Letting My Brother's Best Friend Take My V-Card

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JOSH CHRISTMAS EVE

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The sky was clear, the stars brighter than usual against the crisp Texas night. No snow, no frost-just a cool breeze drifting in through the slightly cracked window as I leaned against the kitchen counter, wondering what the hell to do with myself.

The house felt quieter than usual. It wasn't empty; it just felt... still. Too still. My stomach grumbled, and I realized I hadn't eaten since breakfast, but nothing in the fridge seemed appealing.

I was still staring aimlessly at the pantry when my phone buzzed on the counter. I grabbed it and saw Jess's name pop up.

Answering, I was greeted by the sound of her laughing, and when the video feed connected, I saw Asha's little face pop into the frame, giggling as she squirmed in Jess's lap. They were all wearing matching Christmas jumpers, even Luke and their dog, who looked vaguely annoyed at being included.

"Merry Christmas from the chaos crew!" Jess said, grinning.

"Merry Christmas," I replied, smiling despite myself.

"Daddy!" Asha squealed, waving frantically at the screen.

"Hey, little angel," I said, softening as I looked at her. "You look so cute!"

Asha beamed, showing off her reindeer jumper as Jess chimed

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288 Vouchers

in, "She insisted on the matching pajamas. She's the boss this week."

They were happy-too happy-and it made the house feel even quieter after the call ended.

The streets were buzzing with last-minute shoppers, everyone scrambling to get their hands on whatever they'd forgotten for Christmas Day. Strings of lights hung across the lampposts, glowing warm against the crisp Texas night."

I, however, was aimlessly walking down Main Street, trying to figure out what the hell to do with myself.

After the video call with Jess and Asha, the quiet house felt unbearable. I'd grabbed my keys and walked out without much of a plan, just an overwhelming need to get out. Now, I was hungry and standing in front of a line of restaurants, most of which had "FULLY BOOKED" signs taped to their doors. "Great," I muttered under my breath, shoving my hands into my pockets.

on the block, a tiny diner that looked like it had barely been updated since the '80s. As I

but tinged with amusement. I turned

arms crossed over a sweater that featured a cartoon

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288 Vouchers

were tucked into scuffed boots, and her hair fell

I said,

corrected, smiling

I repeated, nodding. "Didn't expect to see

something quick to eat, but it looks like everyone in

and shook

she asked, her tone light but

debating how much to say. "Had some team obligations earlier-Christmas appearances, you know. Now it's just

raised an eyebrow. "No

I trailed off,

not pressing further. "And now you're hunting for

I said with a

offered, surprising me. "If we can find a place to sit, that is. Or... we could grab something to-go and eat outside. It's not exactly snowing here, so it's doable."

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288 Vouchers

her casual demeanor that made me feel less guarded. "Sure," I said

at finding an open table, we ended up at a taco truck parked on the edge of a lot. The smell of grilled meat and fresh tortillas filled the air, and soon enough,

is better than I expected," Vivian said after

"Texas tacos

while, the hum of passing cars and faint

gaps.

is doing great in class even though I'm not her teacher anymore," Vivian said eventually, breaking the quiet. "She's got an eye for art,

She's two. Everything she paints looks like random blobs

There's intent. Trust me-l see

your word for it,"

was an easy kind of laugh,

the conversation

about your wife?" Vivian asked softly,

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careful.