Josie had been shocked on Thanksgiving when Everett said so much. Especially because it was about his feelings. Specifically, about his feelings for her.
They were really nice things to say—especially coming from a stoic guy like him—but they weren't meant for her. He didn't consider himself stuck with Josephine. He liked Josephine's sense of humor. He liked Josephine just the way she was.
None of this had anything to do with her whatsoever. She knew that. So why did it get to her? Just because she stupidly liked him? She knew she shouldn't. It was a dumb idea to fall for someone who was pining after someone else anyway but it was worse that it was a fictional character come to life.
Josie was nothing but a replacement. Not a good one either. She couldn't make him happy without giving away her secret. She wanted to though! She truly did.
