Page 35 of Wish I Didn't Want You Back

Her steps slowed. “I’m not recoiling. I’m nervous because every word we speak will be examined under a microscope.”

“Just try your best and remember why you’re doing this,” I said, dismissing her glare as we made our way up the driveway.

I didn’t like the way she tried to pull away. If we were going to pull this off, she would have to warm up to this arrangement, or it would be over before it started.

“Sorry we’re late,” I said as we walked into my parents’ living room. My younger brother, Hayes, was on the couch, typing on his phone, Dad was in his recliner watching a Yankees game, and Tuck was in the other chair.

Tuck studied us momentarily, taking in my hand on her shoulder. Hayes looked up from his phone, and a huge-ass smile split his cheeks. Hayes loved to stir up trouble, and I could already see the wheels turning in his head.

“Holy shit. It looks like the rumors are true.”

She barely had time to react before he pulled her into a hug and lifted her off the ground.

She laughed when he finally set her down. “Wow, you’ve grown like two feet since I last saw you.”

He grinned. “I look good, right?”

I stepped up between them and gave him a stern look. “Will you knock it off?”

Hayes, being Hayes, completely ignored me. “Seriously, Harlow Bennet is here in the flesh, looking like a million bucks.”

Harlow laughed. “And you’re still full of it.”

His grin widened. “I can’t let all my charm go to waste. I gotta use it on somebody.”

I gave Hayes a good shove toward the chair. “Don’t mind my brother. He sometimes forgets how to behave around adults.”

Hayes was still grinning. “He is so easy to rile up. If you get tired of his grumpy ass, you know where to find me.”

She smiled back. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“All right, we’re done here.” I steered her over to my dad. He had one leg crossed over the other, holding a cup of coffee.

“Nice to see you, Keith.” I could see her fingers twitching, like she was trying to decide whether to tuck them in her pockets or shake his hand.

Dad didn’t move for a second. He merely studied her with a blank expression. Then, to my surprise, he stood and held his arms out.

“Long time no see, beautiful. How have you been?”

“I know, it’s been too long.” Harlow stepped into his arms while my two brothers watched me. I could see the relief in her eyes that things weren’t going as badly as she thought they would. I wasn’t the least bit surprised that my family was rolling out the welcome mat for her. They always saw the good in people.

“It’s been ages. You don’t look like you’ve changed a bit.” He patted her back before stepping away.

“Dinner is almost ready,” Mom called from the kitchen.

I leaned in and whispered in her ear, “Are you good?”

She glanced at me briefly before looking toward the kitchen. “I’ll let you know in a few minutes.”

I almost laughed as we made our way into the other room, where my mom was stirring her Sunday sauce in a huge-ass stock pot. The smell of garlic and fresh tomatoes made my stomach rumble.

“Please, tell me there are meatballs in there.” I set the Italian bread that Harlow and I had picked up at the bakery on the counter.

Mom rounded the kitchen island to hug me. “And sausage.” She kissed my cheek. “Thanks for picking up the bread.”

It was then that she noticed Harlow standing behind me. My mom’s eyes softened. “So, it’s true? I heard you were back in town, but I didn’t believe it.”

A cautious smile lifted Harlow’s lips. “It’s good to see you, Josie.”

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