Page 11 of The Boyfriend Goal

Christian: Funny thing—she has no sympathy for me either. Anyway, do you need anything? I can send over groceries if you want. Or some takeout. You name it. But be careful when you’re walking around the city, K? Stay alert. Or better yet, I could get you a bodyguard?

I roll my eyes at my overprotective brother as I tug off the sleeves of my white top.

Josie: Do you have a bodyguard for Liv? If not, I don’t need one.

Christian: I’ll send over some mace and a pocketknife. Like she carries.

Josie: Stop worrying about me! Worry about Liv! How is she doing now?

I slide on my bra at the speed of sound as I read his reply.

Christian: Let me check. Hold on.

Christian: She says she’s the size of Alaska and to get the F away from her.

Josie: Yep, she’s definitely in the “don’t do this to me again” phase of pregnancy. Good luck!

Christian: Mace is on its way.

I stick one arm back in the sleeve as I spot my mom’s note.

Mom: Did you hear Liv had Braxton Hicks? Is she OK? Should you go see her?

To do what? Help her give birth to babies that aren’t ready to come? But that’s typical of Mom to focus on Christian. As I pull my sweatshirt down, I dictate a response.

Josie: If she needs someone to read to the babies, I’ll be right there!

Next, I send a quick text to Maeve as I rush through the living room.

Josie: I’m getting an ice cream with the hottie who saved me. But I can still meet you later!

I yank the door open, then stop, spinning around to grab my scarf from the bag. For good luck. I toss it around my neck jauntily since that’s the only way you should toss a scarf, then take off down the steps. I slow at the ground floor when my phone pings with her reply.

Maeve: I’m sorry, ma’am. But did you say you’re getting banged by the NOT UNATTRACTIVE hottie who saved you?

Josie: Ice cream, Maeve. We’re getting ice cream.

Maeve: New slang, obviously. Also, I was right, I was right, I was so, so right.

Josie: It’s just ice cream. Also, I’m turning my location tracker on for you.

As I’m nearing the door, her reply lands.

Maeve: I can’t wait till it shows you’re on the couch in my place having fun.

Josie: Maeve!

Maeve: Also, I can entertain myself tonight. Don’t worry about me walking in on you. I’ll go to that 24-hour bookstore while you’re busy. Just watch out for the spring on my couch. It’s loose and might stab you in the ass. Solution? Have him bend you over the back of the sofa. Sex is just better like that anyway. And that’s your sex tip from your girl, Maeve.

I exit the building and when I look up from the phone, I’m grinning as I shake my head. Wesley’s on the stoop where I left him, checking me out with curious eyes. He pops out the earbuds and stuffs them into his jeans pockets. “Something good?”

I am definitely not telling him what No-Filter Maeve said. But I can give him a little something. “I was telling my friend about you.”

His smile feels like it’s the same vintage as mine. A robust I want you too wine from this year. No, from today. Harvested this evening. “So she knows your whereabouts?”

“Yes, but also…” I pause. Am I really doing this? Yes, I am. “But also because she likes to be right.”

“About what?”

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