Page 58 of Claiming Becca

She beams. “I’m not much of a cook, but I can make a mean pitcher of margaritas and a yummy charcuterie board.” We all start digging in.

“You could start your own business doing this,” Liv says. We all nod in agreement. Everyone goes quiet as we sample everything.

“How are things going between you and Connor?” Bailey asks. My cheeks heat up immediately, thinking about what happened at the Mexican restaurant.

“Good,” I respond. Everyone stares at me like they’re waiting for me to expand.

“That’s all? Just good?” Ansley asks, disbelief evident on her face.

“I expected more. You’ve wanted this for so long,” Caroline adds on.

I bite my lip, trying to stop myself from grinning, but I can’t help it. “I love him so much,” I finally say. “It’s so much better than I could have ever hoped for.” I sigh and bite my lip. “But I don’t know what happens next. His guys are almost done with my grandpa’s house, and I don’t need to stay at his house to finish decorating it. I don’t want to leave.”

“Tell him that,” Bailey says. It’s so easy for her. She always speaks what’s on her mind. I have such a hard time doing that. She must see the doubt on my face. “I bet he’s not going to let you leave.” Everyone nods their head in agreement.

Liv smiles at me. “He adores you. We’ve all seen the way he looks at you. Even before you two became official.”

Suddenly my throat clogs up, and tears prick my eyelids. “It feels like I’m living a dream. I’ve wanted him for so long. I’m so scared he will wake up and decide he doesn’t want me anymore,” I admit, as a tear slides down my cheek. I wipe it away quickly.

Ansley gazes at me with sympathy in her eyes. She puts her hand on mine. “I know how you feel. I have loved Lincoln for years, since I was fourteen or fifteen. It still doesn’t seem real some days. Connor loves you. As Liv said, we’ve all seen it. He’s never not going to want you.” I let out a watery chuckle.

“Have you two broken in the new gym yet?” Caroline asks, wiggling her eyes at me. My face heats up, and I bite my lip.

“No, but we broke in what we now call our booth at Sombreros yesterday,” I admit. There’s a collective gasp around the kitchen.

“Please tell me which booth that is, so I never sit in it,” Liv says, her nose scrunching up. We all chuckle.

Ansley sighs. “Restaurant sex is the best, isn’t it?” We all gape at her. She shrugs, smirking at us. “Our guys seem to have a thing for public extracurricular activities.” We all nod in agreement, except Liv. She rubs the back of her neck, looking uncomfortable, so I change the subject so she doesn’t feel left out.

“You know, this seems surreal, too. The only friends I ever had were Connor and Bass. I had to watch my back on the streets, and I couldn’t trust anyone. I love you girls so much,” I tell them. We all look around the group.

“I think all of us have struggled somehow with making friends. That’s why we clicked,” Liv says, a small smile on her lips.

“Exactly,” Caroline agrees. “I love Sebastian, but you girls saved me just as much as he did.” Bailey wraps her arm around Caroline’s waist and hugs her. They share a look.

“Life is good,” Bailey exclaims, lifting her glass again in a toast. We all click glasses again, smiling at each other.

“Have you received any more flowers?” I ask Liv.

She runs her fingers through her black hair. “Yes. Yesterday.” She takes a sip of her drink. “Lincoln went downstairs and talked to the guy that keeps delivering them. He didn’t get much information, though. He wasn’t sure if the guy was scared or didn’t know anything.” Liv licks her lips, taking another sip of her drink.

“Is Victor still staying at your place?” Bailey asks. Liv nods but looks uncomfortable talking about that.

“Is something going on between you and Victor?” Ansley asks.

Liv’s eyes widen, and she shakes her head. “No.” I’m surprised. I thought something was going on.

Liv glances around the circle. “Do all of you think that?”

“Well, when I told you about Julian a few weeks ago, you said age doesn’t matter. As long as he wasn’t forcing me to do anything I didn’t want,” Bailey replies.

“Oh, that.” Liv runs her hands down her thighs. “I have a crush on him, but nothing has happened. He’s perfectly proper.” Liv closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. “I’ve never been attracted to another man like I am to him. I know I’ve known him my entire life, and he’s old enough to be my dad. But things are different now. He’s different,” Liv whispers the last sentence.

“Different, how?” I ask her.

She swallows and looks at Caroline. “You know how you said Bass could read you without you having to say anything?” Liv asks. Caroline nods, her eyes brightening. “That’s how Victor is. He’s learned my quirks and how to hear what I’m not saying when we talk. It’s almost scary, but I love it. He doesn’t get mad or judge me. He accepts me.”

“Yeah, that is the best.” We all say at the same time. We glance at each other and burst into laughter.

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