Page 77 of That First Flight

“I wouldn’t know the first thing,” I add.

Avery sits up in her chair as if she’s gearing up to give a big presentation. “Okay, since it’s been so long, when the opportunity is presented to you, you have to let the guy take control of the situation. Let him guide you to where you need to go, and what you need to do. Guys love when they are in control too.”

“Okay.” It’s the only word I can think of to process any of this.

“Are you asking because you have someone in mind?” Peyton says with a cheeky grin.

I crinkle my nose. “No, no. Nothing like that at all.”

“Not even a particularroommate?” Kali asks with the same grin.

Emiline groans. “Guys, please. How many times do I have to remind you… they’re my brothers?”

“Don’t act like you’re not used to this already,” Avery scoffs.

“Fine.” Emiline rolls her eyes. “Continue.”

“Seriously, you guys.” I laugh now. “Definitely not Oliver. I can’t cross that road with him. It’s bad enough we already kissed once.”

“You didn’t,” Peyton screams.

I can’t help the smile that takes over my face just thinking about it again. It was unexpected but beyond perfect. If I’m being honest, I wanted more of it.

“I won’t lie and tell you that I don’t have feelings for him. Something is brewing, but I don’t know how to navigate it or do anything about it. I also have my daughter to think about.”

“He seems really good with her,” Emiline says.

“He really is,” I reply. “She’s loving living in the city, her new school and hanging out with him.”

“If the whole inexperienced thing,” Peyton says, squiggling her finger in the air. “Is what’s holding you back from pursuing things with him, you have nothing to worry about there. Oliver is as experienced as they come.”

What the heck does she mean by that?

“Yeah, he doesn’t stay put for long. My brother is a typical playboy who’s never been in a relationship before,” Emiline adds.

What?

“Actually, come to think of it,” Peyton starts. “Thomas told me the other night that he hasn’t talked about any girls he’s been with since his birthday trip to California at the start of the summer.”

“Logan said he’s been ditching boys’ nights on Wednesdays too,” Emiline adds.

“I bet he has been saying that, huh?” Avery snickers at her comment.

“Don’t even start,” Emiline scolds.

“When did you two meet?” Peyton asks, ignoring their bickering with each other.

“In July. On my flight here from Montana,” I answer.

“Yes, that’s right.” Peyton snaps. “Thomas said Oliver was obsessed with a girl he met on that flight. He wouldnotstop talking about her and wished he could find her again.”

“And he found her.” Avery throws her arms out towards me likeVanna White.

“He totally found her,” Emiline repeats with a grin.

My eyes land on each girl, one by one. Each of them with a shit-eating grin on their face as if they just put the pieces of Oliver’s puzzle into place just now.

My brain can’t stop thinking about all the information I just received in such a short time frame.

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