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.

updated since the '80s. As I

me, soft but tinged with amusement. I turned around

away, her arms

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were tucked into scuffed boots, and her hair

I said,

she corrected, smiling

"Didn't expect to see you out

to eat, but it

shook my head. "Same here. I didn't plan

she asked, her

much to say. "Had some team obligations earlier-Christmas appearances,

an eyebrow.

explained. "It's her first big Christmas with them, and I thought..." I trailed off, realizing I didn't want to explain my entire

"And now you're hunting for food with

that," I

we can find a place to sit,

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288 Vouchers

something about her casual demeanor that made me feel less guarded.

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 trays of tacos and

than I expected,"

"Texas tacos

passing cars and

gaps.

even though I'm not her teacher anymore," Vivian said eventually, breaking the

laughed. "You keep saying that. She's two. Everything she paints looks

grinned. "It's not just blobs. There's intent. Trust me-l see a lot of kids' art, and hers stands

to take your word for it," I said, shaking my

eyes crinkling at the corners. It was an easy kind of laugh, the kind that made the night

the conversation

about your wife?" Vivian asked softly, her

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288 Vouchers

careful.