Best Friends Don't Kiss

It’s all so fucking ridiculous.

Yeah, but you’ve never wanted to do anything more in your life.

From the instant I stepped on that plane and headed back to New York without Ava, I’ve felt like there’s a goddamn hole in my chest.

I never should’ve left. I know that now.

I look at everyone inside the cabin. “Are you guys sure you’re okay with this?”

“Okay with this?” Thatch bellows. “Fluffing hell, this is better than book club! Let’s goooooooo!”

“Everything is better than book club,” Wes mutters, and Thatch glares.

“Don’t rain on this romantic parade, you grumpy bastard.”

“But,” Wes adds, a smirk cresting his lips, “this is pretty fucking fantastic. If I were in Luke’s shoes and my Winnie was in Vermont, I’d be all motherfucking in. Let’s go get your girl, man.”

Yeah. Let’s go get her.AvaAn hour ago, my baby sister said I do to the man of her dreams.

The ceremony was a simple but gorgeous affair. The church was decorated with white lilies and Christmas trees covered in simple twinkle lights. And she looked downright stunning, standing on the altar in a silk wedding gown embellished with lace.

I’ve never seen Kate so happy. The smile on her face as she and Zach looked toward the crowd, after they shared their first kiss as husband and wife, was breathtaking.

And I’m so happy for her. But also, I need a hot minute to gather myself before I can put on a brave face and enjoy the reception. My emotional state isn’t exactly pro-wedding festivities, if you know what I’m saying.

So, when my dad mentioned he had to run back to the house because he forgot to bring cash to tip the caterers, I volunteered to go with him.

The instant he pulls his truck to a stop in the driveway, I hop out and head inside the house. And while he fiddles around in his office, trying to find the envelope of money my mother put god knows where, I don’t waste any time finding solace in my quiet bedroom.

Surely, the nice thing to do would be to help him, but freaking A, I just need…a minute.

I walk into my bedroom and plop down on my desk chair.

This day, while beautiful and amazing and exciting, has served as a stark reminder of the fact that Luke isn’t here with me. All day, I’ve tried so hard not to think about it and just focus on my sister Kate, but my mind was determined, letting the painful thoughts seep in whenever it could.

God, I just want to get back to New York. Back to Luke.

Even though I know he’s going to be headed to Houston soon, I just want to see him. To talk to him. To tell him everything I’m thinking and feeling. I honestly don’t know what will happen between us, but I know I miss him. Badly.

Tears prick my eyes, and I do my best to get them under control before they ruin my makeup.

Ugh. This sucks. So hard.

I reach down to adjust my stiletto, but when I spot what looks like an envelope under my bed, I tilt my head to the side in curiosity. And then, I stand up, kneel down beside my bed, and snag the mystery item in my hands.

The name Ava is written on the front, and I furrow my brow as I take off the red bow and open it.

Inside sit three sheets of paper. All letters.

When I begin to read the first one, I lift my hand to my mouth as emotion overcomes me.Ace,

This proves that I’m not the only one who believes in you.

I hope, one day soon, you’ll see your art the way I see it—incredible.

This signifies the opportunity for you to finally follow your dreams.

The start of you really showing the world your awe-inspiring talent.

Merry Christmas, sweetheart.

All my love,

LukeWhen I look at the other two sheets of paper, I understand what he’s talking about. Letters from the curators of two very prestigious galleries—one in LA and one in New York—waxing poetic about the paintings of mine Luke showed them and enthusiastically requesting that I host an exhibition.

They want my art in their galleries.

Unchecked, tears stream down my cheeks. My heart twists and turns inside my chest, and I’m torn between feeling downright elated and completely heartbroken.

Luke did all of this. For me.

“Avie?” My dad’s voice fills my ears, and I look up to find him standing just outside my bedroom. “What’s wrong?” he asks, and a sobbing breath escapes my lungs.

“I think I ruined everything.”

“What?” he questions and steps into my bedroom to sit down beside me and pull me into a hug. “What do you think you ruined?” he asks, and I bury my face into his chest.

“Everything,” I whisper, my voice shaky.

“Is this about Luke?”

I nod.

“Is this maybe why he’s not here now? At your sister’s wedding?”