Page 208 of The Perfect Spiral
I turn to hug Hannah and Andy, filling them in on my trip, but leaving out the details of my date and the events of last night.
Before long, my mom bursts into the room and gathers all the girls together for a meeting. So it’s me, Mom, Delilah, Hannah, Sam, and Andy. Mila, Jane, and Hannah’s mom Serena have gone to sit with Sasha for a while. Stella, Wes, and the rest of them are on their way.
My mom closes the door to the private room and locks it, “Just to be safe, you never know. I raised nosy boys,” she shrugs.
“So did I!” Delilah laughs.
“You look like you’ve got something to tell, Missy,” she points at me as I pace the room nervously.
Oh god, how do I tell them this? I think to myself. I know they’ll all freak out when I do. Just rip the band-aid off, Alex. Nike that shit and just do it.
“Spill, Alex! Something’s up, it’s written all over your face!” Hannah says, a smug smile on her freckled face. Just say it, they’ll know eventually after a while.
“Okay, so don’t freak out, alright?—” I see their heads nod before I continue, “Soooo... I may have... went on a date... while I was in New York?”
Their eyes widen in shock. I don’t think they were expecting that. There’s a moment of silence before anyone speaks.
“How did Knox take it?” Delilah asks, unsure how her son would react. I laugh, and everyone looks at me as if I’ve gone mad.
“He took it well...” I giggle, trying to hold back my laughter. They exchange questioning looks. “Really? I thought he would’ve fought with you about it?” She asks in disbelief.
“Well, he... was the... um- he was the one who took me out... on the date...” I stutter out the words, and the room falls silent.
Suddenly, high-pitched screams fill the room. I roll my eyes,trying to suppress the grin creeping onto my face. I bite my lip to stop myself from feeling giddy with them.
My mom and Delilah run to each other, hugging and jumping up and down.
“I knew it,” they all say in unison.
“What?” I blurt out, taken aback by their declarations.
“It was only a matter of time before my boy decided to grow a pair of balls and ask you out, Alex! Oh my god, I’m so happy for you both!” Delilah exclaims, clasping her hands together in excitement before rushing over to hug me. My mom and the others join in on the group hug.
“Relax, you two, it was just one date. We’re taking it slow, I’m still fresh from a breakup...”
“Has he asked you out on another?” Sam asks over my shoulder. I can feel the grin on her face as she asks the question. I sigh and start to laugh, “Yes, yes he has.”
Suddenly, there are multiple bangs on the door behind us. The boys are trying to get in. We all break out in laughter as Sam jogs over to unlock the door, and the guys burst inside, panting.
“What’s going on? Why the commotion?” they all demand in unison, their eyes wide with alarm. Our laughter only intensifies at their reaction.
“Oh, boys! We’re just thrilled about Reign’s arrival, that’s all!” My mom dismisses them with a wave of her hand, causing them to roll their eyes and retreat from the room. I have to give it to her—she’s a master at deception. I make a mental note to learn from her.
“Knox, sweetheart, could you come here for a moment? We need to have a quick chat,” Delilah coos, her voice dripping with so much sweetness it could thaw the iciest heart.
His gaze meets mine, and I press my lips together to suppress a smile. Breaking eye contact, I turn to Sam, who’s giggling at our exchange. I swat her arm to quiet her just as the door closes.
“Is everything okay, Mom?” Knox’s voice is laced with suspicion. Poor guy. Six girls against one guy—it’s hardly a fair fight. He stands with his hands on his hips, his gaze darting around the room, landing on each of us in turn.
A smile tugs at his lips, and his jaw tightens. His eyes meet mine again. “You told them, didn’t you?” His question is directed at me, his gaze never leaving mine.
My heart races, and goosebumps prickle my skin under his intense stare. I want to tear his clothes off and have him right here, right now. But I can’t—I have to control myself. I bite my thumb and nod in response.
He shifts his weight from foot to foot, shaking his head and biting his lip. The room fills with soft squeals and clapping, and I can’t help but laugh, turning my back to them to face the window.
“It’s about damn time, Knox Carter! Do you have any idea how long we’ve been waiting for you to take my baby girl out on a date?”
My mom grabs his arm, looking at Delilah, who’s wearing the proud expression of a mama bear. Knox’s cheeks flush slightly under their scrutiny.
