Rewind It Back (Windy City, #5)

by Liz Tomforde

Here’s to the 10 characters, 5 couples, 3 teams, 2 sets of siblings, and 1 amazing friend group that changed my life. This one is dedicated to you, the readers. Thank you for hanging out in Chicago with me.

“Dairy.” I take another bite of my steak. “It fucks me right up. Sometimes I take a pill beforehand and sometimes I just raw-dog it and deal with the consequences.” “Did you just say you raw-dog it when referring to your dairy intake?” “Yeah. If there’s ice cream and I don’t have a pill on me, I’m not going to not eat it, you know? Are you one of the lucky ones with a stomach that can handle dairy?”

“I pick a song when something cool or important happens so I can remember it. Then when I want to relive a moment, I rewind it back and start the song from the beginning.”

That thing I’ve been looking for since I moved to Chicago? That connection? That one person some search their entire lives to find? I had already found her when I was twelve years old. At least, I thought I had. I know what I’m looking for because I had it once, and now the only girl I’ve ever loved is moving into the house next to mine. Again.

“The guy you were with tonight.” I slowly shift back to face her. “Who was he?” The set in her jaw is evident even from here. “Not your job to worry about.” Nodding, I turn back to my house, hands casually tucked in my pockets as I continue to walk. With my back to her, I make sure my words are loud enough for her to hear them. “Lose him.”

Indy raises a single eyebrow as she uncorks the bottle. “You know what I’m asking, Rio.” Stevie joins us in the kitchen. “Oh, don’t mind me, I’m…” She looks around for something to do, a reason she’d need to be in the kitchen right now. “Helping with the wine.” “And I’m doing dishes,” Kennedy says, carrying a single plate to the sink. A single clean plate. “I’ll be honest here. I’m being nosy.” Miller hops onto the kitchen counter, taking a seat. “Spill it. Who’s the girl?”

Friends. I could laugh. Seems an impossible stretch from where we are now. This time it’s me eyeing his outstretched hand. Slowly, I put my palm in his again, and contrary to the last, this handshake is quick and friendly. “Friends,” I agree. Feels wrong. Tastes like a lie.

“I’m going to do it!” His tipsy grin is way too big. “I’m going to go ask for her number.” “Hey, Rook?” He looks my way, so stupidly excited. “Yeah?” “Sit the fuck down.” “Yep.”

“You sure look good in my shirt for not being mine.” “Get fucked, DeLuca.” I smile as I open the door. “Would love to. You just let me know when and where, Hart.”

Another text drops onto the screen, quickly followed by more. Rio I’m trying to pick up my game and thought that was better than, “Hey.” Open to any suggestions that’ll earn me a response. Maybe you’re working tonight in which case, feel free to ignore me. Actually, don’t ignore me. I’m too needy for that. If I’m coming off desperate for you to text me back, that’s because I am. “And she’s holding back a smile, people,” my dad announces.

Oh god. Dad is cuteeee

“Ariel!” Taylor supplies as she and Max join the other two on the couch. “Absolutely not, Tay.” Rio’s brows are pinched. “Spoiler alert, but she gives up her voice because she thought some random dude was hot. We’re strong independent women here. The only princess movies we’re going to watch are the ones where they realize they don’t need a man.”

“I understand why you’re hesitant or uninterested,” he whispers. “I’m not going to push you to want me. But I am going to be here, waiting, if you ever decide you want to try again. I’m not going anywhere this time.”

“Hallie.” His voice is muffled from the water still, but it’s projected for me to hear. “If you’re going to stand out there and listen, you may as well come in and watch. It’s nothing you haven’t seen before.” Oh shit.

“Rio, are you okay to drive back tonight?” Mr. Hart asks. “Yeah, I’m good.” “Good. Take Hallie home with you.” “Dad—” “As you said, the doctor told us that I’m fine. You’re going back to Chicago with him. You need to get back to your life. I’m not your responsibility anymore.” He looks to me. “Rio, you make sure she goes with you, okay? And be careful with my girl.”

“I love that dress on you, baby.” “Thank you. It’s⁠—” “Take it off.”

“Are you sure that’s not just a first-love thing?” “No, baby. It’s a last-love thing.”

“Let’s go!” Rio cheers, knocking his fist on the bar top. “I’ll meet you around back. Thanks, Ken! I appreciate you!” Rio jogs out the front before either of us can say anything else. I look at my coworker. “I can tell him to stop calling you that, you know.” Carson lifts a brow. “Um no…have you seen him? Don’t tell my boyfriend, but yours can call me anything he wants.”

“Everyone,” Rio announces, “this is my girlfriend, Hallie. Be nice to her or I’ll literally never talk to you again.”

“So would now be a good time to also tell you that I bought you a car?” She freezes, her lips still on mine, before she pulls back to look at me. “Rio!” “Hallie!” Her eyes narrow. “Stop trying to be cute right now.” “I’m not trying. It just comes naturally to me.” “Well, then…” That smile she was trying to fight breaks free. “Stop being naturally cute.”

“She’s moving?” Ryan asks, outraged. “You had four years to tell us about her and her family and now she’s moving?” “Damn, Ry,” Indy teases. “Do you need him to get you an autograph or something?” “Yeah. Kinda.”

“He’s wearing his dad’s number.” Zee grins. “Did he choose that himself?” “I seriously cannot talk about this.” Kai takes off his glasses, pressing his thumb and forefinger against his closed eyes. Miller laughs but runs her hand over her husband’s back. Isaiah smiles. “We asked him what number he wanted to wear, and he said he wanted his dad’s number. It was fucking adorable.” “I fucking love that kid.” Kai sighs.

“The house has always been yours, Hallie. Ours. It was just waiting for you to come make it a home.”

“Friends are the family you choose, and I’ve got to say, I’ve got the best family a guy could ask for.”