Page 29 of Between Here and There

Bon raises an eyebrow and gives me a playful grin. “Well, you may as well have!” Bon chuckles as she reaches out her hand to help me up.

I groan as I take her hand and stand up, feeling the stiffness of my muscles.

“Don’t you have anything better to do than stalk us at sunrise?” Josh says as he stands up too.

“Oh, brother dear, it’s well over 10 a.m.,” Bon says, eyes darting to both of us. Josh and I stare at each other in shock after finding out we slept for too long. “I know you two are disgustingly into each other right now and you don’t like spending time apart, but please. I need Emily today.”

I squint at her. “You do?” I pretend to be unaware, but Kate and Haley planned this so they can get ready for the bridal shower we’re throwing Bon later tonight.

Josh groans, standing and stretching, his shirt riding up slightly to reveal just a hint of skin, and another tattoo on his lower abdomen. My eyes dart away quickly, my face heating up again. He sees it, though, and he gives me a wink that only makes my face redder. Stupid, handsome morning person.

“Yes! We’re trying on your maid of honor dress!” She squeals.

The bell jingles again and I spin around to see Ryan walking inside. His face is creased in a frown, but the moment he spots Bon, he switches. His whole demeanor changes, his eyes lighting up as he approaches her.

“There you are,” he says. “I’ve been calling you.” He crosses the room in a few quick strides and leans down to kiss her softly, a kiss that’s more a greeting than anything else. For a second, they just stand there, looking at each other. This is the first time I’ve seen them together in the flesh, since I’ve been in New York the entire time they’ve been together. It's still astounding to me how these two found each other.

We’ve all been friends and neighbors for years, and no one saw this coming. And I’m so incredibly happy to witness how in love they are. How right they are for each other.

“Sorry, I left my phone when I went out to look for these idiots.” She motions to the two of us, still looking disoriented from last night.

Ryan smirks. “Hey, guys,” he says to us, giving us a once-over. “You look terrible.”

“Jetlag does that to you,” Josh says. “Nice to see you, Ry. Congratulations on marrying Miss Annoying over here.” He gestures to Bon, and she narrows her eyes at him.

“Whatever, he loves me,” Bon says as she winks at Ryan, who just shakes his head in amusement. “Anyhoo, I’ll meet you in an hour, Em. Go freshen up. Please.”

I nod and make my way out of Lily’s, with Joshua trailing behind me.

“I can’t believe we slept in there,” I say.

“Well, I can’t believe we slept at all,” Josh replies.

“I can’t believe you both have been here and not said hi to me all night,” a voice says from behind us. Manang Linda follows us out the door and stops as she holds her cane. She’s wearing a yellow dress with a headscarf and giant sunglasses.

I walk to her to give her a hug. She pats my back lightly with one hand while gripping her cane with the other.

“I’m glad you think my store is a cozy place to spend the night,” she says.

“Aw, Manang Linda, anywhere with Emily is a cozy place,” Josh says as he walks toward me and puts an arm around me. I shiver at the contact of his hand on my bare shoulder, and Josh gives it a gentle squeeze.

“You, Joshua Santiago, better not be up to your old ways,” Manang Linda wags a finger at him. “Emily has been through a lot; don’t be another Rob.”

I gulp at her remark, feeling guiltier than I ever did. I should really prepare my mind for this. Manang Linda, as vicious and blunt as she is, is the kindest woman you’ll ever meet. As long as you stay on her good side.

Josh, ever quick to deflect, says, “I can never be like Rob even if I try, Manang. First of all, look at me.” He flashes a playful grin. “I’m charming,” he adds.

Manang Linda shakes her head with a smile. She turns to me and says, “If he ever gives you trouble, you tell me, Emily. I still have enough strength in these old arms to whack some sense into him.” She pulls down her sunglasses to give me a wink.

I chuckle and put my arm around Josh’s waist. With my other hand, I cup his face playfully. “He’s right, Manang Linda. He’s charming.”

She just laughs and says goodbye, walking around us with her cane hitting the pavement in an even rhythm. I’m about to pull away from Josh when his hold on me strengthens.

“Don’t,” he says in a whisper.

“Don’t what?” I reply.

“Don’t pull away too fast, you’re making it obvious.” I look up at him, and see a playful glint in his eyes. His hand stays around me, and I don’t move.

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