Page 19 of Scoring with my Bestie's Ex

I let out a shaky breath.

“I’m done with Steven. Which means a clean break. No more engaging with him. If I see him, I walk the other way. It’s done. And I’m ready to move on.”

The feeling of Aaron’s hand in mine is nice. It’s too early to enjoy another man’s touch like this.

But I don’t let go.

Not yet, at least.

Right now, I simply enjoy holding his hand. We’ll both be gone to our own lives soon enough. It’s just a step toward my eventual goal. One small step.

Chapter eight

Aaron

It storms all night. When morning comes, I step outside into the cold, humid air.

Bella joins me on the porch. “Is it just me, or is the lake fuller today than yesterday?”

I run a hand through my hair as I yawn. “Maybe a bit. I think it’s more that it’s choppy today, so the waves make it look fuller.”

A chill, wet wind blows in from the lake, turning it a greyish-white as the waves grow bigger. The sky is low with thick, dark clouds. I grimace as I watch them.

Bella breaks the silence. “I already looked at Castleton’s website. There’s been a second slide in the same area, and the work that was already done has been undone. The town is calling for extra help from the state to stabilize the hillside.”

“Any word on the food situation?” I ask. I don’t know how much is stored in the backs of the stores and restaurants, but with so many people to feed, I wonder if there’s enough.

“Apparently, they’re going to fly in fresh produce on bush planes.” Bella chews her lip. “Everyone who needs to leave is to fill out a form online, and there will be a lottery draw to fly them out when the planes leave.”

I nod slowly. Mike and I don’t have anything urgent to attend to, so I won’t risk taking a spot from someone who really needs it. “Are you going to enter?”

“I haven’t decided yet. I’m going to talk with Ellen about it later,” she answers. Then she turns to me with a tight smile. “In the meantime, what are we going to do for their next date?”

“Let’s get something to eat while we think about that.”

We head back inside. I pull out pancake mix while Bella makes a pot of coffee for the household.

Both of us are busy with our roles in preparing for the day. It’s easy to work with her. Without prompting, she sets the table while I make the pancakes and eggs.

Ellen and Mike come down just as everything is finished. Both of them eagerly thank us and tuck into the food.

“Mike and I are going to an art gallery here in town,” Ellen announces. “Do either of you want to come along?”

I glance at Bella. This is perfect! They’re taking themselves out on a date rather than us having to do it for them.

“No, I’m going to make a meal plan for the week,” Bella said, then explains how we’ll be here longer than anticipated.

“I’ll help,” I volunteer.

Ellen looks a bit uncertain. “We can stay and help.”

“No, no. I need something to keep myself busy,” Bella answers with a bright smile.

Ellen laughs, her anxiety relieved.

The day does keep us busy. Bella and I make an exhaustive menu list, then walk to the grocery store several times to get everything we need.

Driving would be easier, but the town sends an advisory to everyone to conserve their gas, considering it will be a while before the gas stations can get fresh fuel.

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