Page 33 of Agony of Our Regret

I burst out laughing, and Gavin looked like he’d been caught doing something wrong.

Bruce smirked. “What? You think I don’t know how pretentious some of her picks are? If I ever eat another slice of manchego cheese thinking it’s gouda, I will revolt. There’s no recovering from sheep’s milk that tastes like funky BO. Your taste buds are done for the night.”

I snickered but covered it with a cough when Renae came back with Luca and trays of food.

Bruce lifted a brow and walked away.

“Why don’t you sit and rest while we get the rest set up?” Gavin kissed my temple and guided me to the couch as if I’d protest.

My energy levels were dropping by the day. I wasn’t sure how I’d make it another twenty-six weeks at this rate. Hopefully, if I relaxed or managed a nap now, I’d get through the night without drawing attention.

I woke to voices.I shot up but relaxed when I only saw Tessa and Daniel.

“There you are.” Tessa sat next to me and pulled me in for a hug.

I laughed and squeezed her back. “We saw each other yesterday.”

“Yes, but that was before I realized how stressful this night was going to be for you. I’m sorry I didn’t make the connection before.”

I waved her off. “As long as you and the others keep an eye out for me and make sure they can’t corner me, it will be fine. If Sky catches me in a lie, he won’t let it go.”

She nodded. “Of course. You haven’t had much time to process this on top of recovering from the accident. I understand wanting to take things one step at a time. Seeing them is going to be enough.”

“Exactly.”

She helped me stand, and I went to the bathroom to freshen up and make sure it didn’t look like I just woke up. By the time I reentered the living room, more people had arrived. I kept a smile in place and waved and hugged person after person, all the while keeping an eye on the hall leading to the front door.

Finally, Gwen showed up, and we linked elbows.

“You are mine for the rest of the night,” I said.

She laughed but didn’t argue. “I get to be one of your lovers?”

I rolled my eyes. “Sure. I need a blocker just in case.”

“In case?”

“I have allies keeping an eye out for me, but I want to make sure I don’t end up alone with Noah or Sky.”

“Allies?” She giggled. “Are we in battle?”

“Not yet.” But who knew what would happen when the truth came out?

She waved off my dramatics. “You’re being ridiculous. I get Sky, but why Noah?”

I shrugged. “To be safe. I’m not sure what will come out of my mouth when I see them.”

“You guys are all good, though?”

“Yeah, but he used to be able to tell if something was going on with me or if I was keeping a secret. I can’t let that happen.”

“Got it.”

She was the best.

“Have you eaten?”

“Not yet.” I led her to the kitchen island covered with half a dozen or so trays. How had I slept through them setting all this up?

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