Page 57 of Chloé

“Oui, it will.Merci.”

“Of course.”

Papa got out of his chair and came over to shake Ethan and Zayne’s hands and kiss Chloé’s cheek.

“Can I get you gentlemen anything to drink?”

Ethan looked at the glass in Papa’s hand. “I wouldn’t say no to whatever you’re drinking.”

“Scotch. That work for you?”

“Sure does.”

Papa then looked to Zayne. “And you?”

“I’ll take the same.”

“Sounds good. Chloé? Your dad mixed you up something special.”

“Special, huh?” she said.

“That’s what he called it. So, I’ll be right back with your drinks.”

As he headed off to the bar, Chloé noticed Justin eyeing them quietly from the other side of the kitchen counter, and decided it was now or never.

God, why am I so nervous about this?

But as she walked closer to the kitchen area, she knew why. Justin was her person. The one she could count on no matter what kind of bind she found herself in. He’d come into her life and stolen her little heart as the brave boy she’d instantly looked up to, and pasta night had always beentheirnight—family night.

Now here she was bringing two new people in on that tradition, and her only hope was that everyone she loved would get along.

“Finally cleared up that busy schedule of yours, huh?” she said as she walked around the counter to give him a hug.

“Yeah, well, someonebeggedme, and I didn’t have the heart to let her down.”

“I didn’t beg you.”

“Hmm, that’s not how I remember it.” He took a swig of his beer and looked to where Ethan and Zayne stood. “So, you gonna introduce me to your boyfriends, or stand here and run interference because you’re scared I might steal them off you?”

Chloé scoffed, but then a wide smile stretched her lips and she mouthed,Thank you.

Justin winked at her, then she turned on her heel and all but skipped back to Zayne’s side. Justin followed, his eyes traveling over her two men, and she preened like a peacock, proud of what he was seeing.

“I’ve heard a lot about you two.”

“Vice versa,” Zayne said, holding his hand out. “The famous brother. Have to admit, it’s nice to see there’s no shotgun behind your back.”

Justin’s lips crooked and one of his dimples popped. “Nah, that’d be too obvious. I prefer the element of surprise.”

Zayne chuckled. “Good to know. I’m Zayne, and this is Ethan.”

“I figured.” Justin turned his attention to Ethan and held out his hand. “Chloé went into great detail on how pretty your faces are.”

“Oh myGod.” Chloé shoved him in the arm.

“What? You haven’t shut up about them since they came to the restaurant that first time and—”

“Seriously? Dad, do we have any food I can shove in his mouth to shut him up?”

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