You think it was my mom?
Harlow (2:25 p.m.):
She won’t say, but who else? All she said was whoever did it probably saw it as a “lucrative opportunity.” And there’s nothing else available in town so he’s screwed.
Lily (2:27 p.m.):
Good!!
Lily (2:27 p.m.):
Go mom!
Chapter Eleven
June
I’m ecstatic I was able to fly in for Landon and Taylor’s baby shower. They went with a gender neutral safari theme that is stinking adorable. There was a wide assortment of finger foods lovingly prepared by Dad. I was able to book an early flight and was able to help Mom, Lucy and Taylor’s family with setting up the decor and last-minute things.
There were so many familiar faces at the baby shower, I couldn’t help but take in the moment with a soft sigh. I won’t always be here for these moments, so it makes me appreciate them more when I am.
Now, I’m at Brandon and Carlos’ house for gayme night. Casey and Dakota are in town for the shower and stayed the weekend, so they’re here as well. The pair of them are laughing about a game of beer pong with Em and Naomi from this summer.
I don’t remember what they’re talking about, but I can’t stop smiling. I love seeing all my favorite people, especiallythe one who just arrived after having to stay later than expected at work.
Brandon greets her at the door with a low whistle. “You look hot!”
From my perch sitting on the couch with a plate of chips and spinach dip, my gaze roams Harlow’s body. Carlos isn’t wrong. She looks amazing in a navy short-sleeve button-down and white shorts.
“Were you on a date?” He gasps. “Did youinvitea date?” He pushes Harlow to the side to look over her shoulder, then tsks. “Ugh, I don’t see anyone. Is she on the way?”
“Babe, let her breathe!” Carlos hops off the couch opposite me to save Harlow. I chuckle as Em and Naomi laugh like this is a normal occurrence. This is my first time officially meeting Brandon and Carlos, and they do not disappoint. They are both tall, fit, and handsome with outgoing and charming personalities. They’re dressed casually in T-shirts and Bermuda shorts.
“What?” Brandon asks faux innocently. “I’m concerned for my best friend.”
“And you can be concerned after she’s more than two feet inside the door,” Carlos admonishes while throwing his arms out to give Harlow a hug.
I lick my lips, impatiently waiting for my turn to greet her. This is one of the biggest downsides to being in a secret …arrangement. I was so busy helping my family yesterday, I haven’t seen Harlow yet. And, while I’m spending the night with her after this, my heart pounds with the desire to wrap my arms around her and kiss her so hard we make everyone uncomfortable. But I can’t do any of that, and there’s a stinging pain in my chest at knowing I have to pretend like I hardly know her.
Em introduces Harlow to Casey and Dakota, whoHarlow is secretly excited to meet after I’ve told her so many stories that involve Em and Case. Then Em turns in my direction. “Do you remember Lily? She was here over the holidays.”
Harlow nods slowly, a soft, almost imperceptible smirk ghosting over her lips. “Yeah,” she says coyly. “I think I remember. Nice to see you again.”
“You too,” I grin. She has no idea how good.
“Now that everyone’s here,” Brandon says while throwing his arm over Harlow’s shoulder. “What do we want to play first?”
With the big group, we introduce Casey and Dakota to Werewolf. Naomi insists Harlow and I won’t be able to “pull one over her” again, and the two of us exchange a knowing look. The evening is a blast, and it’s made even better by the fact I finagled my way into sitting beside Harlow. Our knees pressed together under the table.
Harlow has a hand on her knee, and her pinkie grazes the bare skin of my thigh where my emerald dress has risen. I close my eyes and savor the touch, wishing I could have more of it. And not just in a sexual way. I wish I could hold her hand, lean my head on her shoulder.
“You were a werewolf the whole time?” Brandon yells incredulously, pulling me from my thoughts.
Dakota shrugs, feigning innocence, but there’s a proud glint in her eyes.
“That was amazing, babe.” Casey gives her a quick kiss.
Brandon groans, and Carlos rubs his back soothingly. “She has us all fooled.”
