The game continued for several rounds until Aaron, who was never a particularly strong card player, reached fifteen points.

“That’s it, I give up,” he said, throwing his hands up in defeat. “If anyone needs me, I’ll be wallowing in my misery in the other room.”

Laughter erupted around the table, and Keeley soon followed suit, joining her husband on the living room couch. After they left, the group switched to a four-player specialty card game.

Noah enjoyed this game, but rarely played it at home; there weren’t enough people now that Logan was away at college. They played about five games before Nathan bowed out.

“I need to hit the sack. I have a long day tomorrow,” he yawned. “Night, guys.”

“Night,” they chorused.

The three remaining players looked at each other, then at the clock. It was a little after 9:30. Their facial expressions conveyed a wordless debate about playing another game.

Violet might be his best friend, but Noah had spent nearly as much time with Kaleb over the years, so he knew him well. This is how they were able to communicate almost telepathically.

Kaleb eventually stood, excusing himself. “I’m going to watch some football. You two do your thing.”

Violet stuck her tongue out at his back, retaliating for his teasing. Her brothers had relentlessly teased them about their friendship for years, even calling Noah her “doting husband,” a label she hadn’t quite grasped.

Her brothers were right. He did act like a doting husband because he wanted to be her doting husband.

At this point, Noah wondered if he’d ever get the chance, or if he’d remain her friend from the sidelines for the rest of his life. He needed to say something before Jeremy took her away from him.

“Hey Vi, are you seeing Jeremy tomorrow, or can we hang out?” he asked, dreading her response.

An apologetic expression crossed her face. “I’m sorry, Noah. He asked me to dinner earlier, and I had to say no because we had plans. He’s already asked for tomorrow.”

“What about the day after?”

“…he wants to get together every night this week.”

Great. Jeremy was definitely making his move. But Noah hadn’t planned his next step! What was he supposed to say?

Noah hadn’t felt this afraid of being left behind since Violet went to college. Her previous boyfriends had tolerated his presence, being too preoccupied to pay him much attention. But Jeremy seemed to be deliberately keeping her from seeing others.

Or…him specifically? He’d sensed Jeremy disliked him from their first meeting, and he already knew he didn't like Jeremy's father.

Was Jeremy truly that petty? Trying to separate someone from their best friend because of a grudge was incredibly low. Was Jeremy that bad, or was Noah overreacting out of jealousy?

He’d always cherished his time with Violet, since childhood. He used to beg his parents to take him to play with her, throwing tantrums when they refused. Not his finest moments, but he was very young. It was all he knew.

Over the years, Noah had learned to mask his disappointment and frustration. He’d played the “good, calm friend” card too well. Now Violet had no idea how he truly felt.

“Do you really like him that much?” he blurted.

She blushed slightly and looked down at her hands. “I don’t know. Maybe. It’s still early to be sure, isn’t it?”

Her words and posture pierced him. She was clearly embarrassed. She wouldn’t be embarrassed if she didn’t like Jeremy; she’d just be annoyed, like when her brothers teased her about him.

“You’re not going to forget me, are you?” Noah mumbled.

Violet looked at him as if he were foolish and reached across the table to grasp his hand. The simple act sent his heart racing, even though they’d done it countless times.

“How could I ever do that? No matter what, you’ll always be my best friend.”

Despite her reassurances, Noah couldn’t quell his anxieties. If she truly fell in love, that person would become her best friend—not him.

His parents were best friends. So were hers. It was the kind of relationship she knew best. Of course she’d only marry someone she could have a best-friend relationship with. If he never confessed…or if she rejected him…Noah would be replaced.

He shook his head sadly. “Not necessarily.”

“You’re family, Noah,” Violet said firmly. “That won’t change.”

That was precisely what he feared. Her words felt like a blender had pulverized his heart. No, it wouldn’t change. If he confessed now, he’d only lose her sooner.

Even thinking about telling her had been stupid. She didn’t see him that way. She never would. To remain in her life, he had to stay in his assigned role as surrogate brother.

Noah stood, releasing her hand. He needed to leave before he betrayed himself.

“It’s getting late. Are you free this weekend?”

“I’m free Sunday. I’m all yours,” Violet promised.

All his. He scoffed internally. If only.

Barely managing a fake smile, Noah turned to leave. It was going to be a very long, lonely week without her. He’d better reach out to his other friends to keep busy and avoid obsessing over her dates with Jeremy.

(The final paragraphs about stolen content should be removed.)