Page 184 of Restricted List

Seven months later…

“How’s Josh feeling now, Ella?” I ask, leaning back in my chair and sipping my mimosa.

“He’s finally not moping,” she sighs.

Harlow speaks now. “He really shouldn’t blame himself. He bobbled the ball, but shit happens. It’s not his fault the Stars lost the World Series.”

“Believe me, I know,” Ella says. “I’ve been trying to cheer him up, but he’s getting there on his own. It doesn’t help, though, when Ari keeps fucking with him by saying he still didn’t get to win the World Series,” she laughs.

“Leave it to Ari,” Lucia mutters under her breath.

“You ever gonna tell us what happened between you two?” I ask.

“It’s not important. He’s just irritating.”

I just sigh and shake my head. Lucia and Ari mostly ignore each other when we’re all together, but occasionally they argue.Especially when Matt is with us, too. I don’t know what the hell happened or what Matt has to do with it, but we would alllovefor the animosity to stop.

It’ll be less awkward for everyone.

I grab one of the little sandwiches on the tray in front of me, taking a bite while being careful not to mess up my lipstick. We’re startled by a knock at the door, though.

Harlow runs over and speaks without opening it. “Who is it?”

“Your brother, Lo.”

I can’t help but smile, knowing my favorite person is just on the other side of the door.

“What do you need, Cole?” Harlow is standing with her arms crossed like she’s a bouncer at a club. The sight is far funnier than it should be.

“Because I want to talk to Rory.”

Harlow doesn’t move. “Seeing the bride before you get married is bad luck.”

I look at Lo and laugh. “You do remember that we’ve been married since March, right?”

“Yeah, but this is your wedding day!”

Cole’s voice cuts through the door. “She already snuck into my room this morning.”

“Cole!” I shout, face flushing.

Harlow looks at me in annoyance. “Really? You couldn’t wait until tonight to jump him again?”

“You’ve seen your brother, right?” I raise my eyebrow suggestively. “Can’t help myself around that man.”

“Ew,” she gripes. “You’re so lucky I love you, babe.”

“I’m your sister-in-law,” I smile. “You don’t have a choice.”

She shakes her head and laughs. “Go talk to your husband. But don’t let him see you. I didn’t get to see his reaction to seeing you walking down the aisle the first time since you got married without us. I want to see it this time!”

I hear Cole sigh through the door as I get up and walk over. The girls go into the back part of the room to give us some privacy.

I crack the door open, and he immediately sticks his hand through. I reach out and take it in mine.

“Hey, Sparrow.”

“Hey, Starlight.” He squeezes my hand softly. “I miss you.”

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