Never Say Never (The Ladies Who Brunch, #1)

by Harlow James

He clenched football while I soared in soccer.

Clinched?

Twelve years? Has it really been twelve years since high school graduation when I vowed to never be near him again unless I absolutely had to?

Ridiculously long time to hold a grudge

She heaves out a sigh, leaning back in her side of the booth. “I can’t believe I just agreed to fake date Damien Shaw.” “Charlotte Montgomery, I’m going to be the best fake boyfriend I can be.”

Why do the narrators constantly say Damon instead of Damien?

“Give me a chance.” “Why?” I sigh, but then opt for honesty. “Because for some reason, having you back in my life has brightened my days, Char. And I don’t want that brightness to dull just yet.”

I never got a chance to see this side of her before when we were growing up. There was no joking around, trading stories, or orgasms for that matter. No, it was just animosity and underlying hate. But this—this place where we are right now—I’d never trade this for anything. And that has me feeling more content than I have in a long ass time.

“Oh, come on, Char. What’s a family get-together without a little emotional and mental scarring?”

Being strong doesn’t mean that you’re not allowed to have moments of weakness or make mistakes. Being strong means admitting when you made them and working to correct them. It means knowing when you’ve had enough and setting boundaries to maintain your inner peace so you can live your life the way you want to.

Sitting on my couch, I unwrap another Dove chocolate as I read the message inside. Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.

“God, I love the way you look at me,” I say, stroking her cheek still. “How do I look at you?” “Like I’m not the boy you once hated, but maybe the man who could be everything you’ve been looking for.”

“I know you’ll want to read these before I throw them away.” “I have to. I want to know if I’ll get a quote I haven’t read yet.” I pick up the first one and read the words out loud. “Inhale the future, exhale the past.” Taking a deep breath, I hold it in for a few seconds before releasing it slowly. “I feel like I needed that one today.” “That is a good piece of advice.” He nods. “What does the other one say?” Flicking his eyes to the foil, I pick it up and gasp as I see the words written on the wrapper—Will you marry me?