Page 89 of Not in My Book

“We can just do it now,” Maria said soothingly. “Rosie, do you mind if I set our suitcases in your room? I’ll grab all of them from there.”

“Sure, sure,” I said.

Aiden and I were still sitting on the floor, our legs crossed. We faced each other, our knees touching. I could see how tired Aiden was from the way his eyes were drooping. His normally perfect hair was now mussed up. He must’ve been so uncomfortable in his sweater and jeans. But he didn’t complain and had stayed awake through the movie despite how long it was.

“Maybe I should head back,” he said, tilting his head closer to mine. His voice was low. “I don’t want to overstay my welcome.”

“You’re not,” I assured him. “I know it’s been a lot, though, so if you want to go, I would understand—”

“Aiden can’t leave,” my mother interrupted us. We looked at her, startled that she could hear us.

“I really appreciate you all letting me celebrate with you all, but it’s getting late. I really should head back.”

My mom crossed one leg over another and simply shook her head. “I can’t allow it. As a mother, I cannot.”

“Mom, if he wants to leave—”

“It’s snowing out there! I can’t in good conscience send you out in the cold when you can easily stay here.”

I froze, turning toward her wide-eyed. “Mom, you know he wasn’t going tosleephere right?”

She shared an exasperated look with my father. “While we’d rather not hear about it, we know what it’s like to date in your twenties. You don’t have to pretend for our sake that Aiden’s never spent the night here.”

I wanted to sink into the floor. I imagined melting into a puddle just so I wouldn’t have to havethisconversation with my parents.

“Mom.No. That’s … no—”

Aiden’s hand rested on my knee, his thumb rubbing soothing circles. “I think what Rosie is saying is we want to be respectful. Besides, I’m not sure if there’s enough room for—”

“Nonsense,” my mom declared. “If you go out into the snow and slip on ice, I will never live with myself. Maria can sleep on the couch, we’ll sleep in Rosie’s room, and you two can sleep in Alexa’s room? Rosie, do you think she’ll mind?”

“I mean, no, I can text her, but—”

“Perfect! Then it’s settled!”

I couldn’t bear to look at Aiden. I felt bad enough that I’d made him lie to my family, but now he’d have to keep up the ruse overnight and sleep in the same bed as me? It was too much.

“Aiden,” I said, “do you mind helping me take the dishes to the kitchen?”

He nodded, jumping up and helping me collect empty bowls and plates.

As soon as we were out of ear shot, I burst out, “I’m so sorry.”

He moved past me to set the dishes in the sink. “Don’t be.”

“No, it’s too much. I’ll go out there and tell them the truth. You already did every touristy thing in New York with me today, and I know that killed your soul, and now you’re having to pretend that we’re in a relationship. You don’t have—”

“Rosie,” Aiden said, his voice low but stern. “I neverhaveto do anything. But when it comes to you, I find myself wanting to.” His eyes were soft as he stepped toward me. We held each other gazes for a moment before his eyes snagged on my mouth for a brief moment. He cleared his throat and said, “Let’s go back in before your mom yells at us. She’s kinda scary, you know?”

I laughed softly. “Imagine what it was like when I stayed out just five minutes past curfew. She was halfway to killing me and calling the cops.”

I grabbed my phone and quickly texted Alexa.

Rosie:long story but my parents and sister surprised me and came to visit. they’re sleeping in my room and my sister’s on the couch. is it cool if aiden and i sleep in your room? i’ll change the sheets

Alexa:you and AIDEN??? you’ll CHANGE THE SHEETS???

Rosie:not like that!! i just meant that i’ll change them not that we’ll get them dirty

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