The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 867

Sasha continued, "Annalise didn't end up with Steven until he gave her a clear answer. By the time they finally got together, Jessica had already left the country."

"A cheater and a woman who stayed faithful—it's pretty obvious who I'd put my trust in," Sherry said, her voice dripping with disdain.

"I knew I chose the right friend," Sasha said.

Eric looked wistful. "How do guys like Steven or Gavin always end up with such amazing women?"

"It just shows that even great women can have awful taste and keep choosing the wrong guys," Sasha replied, a hint of bitterness in her voice.

Sherry knew Sasha was talking about her but didn't let it bother her. "I'll admit, my taste could use some improvement."

Sasha patted Sherry's shoulder. "Next time you're thinking about dating someone, let me check him out first. I won't let any more jerks take advantage of you."

Sherry's eyes crinkled into a smile. "Don't worry, I'll definitely take you up on that."

As their conversation started winding down, Eric spoke up with a half-smile. "Have you two thought about something important?"

They both turned toward him in unison. "What?"

"Steven talked trash about Annalise to Gavin. Doesn't that mean Gavin could be doing the same about you to Steven?" he asked.

Sherry understood Eric's point almost immediately. Sasha, however, still seemed confused. "How would we even know if he's said anything?"

Sherry replied quickly, "Of course I do. If she tells me I'm not good enough, I fight back and tell her she's the one seeing things wrong. But in the end, it's always Gavin who steps in."

Noticing the unease on her face, Eric asked cautiously, "He doesn't take her side, does he?"

"He does," Sherry said. "He always sides with Yvette, no matter what. He says she's a friend to both of us, and if I keep causing problems, their friendship will be ruined. He even makes me apologize."

"You don't actually apologize, do you?" Eric pressed on.

Sherry hesitated, unsure how to answer his question. A vague sense of unease washed over Eric. After fumbling with her words for a moment, Sherry finally replied, "It depends on the situation."