Page 94 of The Enemy Face Off

Did I ever reallyhateMilo?

That's a very strong word.

I made assumptions about who he was, pre-judged him, which is an unfair thing to do to anyone, and treated him more harshly than he deserved, but I never outright hated him.

Beth:I'm not putting any expectations on it. It is only a first date, ladies.

Summer:True. But you've been in each other's orbits for around a year now, so it's not like an actual first date where you know nothing about the person.

Amiel:That's a good point. It's been a very long slow burn enemies-to-lovers situation with you guys.

Beth:Yeah. I guess it has.

Evie:Are you nervous?

Beth:Oddly, no.

Summer:That might have something to do with the fact that you know him.

Beth:I think you may be right about that.

Amiel:OMG, you guys! I just had a wild thought.

Hannah:What?

Amiel:What if Beth does something that's never been done in all of human history?

Evie:Which is?…

Amiel:What if she's able to enjoy her first date with a guy? No pre-date nerves, no trying on every article of clothing to see what looks best, no spiraling into anxiety. What if she's able to just chill and relax and actually have a really good time.

Hannah:That would be AMAZING!

I smile to myself.

Beth:Yeah. It would be.

18

Milo

"Why am I so nervous?" I ask myself, staring into the full-length mirror.

"Was that a rhetorical question?" I spin around to see Boden chasing after Jonah, who's traipsed into my room. He scoops my son up in his arms. "Sorry. Didn't mean to startle you."

"It's fine."

If having two kids under six and a nanny has taught me anything, it's that the only truly alone time I get is when I lock the bathroom door. Other than that, it's fair game.

"You look fine, by the way," Boden says, bouncing Jonah on his hip. "That's a nice shirt. Really brings out your eyes or something. Sorry. I don't really know how to compliment another guy on his appearance."

"Thanks." I manage a small smile and turn back to the mirror. I've gone with a red-and-black plaid button down, a pair of my favorite jeans, and dark-brown Chukka boots. Stylish, comfortable, and hopefully doesn't look like I'm trying too hard or spent way too much time overthinking my choice of outfit. I'm still undecided whether to take a summer jacket or not.

Why am I so on edge?

Oh, that's right. Because I'm in love with Beth, and the next few hours are a vital litmus test to see whether or not I have a chance at turning our us-ship into an actual relationship with the first and only woman who's ever set my soul on fire the way she does. No biggie.

"It's stupid to be this nervous," I mutter.

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