Page 77 of Next to Everything We Wanted

Everett’s lips parted, but he didn’t fight back.

“I’m sorry Everett’s being a jerk,” Gavin whispered to me, his lips gently brushing my ear. “It’s been a rough month for all of us.”

My fingers traced across his sleeve. “It’s okay. My bandmates used to fight a lot.”

“It’s the worst.” He sighed before sitting up straight again. “So, four of us are down for this.”

“I still think thefiveof us should discuss this,” Everett said. “Alone.”

Nick sighed as I handed him his phone back. “You don’t need to comment on everything that happens.”

Everett held up his hands. “Just saying.”

Gavin grunted and faced me. “Are you free tomorrow to talk things out here with me?”

“I have band practice and work tomorrow,” I said. “But I’m free Sunday. Is noon good?”

“It’s a date.” Gavin’s cheeks reddened. “Well, it’s not a date, we’re just going to talk to each other. You know what I mean. It’sstill kind of like a date, only it’s—” He groaned. “I should shut up.”

Celia and I snorted, and our eyes met. Some of the intensity in her gaze melted as she smiled at me.

“Thank you again. Have a good night, everyone.” I smiled before getting up from the couch.

“You too,” Nick said with a nod.

Everyone else, other than Everett, murmured goodbyes before I left the room. It took me a moment to realize that there were footsteps following me, and I turned to see Everett catch up to me.

“Hey,” he said with the first smile he’d given me all night, but it was tight on his full lips. “Sorry, I want to talk to you about something important. Between you and me.” He nodded to the window. “Outside?”

“Okay,” I said, a sinking feeling taking home in my stomach. He wouldn’t beat up a girl three years younger than him, would he?

I followed him outside, where people were heading to their cars. We walked to the back of the café, where no one could hear us.

“So, I know that you don’t want me to network with your bandmates,” I told him, crossing my arms, “but I promise it won’t take too much of their?—”

“You need to stop messing with Gavin.”

Gavin. He knew that I knew his name.

Shoot.

I blinked to the point that my eyes watered. “I don’t understand. How am I messing with him? We just like hanging out together. And we’re just friends.”The idea of being more, though? I’d die in the best way possible.

“You’re trying to sabotage him, and I have no idea what your motive is to get close to?—”

“Trying to sabotage someone—which I’m not—is a motive for getting close to someone.”

“Can people stop cutting me off?” He cursed under his breath. “Listen, he’s already been through a lot, and the last thing he needs isyouin his life to try to fix everything likethattype of girl. He can handle his baggage on his own.”

“I’m not trying to fix anything. If he wants me to stop being friends with him, then I will.” I stepped closer to Everett, narrowing my eyes. “If he’s not making the choice, then I’mstaying. You’re the one trying to fix his issues, and no one seems to appreciate it.”

“I’mprotectinghim. The rest is none of your business.”

“Doesn’t seem like you’re protecting him.” I put my hands on my hips. “Maybe you’re only making things worse.”

Even in the dark, I could see the anger flare in his hazel eyes. “Who the hell are you to tell me how my best friend feels about the way I treat him? You don’t know me, or him, or anything. Now can you stop being a pain in the ass and stay in your lane?”

I stepped back, his words stinging my chest and my eyes. Instead of showing my shock, I let out a mock laugh. “I’m flattered that I annoy you that much whenyoudon’t knowme.” I spun on my heel, refusing to let him see me cry. “Good night to you, sir.”