Page 43 of Claimed by my Bestie's Dad

Before I can think of a discreet way of answering her, Aurora bangs a fork on a glass like she’s calling some huge group to order. In reality, it’s just the five of us—Aurora, Stella, Mia, Zoe, and me. But we can get loud.

“Before we get all distracted with life updates, I want to give instructions for how these decorations are going to go together. I don’t want to have you guys messing them up.” Aurora then gives us step-by-step instructions for making the decorations that will hang from the ceiling during her Christmas party. It seems like a lot of effort for one night, but I don’t mind doing it for my friend.

Finally, we’re given some wine and allowed to work onthe decorations on our own. Mia takes Zoe’s place at my elbow, and the chance to catch her up on what’s going on passes.

Mia speaks loudly so the whole group can hear her. “I just want everyone to know that Theo and I are officially living together!”

We all cheer with different levels of enthusiasm.

“And? Do you regret it?” Aurora asks with a teasing grin on her face. “Is he messy?”

“Definitely don’t regret it. I was getting tired of the back and forth, and it turns out that this new place is great because it has the perfect amount of space for us to develop but also for us to have our own space.”

I smile excitedly for Mia. “And how’s the bed and breakfast going? Do you have bookings for Christmas?”

“Yes, and I’m surprised. I was sure no one would want to come to the beach for Christmas, but I underestimated. I will be fully booked from the twenty-fourth through the twenty-seventh.”

We all cheer for her again.

Then, we get back to cutting and stretching the thin paper. Aurora sits down next to me with a smile. “How are the dogs? Have they destroyed your home yet?”

“Not yet. Why? Are you offering to let me move in with you?”

“As long as you don’t bring the dogs.”

“Hey! One of them is mine!”

“He’s cute, but the others are monsters.”

I push down the urge to argue with Aurora further. I don’t want to feel annoyed at her, but I do. I keep feeling like if it weren’t for her, Ethan and I could just be together. I know that’s not true, though. There’s our age difference forone…and the fact that he’s uber-rich while I’m barely able to make my house payments.

Aurora finishes another perfect tissue ball, which she sets proudly in the middle of the table like it’s some sort of model for the rest of us.

“Do you have any more wine? I think I could use some.”

“You know where the fridge is. Serve yourself.”

I head to the fridge and pull out a bottle of something. I don’t even look at the label before refilling my glass. I listen to my friends laughing in the other room. Then, I start to feel sick. I set my glass down on the counter and go to the sink for a glass of water instead.

That immediately settles my stomach. Apparently, this virus does not mix well with alcohol. I settle for a mocktail before heading back into the dining room.

Stella sets a red tissue paper ball that almost matches Aurora’s on the table. She sits back with a satisfied smile. “Mia, tell us more about Theo. I know you’ve bought the land for the new place, but what about his original investment? The one you hated so much that you almost wanted to sabotage it?”

“I never said that!”

Aurora elbows Mia. “You were thinking it. So? Tell us more about the resort.”

Mia smiles sheepishly. “It’s great. Things are going well. He finally finished construction on the second part of his resort, so things have slowed down.”

Aurora smiles mischievously. “They’ve slowed down. In other words, he has more time with you…which means…” She shoves her hands together in a very suggestive way.

Mia laughs. “Yeah, maybe. Hey, he keeps me happy, and that’s all the detail I’m giving.”

We all laugh, but Stella continues to push for more. “Come on! Just a few details! None of us are getting any, so you might as well let us live vicariously through you.”

“Vicariously?” Mia makes a face. “Neither you nor anyone else will be watching the things that Theo and I do together.”

“Stella, I think you meant live auditorily? There has to be a word for what you mean.”

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