"Okay, but let's get to the important stuff," Madison says. "What are your intentions?"
"My intentions?"
"With Holly. Are you serious about her or is this a fling?"
Justin's hand tightens on mine. "This is the most serious I've ever been about anything that isn't the park. Holly is it for me."
"It?" Maya asks.
"The person I choose. The person I want to build a life with." He looks at me when he says it, and my heart stops. "I know it's fast. But I know what I want. And I want her."
Emily dabs at her eyes dramatically. "That's beautiful."
"Hold on," Chloe says. "Holly. How do you feel about all this?"
I take a breath. "Terrified. Happy. Overwhelmed. But mostly... sure. For the first time in my life, I'm sure about something."
"Even with the age gap?" Lily asks.
"Especially with it. He has his life together. He knows what he wants. He's not playing games."
"And you're okay with him being in charge? I know you, Holly. And sometimes…" Madison's tone is careful.
"I'm more than okay with it. I need it. The structure, the care—it, no he, makes me feel safe." I look at my friends. "I know it's not for everyone. But it's right for me."
"That's all we needed to hear," Chloe says softly.
The interrogation continues for another hour. They ask about his family, his work, his plans for the park's expansion. They ask about my decision to stay at the park instead of pursuing a job elsewhere and of course about our relationship—how we handle conflict, what we do for fun, whether we've talked about the future. The big book club would never, but these girls? They are all littles, like me and they are my village, my people. I’m okay with this. If they like him? It's confirmation.
Justin answers everything honestly, patiently, never getting defensive even when Madison asks pointed questions about whether he's taking advantage of my age or inexperience.
"If anything," he says, "Holly's the one who changed me. She made me remember why the park matters. She made me want to be better."
"Okay," Madison finally says. "You pass."
"Pass?"
"The friend test. You can keep her."
Justin's mouth curves. "I appreciate the approval."
"But hurt her," Amber adds, "and we know how to hide a body."
"Noted."
Emily speaks next, "He's good, Holly. Really good."
"I know."
One by one, my friends warm to him. By the end of the night, they're laughing at his stories, asking about the park, making plans to visit.
After we close the lid of the computer, Justin turns to me, "that wasn't so bad."
"They liked you."
"Did they?"
"They loved you. Madison doesn't approve easily."
