Page 26 of The Anti-Bachelorette (The Anti-Bachelorette 1)

Chapter 8

Iam not sure how I managed to do it, but Friday I didn’t run into Alaric at all. I desperately tried to avoid him at work, and then Friday night he was out. I am not sure where. That’s all my dad said that he was “out.” I don’t know why that irritates me so much. He was probably with whatever girl he’s taking to my grandpa’s birthday party.

The more I think about it, the more irritated I get. What kind of girl would go with a guy to some old guy’s birthday party? They obviously aren’t dating or at least I would hope not with the way he kissed me last week. And I mean, sure that’s what Marco is doing, but I’ve known Marco for a long time. Alaric hasn’t been back that long, so I doubt it’s one of his friends.

No, it’s definitely just some desperate girl who wants to get with the hot, brooding Alaric. I roll my eyes thinking about it, but then I stop myself. I need to get a grip. I shouldn’t care about who Alaric dates. I have no right to think poorly of the girl. Well, except the fact that she is voluntarily choosing to spend time with Alaric. I guess I can look down on her a little bit.

I am putting on my earrings when I hear my phone ding with a text.

Marco: I’m on my way. Be there in 15.

Me: Sounds good see you then.

I spend the next few minutes putting some final touches on my makeup. I take another look in the mirror and check out my outfit. I have on a silver dress that dips low in the back and falls to my mid-thigh. The dress shimmers against my summer tan. It may seem a tad fancy for just a birthday party, but my grandma likes to go all out.

She booked an event hall and even hired a band for dancing. It’s more like a wedding reception than a birthday party. My dad helped chip in to pay for the booze and food. He likes to help out since they didn’t have a lot growing up, and now he has more than enough with how successful his business has become.

I hear a knock at the door, and I quickly fluff my hair and check my makeup one more time. I walk over to the door and open it up. Standing there in a blue button up and dress slacks is a very hot Marco. His shirt stretches across his buff chest. He gives me a big grin. “Emory. Good to see you again.”

I step forward and give him a hug. “Thanks for coming!”

We pull apart, and he smiles at me again. “Of course. I was glad you texted. We always have a good time.”

I laugh and touch his arm. “Well, this isn’t exactly drinking games in Angela’s basement.”

He just laughs. “Hey, you said free booze.”

I grin back at him. “Yes, you can thank my dad for that.”

He looks behind him toward my dad’s house. “Oh yes the sexy Mr. Livingston. Angela’s mentioned him once or twice.”

I roll my eyes. “Oh my God.” I turn and grab my clutch off the table. “You ready?”

He nods and holds out his arm for me to take. “Right this way.”

He leads me out to a sexy sports car. I blow out a whistle. “Wow. When did you get this baby?”

He grins back at me. “Just last month. My old car finally took a crap, and I had the money so I spoiled myself.”

I laugh and get in the car. The leather seats cling to my legs, and I take in the fancy interior. Alaric would never drive something like this. No, I don’t think he even knows how to drive anything but a truck. I close my eyes and punch my leg. Stop thinking about Alaric. No, you will not compare Marco with that asshole.

Marco gets in the car and grins over at me. “You really look stunning tonight Emory.” His eyes scan down me. “That dress. You’re killing me.”

I give him one of my best smiles. “You’re not too bad yourself.” I give him a wink. “You clean up nice.”

We arrive at the event hall 20 minutes later, but before we get out Marco’s phone starts ringing. I see a girl’s face pop up on his phone. Marco lets out a breath and groans. I just smirk at him. “Lady troubles?”

He looks up at the car ceiling. “How much did Angela tell you?”

I shrug. “Not much. Just that you broke up recently.”

He looks over at me, and his eyes look sad. He looks down at his lap then. “She cheated on me.”

I can tell by the sound of his voice that she hurt him bad. I reach over and grab his hand, and he looks up at me. “You still love her?”

He blows out another breath. “I don’t want to.”

I give his hand a squeeze. “Yeah, too bad that’s not how it works huh? Keep telling your brain to make you turn off your feelings and hope eventually it takes.”

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