“Nope, I’ll leave the daddies to you both.” I plop down on the couch next to Sutton and start piling food on a paper plate to give my mouth something to do instead of speaking too much.
The night continues without them giving me too much shit about Parker. They don’t ask about Aaron much, which is fine. I feel like they’ve already drawn a conclusion about him, despite barely knowing him.
It’s okay, though, he’ll show everyone what I see in him and why we’re together. He did save my life when we first met. Clearly, they should understand that. He’s hot and was my hero in that moment. What else could you ask for?
“Ever played smash or pass in real life?” I blurt.
They both look at me, and I continue. “Like calling out ‘smash’ when you see someone hot. Obviously not calling out ‘pass’, that would be rude.”
“Nope, can’t say I’ve done that.” Bailey bites back a laugh.
“Have you?” Sutton sputters.
“Oh yeah.” I chuckle. “That’s actually how I ended up with…” My voice fades because the fond memory of how Parker and I finally admitted there was more than friendship between us takes over when I didn’t even mean to.
“With Aaron?” Bailey nudges.
I swallow roughly and do something I never do. I lie.
“Yeah. With Aaron.”
I feel like they can see right through the lie, but neither of them call me out on it. I never expected being home would bring back so many memories with Parker. I did well for years. All my years away I could control how often I thought about him. Now that I’m back it’s like he’s all I can think about.
“And on that note, let’s eat. I’m starving.”
Aaron is arriving today.I’m both nervous and excited. I’ve missed him, but I feel like my family has been making passive aggressive comments about him. I’m choosing to ignore them. I know in the grand scheme of things they’re team Parker. Even though there are no teams. And there’s no Parker.
Okay, well, there’s Parker, but there’s no Parker forme.Not anymore.
Unfortunately, Ethan seems to be best friends with my ex and asks about him all the time. Though, I think he’s doing it to annoy me more than anything at this point.
When I hear Aaron’s car pulling up to my parents’ house, I bounce outside to greet him. He gives me a small smile, exiting his car and I jump up to wrap my arms around his neck to throw myself into his arms. He wraps his around my back in a tight embrace.
“I missed you,” I tell him.
“I missed you too. I need to get my bags.” He chuckles while I refuse to let go.
“You can get them while I stay like this.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, I can’t carry all of this while you hang on me like a monkey.”
“Says who,” I pout.
“Lily, please.” He sighs and I let go, following him to the trunk of his sedan. “Are we meeting your aunt at her shop today?”
“Um, no, she thought tomorrow would be better so you could get settled.” I keep my voice light, despite the pang in my chest at his small rejection. I’m sure he’s just tired; it’s a long drive, I know I can’t blame him for that.
He sighs, pulling out his duffel and setting it on top of his suitcase. “I’d rather at least go see it today to get an idea of the place. We aren’t staying here for long, Lily. I do have my job back in San Francisco to get back to.”
“I know,” I defend softly. “She’s super appreciative of your help.”
“Come here.” He pulls me into his embrace again, and I let out a breath against his chest. “I’m sorry, I’ve had a lot going on lately.”
“I know, thank you for coming to help,” I mumble against the fabric of his shirt.
“Of course. It’s your family, and I love you.” I look up at him, and he presses a chaste kiss to my lips. “Come on, let’s get my stuff inside and then you can show me my project.”
I nod. “I love you too.”