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

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CHRISTMAS

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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CHRISTMAS

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.

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

from behind me, soft but

Worth-was standing a few feet away, her arms crossed over a sweater that featured a

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III

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288 Vouchers

jeans were tucked into scuffed boots,

I

corrected,

expect to

I could grab something quick to eat, but it

diner and shook my head. "Same here. I didn't

plans?" she asked,

debating how much to say. "Had some team obligations earlier-Christmas

raised an

first big Christmas with them, and I thought..." I trailed off, realizing I didn't want to explain my entire situation in the middle of

not pressing further. "And now you're hunting

like that," I said with

"You could join me," she 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

about her casual demeanor that made me feel

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, we were sitting on a bench by the park, balancing styrofoam

I expected," Vivian said after taking a

agreeing. "Texas tacos rarely

the hum of passing cars and faint

gaps.

class even though I'm not her teacher anymore," Vivian said

saying that. She's two. Everything she paints looks

intent. Trust me-l see a lot of kids' art, and hers stands

take your word for it," I

was an easy kind

the

wife?" Vivian asked softly, her

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288 Vouchers

careful.