60

Chandler folded his arms over his chest and tried to stop looking at Elijah standing next to Elena in the kitchen. He was pouring her a glass of wine, laughing in a friendly way at something she said.

Emily grabbed his arm, and he pried his gaze away from the scene in the kitchen.

"She didn't tell me." He said.

Her eyes widened even further. "Chandler, I'm so sorry. I didn't ..." She shook her head. "This is not a big deal, I swear."

His harsh, low laughter had her tightening her grip on his arm.

"Hey, I'm serious. The reason this is not a big deal is because I knew Elena would meet someone who was a better fit for her than Elijah. They're basically the same person, and she needs someone who will push her when she needs to be pushed." Her fingers tightened. "Her crush was harmless, okay? Elijah has never looked at her like that."

His silence was starting to freak her out, but his teeth were clenched too tightly for him to try to say anything.

He chose a hell of a way to dive into the