Page 85 of The Friends and Rivals Collection

EPILOGUE

FRIENDSHIP GOALS

Nolan

This is better than shishito peppers.

An evening here in my new city with friends and family, and New York is right where I belong.

Especially as I watch my little brother and my good friend rib each other. When TJ teases Jason about Beck, my brother’s blue eyes go a little dreamy.

I could tease Jason, but I know there’s more to it for him. Maybe there has been for some time. Just like there was for me. Like there seems to be for TJ and Jude. And like there seems to be for Jo as she catches us all up to speed on her new romance in London.

As I look around my circle of friends, soaking in the moment, I suppose we’re all like that—here for each other through ups and downs, stops and starts, pain and heartbreak.

And all the joy, too, on the other side.

I found mine with Emerson, and I’ve got new dreams for the two of us. As Jo and Em chat, as Jason and TJ strategize, and as Katie and Harlan talk and laugh, I drape an arm around my best friend, my co-creator, my girlfriend.

My. . .everything.

Emerson snuggles close to me as everyone reconnects, and drops a quick kiss to my cheek. “Love you, friend,” she says.

“Love you too, friend,” I say, and enjoy the rest of the night here with them, then later, alone with her.