comes back, but Gavin’s a fighter. He may still want you. And when he wants something, he’ll work his hardest to get it.”

I rubbed the back of my neck. “We’re bad for each other.”

His forehead creased. “Are you? Or are you just two people who made mistakes and need another chance at fixing things?”

I blinked, taking in his words. “I never knew you could be so thoughtful.”

“I spend most of my time sitting in my bedroom with the curtains closed, listening to depressing music.” His lips quirked in a small smile. “It’s my lifestyle—and my destiny.”

I giggled. “You can’t have hope for me and Gavin but none for yourself.”

“I don’t know—he says I never changed from the disaster I was before.”

“I thought he was an idiot.”

“He is.” He chuckled and nodded to the door. “Well, back to my dark room. Have a good night, Sienna.”

“You too, Everett.” I waved as he walked away.

He turned and shook his head. “It’s Forrest.”

A flicker of shock came over me, and I smiled. “Have a good night, Forrest.”

He smiled back, the corners of his eyes crinkling, and walked out the door.

I sent Oliver a text that everyone could come in. A minute later, my bandmates walked through the same door with bewildered expressions.

“I never knew Everett Tate was capable of smiling,” Hayden said. “Like a real smile. Not that barely-moving-face bullcrap.”

“Did you give him a cookie for something?” Caleb asked. “A cinnamon stick from Cheesy Times?”

I laughed. “I think I won him over.”

Raina smiled, hugging me. “As you should. You’re amazing.”

While my bandmates talked about Everett, Oliver and I sat on the couch. “Are you doing better now?” he asked, concern in his voice. “You almost burst into tears out there.”

“I’m better now,” I said, offering a smile. “How about you?”