“What’s this?” I ask, after giving Freya and Casey a quick hug as well.
“We all owe Parker dinner,” Casey says with a wince.
“You lying witches owe me more than dinner,” Parker states, although it’s with a smile. “I can’t believe they knew before me.”
“Ah,” I breathe, understanding dawning. “That was an accident.”
“That’s what we said,” Freya states.
“I was still the last to know.”
“Not even close to being true, but whatever.”
“Your parents are coming to your engagement party, right? Rett’s time is running out,” Casey points out, making my stomach twist nervously.
Having his friends find out the truth is one thing, but his parents? Just the thought of telling them—of lying to them—makes me want to vomit on the sidewalk.
“Yep. It’s time for him to grow a pair and confess his sins.”
“Oh God,” I whimper.
“Hey, it’s okay. Our parents are cool. And they’re going to love you.”
I force a smile, but it feels fake as hell.
“Come on, Chinese will fix all your problems,” Casey says, linking her arm through mine and leading me toward a car parked just to the side of my salon.
I glance back. “But my car,” I argue. “I’ll need it for?—”
“Rett’s already picked it up. It’s waiting for you at home,” Parker informs me.
Home.
Whenever I hear that term, I never think about the apartment I abandoned. It barely registers in my memory, more than happy to leave it behind with a few other bad memories.
“You’re ours tonight, and you don’t have to worry about a thing. We’ve got it all covered,” Freya promises as she holds the passenger door open while Parker hops in the driver’s seat.
“I-I can sit in the back,” I offer, feeling weird about taking the best seat.
“Nope, you’re in the front, Momma,” Casey calls from the back.
With a smile, I climb in. Parker takes off while they all chat away, ensuring that I’m involved in their conversations as if I’ve always been a part of this group. It’s not all that different from last night with the guys, and my chest grows tight at how easily I’ve been accepted in.
“You okay?” Parker asks, noticing that I’ve fallen quiet.
I blink back the threatening tears.
“Yeah, I’m great. Thank you for this.”
“Are you kidding? We’ve been dying to get together. We told you we’d make it happen,” she says, reminding me of some of the conversations we’ve had over messages.
“You did.”
“I know the engagement party is going to be a lot,” she says. “We wanted to hang out before so you could feel more relaxed.”
“I appreciate that, thank you.”
Their engagement party is mine and Everett’s first official event as a couple. Sure, it might not be a big charity gala or awards night, but Linc and Parker’s engagement is almost up there. From the buzz online, it’s safe to say there are more than a few fans who are interested, and just a couple of bunnies who aren’t overly impressed—not that I think Parker spares them a second of her time.
