“Anytime,” Alex says with a grin.
We walk out together, the sun bright and the air filled with the sound of people bustling around downtown San Diego. Bianca gives us a small wave before heading in the opposite direction.
“You sure about this?” I ask Alex as we watch her walk away.
He shrugs, a smirk still playing on his lips. “Not even a little bit.”
“That makes two of us,” I mutter. “This could blow up in our faces,”
“Could? It probably will,” Alex replies, not missing a beat.
“Then why agree?”
“Because I’d rather take a chance on something that might make me happy than spend my life wondering ‘what if.’”
I sigh. He’s got a point, damn him. But that doesn’t make this any less risky.
“Let’s just take it one day at a time,” Alex says.
“One day at a time,” I echo, trying to convince myself that’s enough to keep this whole thing from falling apart. But inside, I know that’s easier said than done.
And as much as it unnerves me, part of me is excited to see how this all plays out.
17
BIANCA
James and I stand on his yacht, waiting for them to arrive.
James paces the deck, glancing at his watch. “You think they’ll show?”
“They said they would,” I reply, trying to sound confident. Inside, I’m a mess of nerves and excitement. The idea of having everyone back together is both thrilling and terrifying.
James stops pacing and leans against the railing, looking out at the darkening sky. “This is either going to be a disaster or...”
The distant hum of an approaching boat cuts him off and catches our attention. My heart skips a beat as Liam and Alex step onto the dock.
James straightens up, a guarded look on his face. “Here we go.”
As they board the yacht, Liam’s blue eyes lock onto mine with an intensity that makes my stomach flip. Alex is right behind him, his usual easygoing smile in place.
“Nice boat,” Alex says, nodding appreciatively at James.
“Thanks,” James replies curtly. “Let’s get inside.”
We move to the spacious cabin where a beautifully set table awaits us. The tension is palpable as we take our seats.
Liam breaks the silence first. “So, this is happening.”
James nods. “Yeah, it is.”
Alex leans back in his chair, looking from Liam to James to me. “Anyone else feel like we’re about to walk into a reality TV show?”
I laugh despite myself. “God, I hope not.”
James clears his throat. “Let’s just be honest tonight. No bullshit.”
“Agreed,” Liam says firmly.