Page 34 of The Only Time

“Pretty uneventful, huh?” Eric crosses his arms across his chest. “Was last night uneventful?”

“What happened last night?” Layla asks.

I shoot him a look that could cut glass.

“Nothing happened,” I interject before he can talk any further. “Your brother and I were watching a chick flick, and he started crying. It was very entertaining. Hi, I’m Mia,” I extend my hand to the woman standing across from me, trying to contain the smile that wants to break free. Eric is giving me a death stare right now.

That’ll teach him to mess with me.

“Hi, I’m Avery,” she smiles kindly. “I’ve heard so much about you. Layla’s pretty excited to have you here.”

“It’s nice to meet you. I’ve definitely heard your name over the years.”

“And this is Ryder,” Layla says, pointing to the tall, handsome man standing next to her. “He’s a friend of Josh’s.”

Oh, so this is not Avery’s boyfriend. Interesting. He’s extremely good-looking.

“Nice to meet you, Mia,” he says, his eyes travel my body’s height.

“Nice to meet you,” I shake his hand.

“Well, let’s go outside and have some dinner.” Layla leads the way. “I hope everyone has a sweater, it’s kind of chilly out tonight, but it’s perfect sweater weather!”

I’m so excited to try some more of the food she brought from her restaurant. I’m also feeling horrible that I haven’t stopped in yet, but I know she understands. I’ve already told her I’m working up the courage to leave the house. It’s still scary with no more news on Don’s whereabouts. My brother assures me they are all over it, but they haven’t come up with any solid leads yet.

We all take a seat outside around the large table. Ryder sits next to me while Avery and Eric sit across from us. I suddenly wonder if there has ever been anything between the two of them. A sharp pain of jealousy stabs me in the chest.

“Thanks so much for bringing food,” I tell Layla as she sets it out for us. “I’m excited to eventually check out the restaurant.

I fidget in my seat, uncomfortable with even having to navigate around this subject of me not being able to leave the house. She must sense my feelings.

“You take as long as you need,” she says with an understanding smile.

“So, Mia,” Ryder turns to me, “what can I plate you with?”

“Oh, umm, thanks. I think I want to try a little of everything,” I admit shyly.

Ryder smirks. “Not afraid to eat. That’s my kind of woman.”

Eric coughs loudly and I think I catch a roll of his eyes. That can’t be jealousy coming from him, can it? The idea that a man like him could be jealous over me sparks a bit of excitement.

After everyone has their food, Josh holds up his glass of wine. “A toast,” he begins, “to finally getting to know Mia, a longtime friend of Layla’s. To all our health, especially Eric’s close call the other night, and to my amazing fiancée and her skills in the kitchen. Which I can tell you is not the only place she is skilled.”

I chuckle while Layla gasps.

“Seriously, dude,” Eric cringes. “That’s my sister. You gotta stop with that shit in front of me.”

“Oh, please. You all seem to fall in love with each other’s friends then cry about it later like you can’t believe that means they have sex,” Avery rolls her eyes then takes a sip of wine.

I smile at her. I think I like her. She’s the type to speak her mind. Still—she better not have slept with Eric.

“Mia, what brings you to Isle of Hope?” Ryder asks.

My spine goes rigid. My mouth falls open as I try to speak, but nothing comes out.

“Umm,” I stutter, wondering why I can’t come up with a simple lie as those around me who know the truth sit in silence.

“She’s just taking a much-deserved vacation from her job,” Eric cuts in. “She wanted to spend some time with Layla, but I offered up my place since I have the extra space.”

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