“You had a bet going on about Nelly and me?” Dom acts shocked when, in reality, he must have been expecting something similar.
“Of course, we all knew it was going to happen, but it was just a matter of when and how,” I explain. “Rogue was the only one who said this year. We were sure next year would be the winner.”
Spade nods at my assessment. “Yeah, we had no idea you would grow some balls and finally ask her out before then.”
Dom flips us the bird, and we all laugh at him. After a few minutes, I leave my work crew to their conversation about holiday traditions. That’s when I spot Rose talking to a woman I haven’t met before, but recognize from Eli’s family photos. Walking towards her and Rose, I pull Soph with me.
“I think we haven’t met yet. I’m Jax, and this right here is my girlfriend, Soph. It’s nice to meet you officially.” I offer my hand and smile at the newcomer.
“Peyton. I’m so glad to finally meet you both. Eli and Rose have told me many stories about you and how you met. It’s like I’ve known you for years.”
Soph looks at Peyton. “And you know them how?”
“Oh, sorry, I totally assumed you knew who I am—silly me! My older brother Dex is married to Eli’s sister Claire, so we are family through marriage. My niece, Rosalie, is also Eli’s niece if that helps.”
“That makes sense. Do you live here in the city, or are you visiting for the holidays?”
“I’m here for the next few days since my husband is on a business trip. He’ll be waiting for me at home in California for New Year’s.”
I tense at the mention of Peyton’s husband. Eli has mentioned more than once how the guy is a douchebag and doesn’t deserve her.
“If you want a city guide while you’re here, hit me up. I’m originally from Brooklyn and love to show visitors my favorite secret spots around the city,” Soph offers.
“I would love that, thank you! I bet my parents will drive me crazy before our visit is over, so any time away from them is appreciated.”
Letting them make plans, I turn to the bar cart and check the bottles. Eli comes to the room and joins me, filling his glass from a bottle of scotch.
The women keep talking about Peyton’s plans for her stay as I motion Eli closer and whisper, “Should we talk with Ollie or let him be for tonight?”
“Let him be. If he feels like talking, he’ll come to us. You know how he is.”
“Yeah, true. I still can’t believe they broke up.”
Eli shakes his head. “It seems unreal since they were together for such a long time. But that’s life. Anything can happen.”
“Ain’t that the truth.”
“How about you? How's everything with Soph?”
I smile at his question. “Better now that we cleared the air and Soph understood that I helped her because I love her, not because I wanted to be the one in control.”
“That's fair. It’s important to feel like equals in a relationship.”
“What you just said should be added to theDating for Dummiesbook.”
“Cheers for that,” Eli says and we both laugh, clinking our glasses.
Later that evening, I tell my friends about the upcoming vacation with the Walters, my father’s side of the family. “My sisters are excited to show Soph and me around their maternal grandmother’s coastal hometown of Moon Harbor, Maine. There are like thirty of us going, which should be interesting. I’m going to meet most of my family for the first time during that trip.”
Rose takes hold of my arm and squeezes. “I love that for you, Jax. I bet they’ll be welcoming based on what you have told me about your father.”
“I’m expecting photos of the girls giving you a makeover or something,” Eli quips next to her.
Soph laughs. “Oh, you can be sure that I will captureeverymoment.”
“I honestly wouldn’t mind some eyeshadow or lip gloss if it made them happy.” I shrug with a smile. “Soph insists they haveme wrapped around their tiny fingers, but I’m simply learning to be a big brother to three giggling girls. It’s anything but easy.”
“Wait, did you say Moon Harbor?” Nelly squeals like she realized something important, and Dom covers his ears, wincing. I wonder how long it takes until he starts telling her to lower her volume.
