Page 61 of Scoring with my Bestie's Ex

We tossed our gear into the car. It’s a cloudy, cool day.

“I don’t want to play games,” I agree. “But I know the first time wasn’t because she thought it was cute. It’s what she got used to with Steven.”

“Funny how I can hate a guy I met all of one time,” Mike says dryly.

I have to agree with that. It’s hard not to hate Steven when I see how low he knocked Bella, to the point where she even blames herself for it!

“If I can hazard a guess, based on what Ellen’s told me?” Mike lifts his brows in question as we both get into the car.

“Sure.”

Mike buckles himself in and runs his hands through his hair. “I bet Bella just needs time to process her feelings. Ellen told me that Steven used to push her to make snap decisions, so it’s natural for her to need extra time to figure her thoughts out.”

I put the car in gear and head out. “That’s probably it. I just wonder if there’s more I should be doing to help her.”

When we reach Ellen’s apartment, we find her standing on the sidewalk. She waves as I pull up.

“Hey, guys,” she greets, leaning through Mike’s window for a kiss. “Bella decided to kick me out of the apartment. Aaron, do you have any plans this afternoon?”

“Er… no, not really.”

Mike glances over at me and whispers, “Are we inviting him along with us?”

Ellen kisses him again. “I wanted to discuss the dance. And Bella. So do you mind if Mike and I hang out at your place for a bit?”

I roll my eyes but nod. “Yeah, that’s fine.”

“Great! Thanks.”

She hops into the back of the car, and we head out again.

At my apartment, Ellen starts off going over some of the things that she took on for the dance. I need to get the floor plans for the venue to her so she can get them to the decorator.

She also wants to add a few more details that will increase the decoration budget by two hundred dollars.

“I’ll pay out of pocket if there isn’t enough in the extras budget,” she tells me. “I just think that the disco-ball stars will add a fun touch.”

I check my spreadsheet tallying up all the costs. My original projections of coming in under budget had been quickly eaten up by last-minute changes.

“It’ll be tight, but doable,” I say, frowning. “Don’t you think disco stars will look a little tacky?”

Mike gasps dramatically. “Are you calling my fiancé tacky?”

Ellen laughs. “It’s over the top, I’ll admit. But it’s going to look so much nicer than those flimsy streamers.”

“Fine,” I say with a reluctant nod. “Submit your receipts, and I’ll reimburse you.”

Ellen smiles. “Good. Now that’s taken care of. Bella. I know she told you not to contact her for a few days.”

“What? You told me she needed space,” Mike barks.

I wince

“That is how Bella asks for space,” Ellen says, patting his hands. “Our master plan is still in the works.”

“Of course, you have a master plan,” I mutter.

Ellen gives me a sweet smile. “Of course! Now. Bella is going through a huge transitional period right now. But something you ought to know is that Bella has the habit of feeling like she’s taking advantage of someone else if she asks for any sort of help.

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