I nod. “Those are fair terms.”
Alex sighs. “I concede. You both are adults who can make your own decisions. Just note my concerns in the paperwork, please.”
I smirk, knowing it’ll rile him up. “I’ll make sure it ends up in the paperwork that goes into my shredder on a daily basis.”
“Fine. I’ll make a note for myself later.” Alex pulls out his phone andstarts typing something.
I grab my phone from the coffee table and pull up the Doordash app.
Alex turns to me. “Did you talk to Reina about this?”
I smile as I think about my conversation with my sister-in-law yesterday. The minute I said Mateo’s name, and that we were getting married, she cheered. Although, she was hoping we were really in love.
“Reina is cool with it.”
He nods. “Good. Mateo is like her brother. If she disagreed with your scheme, I’d have to rescind my approval.”
“I know. That’s why I called her first. She’s fully on board. Unfortunately, she told me I’d have to break the news to you. Some sister-in-law she is.” I roll my eyes with mock outrage.
Alex’s eyes narrow. “That’s my wife, and I can still take you in a tickle fight.”
“You wouldn’t dare,” I challenge.
There’s a mischievous glint in his eye. “Watch me.”
Alex lunges toward me, but I roll off the couch and scramble across the floor. He’s on me in seconds, tickling my sides before I break away with a screech. I sprint toward the bedrooms on the other side of the house.
“You can see yourself out, brother dearest,” I yell behind me.
His laughter rings out through the living room, but I’m not taking any chances. Alex is the best, most annoying big brother ever, and our tickle fights get brutal. It’s one way he’d break down my walls when I would hole up and not want to talk as a teenager.
I may be an adult, but I’m tired of talking.
I want a Frosty.
Chapter 7
Text Negotiations
Thirty minutes later
Mateo
Alex texted me his grudging approval. We’re getting married!!
Holly
You still on board?
Mateo
Aye aye, Cap'n. Haven’t changed my mind since last night. We’re planning on next week, right? Unless you want to share a wedding with a holiday and have fireworks at our reception. *4th of Julyfireworks gif*
Holly
No thank you. I don’t need to celebrate our country’s independence while losing mine. *winky face emoji* A week from this Friday. Does that work for you?
Mateo
