Page 16 of Holidate Pursuit

“What do you mean you’re sure it isn’t? Have you never met any of your girlfriend’s families?”

“I’m not one for girlfriends.”

“Yeah. That makes sense. Sure wish I would’ve known that before you walked out on me.” I’m shaking my head as I start walking toward baggage claim.

“Lucy, that’s not what happened,” he pleads, grabbing for my arm, but I pull away before he does.

“It’s exactly what happened, but you know what? Save it for someone who cares,” I say, turning and heading toward the exit.

He sighs loudly as he trudges alongside me, and I can see him shaking his head in exasperation. Too bad. He made his bed, and now he can sleep in it.

When I enter the arrivals area, my brother and I immediately make eye contact while Justin trails behind. Thank God Trevor didn’t let me down. He’s exactly what I need to get me through these next few hours.

“Hey, Luce,” he says, wrapping me in a hug.

“Thanks for coming. I’m so glad you’re here… seriously,” I say into his shoulder, not ready for the inevitable.

“I told you I would be. You don’t have to act like it’s a miracle or anything.” He laughs as he pulls away.

“Right now, it feels like it. I can’t believe I’m doing this. By the way—Trevor, this is Justin. Justin, this is my brother, Trevor.” I motion to each of them as I make introductions.

Justin sticks his hand out toward Trevor. “Hey, man, it’s good to meet you. Your sister’s told me a lot about you. She speaks highly of you.”

Trevor shakes his hand with indignation. “Yeah, wish I could say the same, but no can do. Hopefully, you won’t disappear on us this week. From what I hear, you don’t seem to have a great track record with that.”

Oh shit.

Justin looks at me pointedly. I guess the cat’s out of the bag that not only does Trevor know we’re not engaged, but that Justin is on my shit list. Which means he’s also on Trevor’s shit list.

“Right. Why don’t we go get our bags before they think we abandoned them? Come on.” I hook my arm through Trevor’s and drag him toward baggage claim.

“You didn’t have to start things out that way,” I whisper low enough for only him to hear.

“I’m not going to be friendly with the guy who broke my sister’s heart. You can’t expect me to be nice to the douchebag.”

“You’ll have to be in front of Mom and Dad. If not, they’ll wonder what your problem is and dig for an answer. They’llalready be looking for any red flags as it is. Don’t screw this up for me. And he didn’t break my heart, asshole. He just ghosted me, no big deal.” I try to play it off.

“Lucy, you’re an open book. I could hear the hurt in your voice when you told me the story. You’re a terrible liar.” He’s looking at me pointedly when his eyes veer downward and widen.

“Holy shit! Check out that rock. How the hell did I miss that thing?” Trevor pauses mere steps from the baggage carousel and grabs my hand, inspecting the thing like he’s a diamond expert or something. “Well shit, I figured it’d be a fake, but this is definitely the real McCoy. What did you do, borrow it from a friend?”

Justin stands to the side, arms crossed, while Trevor makes a spectacle about the ring. It doesn’t look like he’s going to help me out with this. Yep, he’s for sure not.

“I’ll go grab the bags,” he says, stalking off.

“No, I didn’t borrow it. Justin gave it to me before we got off the plane. It’s just for the week. I’m giving it back—obviously.”

“Dude, what did you say this guy does again? This is worth some bucks. Looks like you might just be able to pull this off, little sis.” He drops my hand as Justin joins us with our bags.

“Gee, thanks,” I say to my brother, rolling my eyes.

“Way to go on the ring, man. You may be a prick, but you have good taste in jewelry. That’ll be a good start with the parents,” Trevor says to a scowling Justin.

“You might want to lighten up on the jabs. I’d hate for you to slip up in front of an audience,” Justin responds.

“Nah, it’ll be fine. It’s normal for a big brother to be protective of his little sister. I wouldn’t blow your cover anyway… for Lucy’s sake. But if you fuck with her while you’re under my roof, then be prepared,” Trevor threatens.

“Trevor, he’s a bodyguard. I’m pretty sure he’d win in a fight. But thanks for the chivalry.” I lean up and kiss him on the cheek.

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