Page 15 of That Friendzone Feeling

Heis lucky.Verylucky.Whichmight sound like a strange thing to say about someone whose parents were killed in a car accident when he was ten, but his aunt and uncle are incredible.Imean, how many people who werebroke and already had three sons of their own would take in two more boys?It’sa testament toMaggieandJim’senormous hearts.

AndalthoughImock the pact, all five kids have gone on to become wildly rich and successful, and they’ve achieved exactly what they set out to do—MaggieandJimwill never have to worry again.

Theynow live in a beautiful historic stone house inNewHampshirethat the guys bought and completely restored and renovated for them.Theymoved in almost a year ago.It’shuge and has massive grounds with a lake and a small forest, butMaggieandJimmake it feel like a cozy family home.

I’veappreciated their warm welcomes since we were in college.Andthey were so kind to let me crash their familyChristmasafter my fight withAnthony.Withmy parents away inFrancereveling in my sister’s glory,Walkertook pity on me and dragged me along.

Oneof the great things about them is they’re the exact opposite of my parents, who could never be described as warm and fuzzy.Notto me anyway.Assoon as the music teacher at my school told them my little sister was a piano prodigy, developing her talent and career became their sole focus.

There’sa ping from my purse. “Willyou not just think about mentioning it toMax?”IaskWalkerasIrummage in my bag and pull out the phone.

SARA (09:43 AM)

In NYC for a couple of days before heading back to Europe. You free for a drink?

Nota chance.I’llhave to hear all about how wonderfultheFrenchpresident and his pals are from my parents.Ido not need to hear it from my sister too.

WhenSaragot intoJuilliardat the age of fourteen,Mommoved toNewYorkCitywith her.Thatleft me home inSeattlewithDad, who worked endless hours to fund it all.

Sarahad a scholarship to cover tuition, but living inNewYorkis expensive.Andwhile we weren’t poor—Dadwas an aerospace engineer—we also weren’t made of enough cash to fund lives on both coasts.

Itwasn’t like he could find a similar job anywhere nearManhattan.So, he worked overtime and took on side jobs.Iwas pretty much left to raise myself while they dedicated themselves to financing and nurturingSara’stalent.

Ican’t say it didn’t pay off, though.Shehas a multimillion-dollar career, and my parents now don’t have to work at all.Itgives them all the free time they need to follow her around the world performing to packed concert halls and at private royal events.

AndIguess it made me independent and resourceful.

So, yes, although it’s tragic thatWalkerlost his parents, he’s extremely lucky to have the unconditional love of hisAuntMaggieandUncleJim, his brother, and three cousins.

ButI’mcertainMaxwould see the resort as a legitimately good investment to add to his portfolio ifWalkerwould let me pitch it to him.

Itap out a quick reply to put offSara.

ME (09:44 AM)

Work’s busy. Will let you know.

“So, nope,”Walkersays, stepping up to the line. “I’mnot talking toMaxabout it.”Hesnaps his head in my directionand fixes me with those sharp hazel eyes. “Andneither are you.”

Heturns his attention to the game and takes his first shot.

Theball rumbles along the lane, veers off to one side, and takes out just two pins.

“YourMr.Ptitle might have to be revoked due to pathetic bowling skills.”

Heshrugs and walks back toward me, not giving a damn. “Goon.Doyour worst.”

Wehave our own rules and don’t keep score.Wealways just take alternate shots.AndIgloat.

Igrab a ball. “Let’stake care of this.”

Itake his place in the lane and hitch up my dress to give myself more room to maneuver.

Myball glides right down the center and wipes out the remaining eight pins.

Ispin around to faceWalker, who’s sitting in our booth.

“Yes.”Iraise my fists over my head. “WhatcanItell you?Ifyou’ve got it, you’ve got it.”