You Make It Easy: A best friend's brother romance (Love in Everton Book 5)

by Fabiola Francisco

  I hope one day I can move on from this pain. I rub a hand across my chest as if that will ease it.

  I open my laptop and continue editing the picture from Cindy and Maverick’s photo shoot. Regardless of what’s going on in my personal life, I have commitments I need to fulfill.

  Tears blur my vision as I stare at the couple on my screen. This was my project with Finn. He was right there with me throughout the entire process, cheering me on. In fact, I think he was more excited than me. And now, just like an old photograph that fades with time, so will our relationship.

  I shake my head, biting down my lips and attempting to swallow back my tears to no avail. I stand on shaky legs and walk to the kitchen, plucking a glass of wine from the cabinet and fisting the bottle of wine with my other hand. Thinking twice, I place the bottle of wine on the counter and yank open the freezer, pulling out the ice cream carton and a spoon.

  With the bottle of wine secured under my arm, I head to the couch with all my supplies. I scoot the laptop away and stare blankly at the coffee table before serving a hefty glass of wine. I chug half its contents before taking a spoonful of ice cream and eating it.

  I catch a glimpse of the computer screen again, a picture of Cindy and Maverick laughing with the gorgeous view of the mountains behind them, and I break down. I cry into my wine and wash it down with ice cream. I really want cupcakes from The Mad Batter, but I refused to show me face in town. I had to settle for the half-eaten pint in my freezer.

  When alternating the two isn’t enough, I decide to make my own wine-flavored cookie dough ice cream, and pour what’s left of the bottle into the carton, mixing it all together and spooning it as if it were soup.

  My throat is dry from crying, but my heart is what hurts the most. Finn said he can’t make me see myself the way he does. I wish he could. I stumble toward the bathroom, gripping the vanity countertop, and look at myself in the mirror.

  I see the same girl as always—brown hair, stupid bangs, and dull green eyes. My face is blotchy, and the freedom I felt these past couple months is nowhere to be found.

  Then I remember the picture Finn took when we ate at the pop-up restaurant. I almost trip on the way back to the couch, scrolling through the photos on my phone, ignoring the ones of Finn. I don’t need to rub salt in a wound. I’ve got plenty of stinging pain already to stare at his handsome face right now.

  I find the picture I’m looking for and stare at it in utter silence. My heart pounds as I look back at the girl I know, so different than how I feel. He captured me, my true essence free from walls or shadows I hide behind. I run a finger down the screen, tears welling my eyes and streaming down my face.

  My smile is beautiful, those stupid bangs I just cursed are wispy, and my hair blows lightly in the wind. But it’s my eyes that surprise me the most. They’re bright and light, shining some kind of emotion I wasn’t aware of then but am completely familiar with now—love.

  Regardless of what people think or say, I fell in love with Finn Cooper. Who cares if we’re opposites? Who cares if we don’t make sense to the outside world? Nothing in my life has made more sense than being with him.

  I take a deep breath and hug my phone, closing my eyes as I lean back on the couch. Wine ice cream forgotten, sleep takes over, and my body grows heavier with each breath.

  Abbie

  The last thing I want to wake up to is pounding on my door when I’m hungover and emotionally wrecked. Startled, I stir and groan, a crick in my neck making it harder to sit up graciously. I rub my fingers over the sore part of my body and close my eyes, taking a steadying breath. Ice cream wine was a terrible idea. As I shift to stand, a clunk sounds against the floor. I spy my phone and grab it, pressing the side button. Dead. Great.

  The knocking persists, and I hear my sisters calling my name—double great. My eyes close, and I cradle my head with my hands, hoping the headache magically subsides.

  Something tells me the news about the breakup has broken.

  I swing the door open, shielding my face from the sunlight.

  “Hey,” Emily says first, eyeing me with concern.

  “How are you?” Sienna follows.

  “Hi. I’m good. What’s up?” My responses are stalled, robotic.

  “We heard that you and Finn broke up. He told Averly, who told Poppy and Faith, who called us.”

