Page 31 of Aisle Come Back to You

I deserve to feel bad, and I truly do, but what I really need right now is space. Even the slightest touch sends electric sparks through my body, making it increasingly difficult to keep my thoughts in check whenever he’s around. He’s my friend, or at least I think he is, and I’m determined to keep it that way.

“Okay, team, we need to pick it up. Second place is not an option,” Ronnie motivates with a loud clap. She’s always been the most competitive among us, so honestly, I’m not the least bit surprised.

“Come on now,” Ford says, trying to be the voice of reason. “We’re not doing too bad. We’re only two points behind.”

“And whose fault is that?” she asks, casting a few accusatory glances our way before fixing her gaze on me.

“Ugh, I’m sorry,” I pout, since I was the one who answered our last question incorrectly. Unfortunately, my wrong answer allowed the team in first to gain an extra two points, solidifying their lead.

“In Blair’s defense, none of us knew the answer either,” Ford chimes in, and I toss him a grateful glance.

“Well, then next time, if you aren’t sure, don’t ring the bell,” Ronnie suggests, once again shooting a playful glare in my direction.

“Alright, I think it’s time you rein it in. It’s just a game, and you’re starting to sound a little desperate, and it’s getting embarrassing,” Pete warns his fiancé as he places a hand on her arm and pulls her back into her seat. “People are looking.”

“It’s fine, Pete. We know Ronnie. This is just who she is,” I say, doing my best to wave it all off with a laugh, even if I don’t actually find his reaction all that funny. In fact, if anyone is embarrassing themselves, it’s him.

“Well, it’s a little much, don’t you think, babe?” he asks, turning his attention to his fiancé, clearly trying to get her on his side with this one.

“Maybe a little,” she agrees, glancing down at the table like a child who’s just been scolded by a parent. “I’ll try to relax a little. Like you said, it’s just a game.”

“A game we’re going to win. I’m with Veronica. We got this,” Miles chimes in out of nowhere as he sets his beer down on the table.

Not only has my brother been sitting back without answering a single question, but he’s barely said more than a few words theentire night. Looks like Ford and I aren’t the only ones annoyed with Pete’s constant badgering.

Given my brother’s usual aversion to Ronnie, I’m somewhat taken aback, yet it oddly makes perfect sense. As Bennetts, we’ve had our fair share of being told what we should or shouldn’t be, and even he can only take so much of someone doing that to someone else, even if that someone else happens to be Veronica Prescott.

“Alright, who’s ready for the next question?” the announcer asks into the microphone from their spot behind the bar.

While most of the bar patrons erupt into whistles, cheers, and applause, Ronnie seems to have taken Pete’s words to heart. Instead of being one of the loudest, she sits back and softly claps along.

“Alright, here is our next question: For two points, and like usual, the first team to ring in gets the chance to answer. What Italian luxury sports car manufacturer produces the models Gallardo, Huracán, and Aventador?”

Without hesitation, and almost as soon as the man finishes the question, Miles slams his hand down and rings our team’s bell.

Without waiting to be called on, he answers. “Lamborghini.”

“That’s correct,” the bartender says. “Two points for Team Bridal Brainiacs.”

Our team immediately breaks out into applause as I slap my hand on Miles’ back. “Wow, look at you coming in clutch. I knew we brought you for a reason.”

“Well, it was about cars, and they’re kind of my specialty.” He casually shrugs before grabbing his beer and lifting it to his lips.

“Okay, maybe we really do got this!” I clap this time, figuring if Pete won’t let Ronnie act that way, I’ll have to fill in for her. “We’re all tied up.”

Unfortunately, as the game continues and the last questions are asked, it’s clear Ronnie hasn’t returned to her usual bubblyself. Her lack of enthusiasm doesn’t hinder us, though; in fact, it motivates the rest of us to bring even more energy and win the entire trivia night challenge, if only to prove a point.

Ford reaches behind Miles as we exchange a triumphant high-five, and despite everything—not to mention this not being my brother’s usual scene—even he can’t help but sport a proud grin.

Thankfully, Ronnie seems to be returning to her normal self as we rise from our seats and share a hug. Maybe we can salvage some of the night, and my girl can finally have some fun. If anything, given the stress Pete’s family put us through yesterday, this is more than needed. Hell, she deserves to let loose and be exactly who she is and wants to be.

“I think this deserves another round of drinks and maybe some more wings,” I decide, figuring a celebration is more than warranted after the hard work we all put in—including Miles.

While I’m sure my brother would be happiest if we all went our separate ways and he made his way back home, I can’t help but want to savor this moment and extend the night a little longer, especially as I watch Ronnie transform back into the woman I know and love. Plus, even with the lingering tension between Ford and me, I want to savor this rare opportunity to be with all my favorite people for as long as possible.

“Oh, and you know what else?” Ronnie chimes in, her face lighting up with that gorgeous smile of hers. “We should get some of those mini powdered donut things that you dip in the chocolate.”

I nod vigorously, my mouth already watering. “Hell yeah we should.”

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