Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Oliver shot Finley a glare sharp enough to cut through the thick tension in the room. "You think you can compare to Josie?"

Finley threw up his hands in surrender. "Man, I can't hold a candle to your precious Josie, alright? I was just running my mouth. My bad, I'll zip it. Happy now?"

Just then, the door to the private booth swung open.

Shay sashayed in, decked out in a plunging black cocktail dress that hugged her curves. Her lush waves cascaded over her shoulders, and her makeup was done to the nines, turning every head in the room.

"Sorry I'm late, guys."

Finley's jaw nearly hit the floor as he stared at Shay, unable to blink. "Shay, look at you! Late? You couldn't be late if you tried."

Oliver set down his wine glass with a clink, his gaze cool as he turned to Finley. "Thought it was just us tonight?"

Shay quickly chimed in, eager to clear the air. "Oliver, don't be mad at Finley. It wasn't his idea to invite me. I heard you guys were hanging out and I just... showed up."

An icy aura seemed to radiate from Oliver as he locked eyes with Shay, his words cutting like a blade. "Shay Cunningham! You're not family, so cut the 'brother' act. It's nauseating!"

With that, Oliver stood up, his anger carrying him swiftly towards the door.

defiant lift of her chin. Her eyes brimmed with

be like this, Oliver? I never wanted to make you angry. That's not why I'm

out to

Shay's not out to get you. Let's just chill out, okay? Sit down, have a

as he shot back. "You're blind, Finley, but I'm

was at a loss. He couldn't fathom why Oliver had such

the fathers out

a throw pillow from the couch

eline

sending her tumbling

the ground without blink:

laying a linger on

her s

as a porcelain

chance

tear-streaked face looking up at him her skip now even

Oliver didn't spare a glance

as if chased by demons