“Would it kill you to be supportive?”

“Supportive?” Joy knew this would happen. “Look, I’m here, okay? You asked, I’m here, I’m spending time with Fox and keeping him away from you, just like you asked. I don’t have anything else to give you right now. So I’m sorry if I don’t feel like lying and saying oh, you’re so cute together, and me and Summer are gonna be best friends forever. But don’t tell me I’m not being supportive when you didn’t even want me here in the first place.”

Unless he did.

Malcolm sold this trip on the grounds of keeping Fox distracted. What if the true purpose was to keep Joy distracted? To make sure she didn’t get in the way this time? She ruined things for him with Caroline, Summer convinced him all Joy needed was someone else to focus on, and what do you know, she has a friend—

And Joy fell right into the trap because she does like Fox.

All at once, her brain is sure this conversation is a test. He’s checking to see if Joy will be a problem, checking if their plan is working. Joy not accepting Summer, who’s just trying oh so hard, proves that it doesn’t matter who Malcolm finds.

Joy is the problem. Joy has always been the problem.

The inside of her chest feels like it’s crumbling to pieces. Is she really being supportive or is she desperately trying to convince herself that she is?

She doesn’t want to believe it, but everything makes sense, falling into place like jagged puzzle pieces.

He’s used to you being open and not holding back . . . if you had something to tell him, he would expect you to tell him.

Malcolm sighs, picking at the couch cushion. “I want to get married and start my family. I feel like I’m wasting time. I’m tired of searching.”

Joy swallows hard, pushing down the sudden rising panic. For better or for worse, Malcolm’s happiness has always been a priority in her life. But what she’s doing now is the opposite. It’s unhealthy and it’s selfish. Her fixation on Malcolm isn’t good for either of them. The longer she delays her confession, the worse off they will be. She breathes to stay focused and manages to keep her voice steady as she asks, “You really think Summer is the one?”

Malcolm bites his lower lip, pulling it through his teeth. He doesn’t look at Joy when he says, “She could be.”

Twelve

SATURDAY

Joy’s mood lifts the second she swipes on the last coat of mascara.

Yellow sweater crop top (thin and breathable cotton).

Fitted high-waisted lavender shorts (tailored to her measurements).

White Air Force 1s (older and broken in).