  “Great, a game of telephone,” I say sarcastically.

  “Can we go inside, and you can tell us what happened?”

  “I don’t want to.” I shake my head. “I’m okay, really. Go home.”

  “Nope.” Sienna pushes the door open while Emily puts her arm around my shoulder and squeezes. They come in and assess the living room. I look at it as well, cringing when I see the mess. I grab the mess from last night and toss the ice cream carton and bottle of wine before rinsing the glass and spoon, keeping busy. Then, I turn on the coffee maker because copious amounts of coffee, as well as a double dose of ibuprofen to kill this headache, are going to be necessary for this conversation.

  We sit on the couch with coffee, and after a few minutes of silence, they finally demand I tell them what happened. With no will left to fight, I tell my sisters about my argument with Finn, the two women gossiping about me in the bathroom, and Cindy’s comment. Add that to what Stacy told me at the ice cream shop, and I’m a mess. All these reminders of his past are being thrown in my face.

  But I know Finn. I accepted him for who he was and trusted him. Why did that change?

  “Abbie, you can’t listen to what those girls said. You’re beautiful, smart, and a total catch, even for Finn Cooper,” Emily says as she runs a hand in smooth circles across my back. My face is hidden in my hands. As I tell them the story out loud, it sounds so stupid.

  “Yes, why do you think I’m always stealing your clothes? You’re the best. People are jealous assholes that love to make others as miserable as they are. You can’t let that get to you.”

  “You’ve stolen more of my clothes?” I peek up at Sienna.

  “Let’s stay on topic, okay?” Her eyes open wide as she glances at Emily.

  “I’m an idiot. As I tell you guys what happened, it sounds so ridiculous. Finn and I had a great relationship.”

  “I think you care too much about what others think. You should only care about what you feel and want. Forget everyone else.” Emily squats in front of me, holding my hands. “You’re the best big sister. You’re a great friend. You have a huge heart. No one reads as many books as you do, which is really cool.” I snort at her compliment. “Come on.” She holds my hand and pulls me to my feet.

  I follow her with Sienna close behind. My eyebrows pinch together when we walk into the bathroom until Emily positions me in front of the mirror just like I did last night, her on one side and Sienna on the other.

  “Look at yourself.”

  Sienna leans her head against mine, her arm wrapped around my waist. She’s smiling at me through our reflection. I shift my gaze to my own reflection and just look at myself. Besides the obvious hurt on my face, I see me. I’m not judging myself like I did last night. After seeing the picture last night, things became a little clearer.

  “You don’t need piles of makeup, fake lips, or overdone hair to be beautiful. You’re naturally beautiful. So you don’t have big boobs, I think they’re overrated anyway. The bigger the boobs, the more they’ll sag when you’re older.”

  I laugh at Emily’s comment.

  “I know you’re right. I just got so caught up in the negativity, others’ judgments, that I was blinded.”

  “So tell that to Finn. Explain it to him. He’s crazy about you, and I’m sure he’ll understand. He’ll forgive you.”

  “You’re so wise,” I bump my hip with Emily’s.

  “I know,” she tosses her head from side to side, her ponytail swaying.

  “I’m here, too,” Sienna speaks up.

  “Yeah, stealing my clothes.” I lift my eyebrows and stare at her through the mirr
or.

  “That’s how much I want to be like you.” Sienna bats her eyelashes innocently.

  I snort and roll my eyes.

  “It’s true, though, Abbie. We both look up to you. It takes a very confident and talented and driven person to own a successful business. You’re independent and strong, always fighting to have the life you want. You have the best friends and such a cool job.”

  I put my arms around them and pull them into a hug. “What would I do without you two?” Despite the age gap, my sisters have always been there for me.

  “Be a bratty only child, duh,” Sienna mocks.

  “You’re the brat,” I throw back and kiss her cheek and then Emily’s. “Thank you.” I release them and look at the three of us in the mirror, our similarities shining through the glass. Everything I love about my sisters and admire, I see in me as well.

