Chapter 18

“Our house is too quiet mind if we join your game?” Mrs. Carter asked with her usual warmth.

We’d always spent New Year’s Eve together before everything happened. This year, Mom had politely declined their dinner invitation, but you can’t exactly turn away guests at your door.

Aiden naturally gravitated to the seat next to mine, watching me play poker. My cousins, oblivious to our history, kept making those classic “when’s the wedding?” jokes. I laughed them off smoothly while Aiden’s jaw tightened more with each comment.

At midnight, when everyone headed outside for fireworks, he caught my arm, clearly wanting to talk. That’s when my phone rang.

Blushing slightly, I pulled away from him to answer. It was Jake from my photography club back at Stanford – a local California guy with an infectious laugh. He wasn’t the brooding type like Aiden; instead, he was the kind of guy who could make anyone smile, always ready with a terrible pun or a ridiculous

story.

alone. I kept him on speaker, letting him join

wanted to be the first person to wish you happy New Year. So… happy New Year,

for a few more minutes. When I finally

clearly heard

His voice was rough.

honestly, after considering

stayed quiet for what felt like

to rejoin the poker game, he spoke again:

you never really know someone until you do. I’ll take my time deciding. Thanks for the

seemed to hit a nerve.

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255