Page 55 of This Kind of Forever

I can’t decide! I’ve been staring at them for days. I need the decision to be taken out of my hands.

Delilah

Soph says green and I agree. It complements the purple in your hair.

Clara

Green. Definitely green.

I stare at the dresses, and the more I think about it, the more I know they’re right. Grabbing the black dress, I shove it back into the closet. I’ll bring the green dress down to the laundry room later so I can get rid of any wrinkles.

Clara

On a scale of one to ten, how much are you freaking out about this wedding?

Fourteen.

While I haven’t told even Clara about her brother’s willingness to lie for me, I’ve been upfront about the situation with Kevin and what it was like meeting my half siblings for the first time. Clara was none too pleased when I told her about Dana’s comments.

Probably a ten…

Clara

You know I’d go with you! All you have to do is say the word.

My cheeks heat. I guess I forgot to mention that I already have a plus-one. And while I don’t particularly want to tell her that role belongs to her brother, I know she’ll keep offering if I don’t.

It’s okay. Gabe’s actually coming with me.

I brace, waiting for her reaction. It isn’t like I told her I’m madly in love with him, but my heart pounds regardless. I’ve always been worried about what Clara would think if she knew just how deeply I feel about Gabe. In my imagination, all the worst case scenarios end with her not wanting to be my friend anymore, and I’m not sure if that’s something I could live with. In a lot of ways, she’s the sister I never had, and I don’t want to lose her.

Clara

You’re taking Gabe as your date?! And you neglected to tell me??

I’m sorry!

Clara

It’s fine, I suppose. He’ll probably make a better date than me anyway. I can’t promise I won’t take someone’s eye out if they look at you wrong.

Delilah

Clara! Violence isn’t the answer.

Clara

It is sometimes!!

Really though, I’m glad Gabe is going with you. You need someone in your corner too.

Delilah

And I’m sure he’ll be the *perfect* gentleman. ;)

Now my faceflames. I know Delilah is teasing, but it makes my palms sweat. Because she has no idea how much I want that to be true—how much I want Gabe to be anythingbuta gentleman and have his way with me. Being in his space, living with him, has been nothing short of torture. Especially when he comes inside after working out with his equipment in the garage…

Clara