  “What are you going to do to win him back?” Sienna asks.

  I turn to look at her and smile. “I have an idea.”

  “Yes!” She jumps up and down.

  Seated in the living room, I tell them about The Perfect Match app and how Finn knew about it. When I tell them he created an account to ask me out, they nod eagerly, clearly reading my mind.

  “It might sound silly, but I’ll write to him through there.”

  “Do it now,” Emily demands, reaching for my phone.

  “With both of you reading over my shoulder?” I lift my eyebrows.

  “We won’t look. We’ll go grab drinks in the kitchen.” Emily tugs Sienna’s arm until she stands and reluctantly follows her to the kitchen.

  I take a deep breath and open the dating app to the last messages that Finn and I exchanged that night at Cocktails, Dreams, & Mischief.

  I smile as I revisit the messages. Here goes nothing.

  BookishAbbs: Hi, it’s been a while since we’ve talked. I met this really great guy but screwed it up with my insecurities. I guess you’re not the only one who doesn’t know how to talk to someone you really like. You see, I’m a bit of a nerdy girl who’d rather read for hours than party, and this guy, well he’s everything I’m not. At least, that’s what I thought. Until I realized that’s what makes him perfect for me. He brings out this other side of me, one that wants to go out and explore the real world instead of get lost in a fictional one. He makes me laugh and swoon, just like those heroes in the novels I love so much.

  I thought I wasn’t good enough for him, though. I said things I shouldn’t have, that I regret. But I can’t take them back. He’s an amazing man, and I’d be lucky if he forgave me. After all, he’s the only kind of trouble I want in my life.

  I trap tears behind my closed eyes after I send the message, wondering if it even made sense. I hope Finn understands it. Hell, I hope he still has the app on his phone to receive the message.

  “Are you girls hungry?” I call out to my sisters.

  “Yes,” they reply at the same time.

  “Do you want Mexican? We can order and pick up.” I look over at them. That will give me something to do while I wait for Finn to reply. And I sure as hell could use delicious tacos to help with the queasy feeling in my stomach.

  “We can eat it there. If not, the tacos will get soggy,” Sienna says.

  “Fine,” I sigh. I’d rather avoid being stared at, but then again, I’m working on not caring about what they think.

  On the way to the restaurant, I look out of the corner of my eye at my phone in the cupholder every few seconds. No notifications have popped up, and it’s driving me insane. I know he’s working and probably busy on the ranch, but I’m anxious to hear from him.

  “Relax,” Emily whispers next to me with a small smile.

  I nod and pull into a parking spot near the restaurant so we can walk over. As soon as I open the door, I see Finn and Averly sitting at a table. I freeze and step back, but one of my sisters holds my shoulders and guides me inside.

  Finn and Averly turn to me, and Finn frowns. He looks tired. His hair is mussed, and his eyes are sunken. He still looks gorgeous, though. Averly smiles and waves at us. I’m standing in the middle of the restaurant, looking at them as if I am mesmerized. Finn barely looks at me, and Averly’s eyes flicker between the two of us. Her shoulders slump when she realizes neither one of us is making a move.

  “It was only a matter of time before he screwed up.” Someone says loudly. I turn around to see Mrs. Walker sitting with Mrs. Perkins.

  “Oh, my God.” I drop my head back, clenching my jaw. “You know what? I screwed up, not him, so fuck you.” I throw my hand in the air. “And I did it because I cared too much about what people like you think. Don’t you ever get tired of gossiping, Mrs.Walker? Honestly, it’ll kill you before your time. You don’t really have much left, so instead of spreading rumors and bashing others, why don’t you mind your own damn business and get a fucking life,” I yell.

  Everyone looks at me with wide eyes, and I hear the sound of gasps and see mothers covering their children’s ears. Tough shit, I’m sure it’s not the first F-bomb they’ve heard from these rude people.

  I leave the restaurant, shaking with anger. People are so… Ugh. I clench my fists while pacing on the sidewalk.

  “Abbie.” My head snaps up, and I come face to face with Finn. He takes a tentative step toward me, his eyes looking around, unsure.

