Page 43 of Scoring with my Bestie's Ex

The next morning, I go over my budget for the charity dance. Everything is coming along nicely, and I still have room in the budget in case of unexpected expenses.

If there are no unexpected expenses, I’ll add that money to the donations for Castleton.

I’m excited to share all this with Bella.

Our day yesterday went well. Though we haven’t put a label on where we’re at, I have a better idea now than I did before.

We’re not a couple. But we’re more than friends.

It might seem strange to people looking in from the outside, but I’m comfortable with this.

At least, for now.

We’re giving ourselves time to figure it all out, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Bella and I are no weirder than Ellen and Mike getting engaged so quickly.

I suppose that’s what I need to take from this experience. Everyone moves at their own pace, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Of course, I can’t deny hoping this might be the start of a change between us. That Bella might be one step closer to wanting a proper relationship… and that she’ll get there by the time I’m ready to retire.

I’m about to call Bella to see where she wants to meet when my phone rings. To my surprise, Ellen’s name flashes across the screen.

“Hey, how are you…” but she cuts me off immediately.

“What are you doing?” she demands.

My lips quirk. That’s the thing about Ellen, she has a whole conversation in her head before she starts talking.

Which often leaves you out of the loop.

“What am I doing about what?” I ask patiently.

“Bella!” Though she says Bella’s name emphatically, she lowers her voice at the same time to a whisper. “What are your intentions with Bella, Aaron?”

I get a mental image of Ellen with lambchop sideburns, wearing a highly starched shirt as though she’s a Victorian father.

“What do you mean by intentions?” I can’t keep the laugh from my voice.

“Don’t laugh at me. I want to know where you’re taking things with Bella. And just what your plans are moving forward,” she says. “Because if you hurt her, I will be forced to convince Mike to kill you.”

This time, I burst out laughing. “Oh, don’t bring Mike into this. But I plan to take things slow. I won’t be proposing anytime soon, don’t worry. Perhaps I should be the one demanding your intentions toward Mike. Do you two have the ring already?”

There’s a pause, then Ellen whispers. “Don’t say anything to Bella. She doesn’t know yet.”

“Why?”

“She’s just been busy.” Ellen clears her throat. “But you’re going slow with her, yes?”

“Yes. I promise we’re taking our time to figure things out.”

A sigh whistles through the line. “Good. Just don’t make things weird, okay? Bella’s my best friend. I don’t want it to be awkward when she’s my maid of honor and you’re Mike’s best man. Let’s keep the drama for Netflix, not the wedding!”

“I’m pretty sure one of Mike’s brothers will be his best man.”

“You know what I mean.”

“You’re right. I do. Rest assured, Ellen, I don’t plan to make things awkward.”

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