  “Sorry.” I shrug and look away. “But I had to say something. Besides, you’re not the bad guy here.”

  Finn sighs and walks closer. “Neither are you.” His eyes shut as he runs a hand through his hair. “I hate this,” he confesses.

  My shoulders sag, and I look up at him. “I sent you a message earlier.”

  “When?” His eyebrows furrow as he reaches for his phone. “I didn’t get it.”

  I shake my head. “I sent it through Perfect Match.”

  “Really?” A small smile appears on his face.

  “It was stupid.”

  “What did it say?” He comes even closer until we’re toe-to-toe.

  “That I’m an idiot for ruining something great with an amazing guy and letting my insecurities get the best of me. I shouldn’t have let someone else’s comments drive a wedge between us. That’s what they wanted, and I let them succeed when all you wanted was to prove them wrong. I’m sorry, honestly. I don’t know what got into me.”

  “I’ve missed you.” Finn reaches for my hand. “This sucks.”

  “You’re not a player. I know you care.” I need him to know that I believe in him. “We’re good together, a perfect balance. I ground you, and you give me wings. Is there a chance you’ll forgive me and trust me again?” I look up at him through my lashes.

  “Are you kidding me?” I frown when I hear his response, biting down to prevent my tears from falling. “Abbie, you don’t get it, but there’s no one else I want to be with. I didn’t give two shits about rushing to settle down until you happened to me.” His eyes stare into mine.

  “I’ve never promised those women anything. They knew what they were getting, and I can’t control how they react to it. But you… I’ve promised you everything, and I haven’t broken that. You’re it for me, you’re who I want to build a life with. I don’t care what others think. There may be women who try to tear us apart, but that’s on them if they do. Jealousy is an ugly thing. I’m sure there are some men wondering what the hell you’d want with a man like me.” He takes a deep breath, shaking his head.

  “Maybe they’re right. I don’t deserve your goodness, but I sure as hell want it. I want it all: your sweet kisses, your free laugh, your sexy body, and your loving heart. People will talk about everything and anything, it keeps their boring lives exciting. That’s on them. My focus is on us, our life, our happiness.”

  My bottom lip trembles as I hear him speak. “You’re not mad at me?”

  “I was, but mostly because I couldn’t believe you let them win. I couldn’t believe you didn’t see the way I feel about you. It hurt like hell, but I get it. I don’t hav
e a squeaky-clean reputation. I’d doubt myself too. But know this, there isn’t, and there never will be a woman I want other than you. We’ll have arguments, but we’ll make up. We’ll disagree, but we’ll also laugh. No relationship is perfect, and I want to experience those imperfections with you.”

  My heart slams in my chest. I smile at Finn, hot tears moving down my cheeks. “I want that, too.” I wring my fingers together.

  “Want to give them something to talk about?” Finn’s eyebrows dance on his head.

  Before I can respond, he pulls me into him and kisses me, tipping me back a bit. My arms go around his neck, and I sigh, relaxing my body against his. I hear cheering and open my eyes to see my sisters clapping.

  Finn chuckles against my lips.

  “I’m so sorry,” I say when I’m standing upright again.

  “Do you know what you could do to make it up to me?” His eyes become alight with humor.

  “You’re dirty.”

  “Not that,” Finn deadpans. “You could take some dance lessons.”

  I slap his chest.

  He rubs where I hit him with a grimace. “I’m kidding. I’m sorry, too. I could’ve been more understanding and stayed to talk to you instead of storming out of your place. I also have my moments where I feel like I’m not good enough for you, but I know we’re perfect for each other.”

  “We both have things to work through, then. How about we talk it out right away instead of letting the emotions escalate?” I suggest.

  “Deal.” He sticks his pinky out the same way I did on our date at the cave restaurant. “Pinky promise?”

  I smile and nod. “Yeah.” I hook my pinky with his.

  “Let’s go inside so you and your sisters can eat.”

  I look around, remembering we’re in the middle of the street.