Series: The Laws of Opposite Attract Series by Vi Keeland
Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 105253 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 526(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105253 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 526(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)
I looked over at my sister, whose face had turned red at the mere mention of her crush, Holden.
“Mav sleeps through the night and also sometimes during the day,” Billie said. “We definitely have it easier than Lala and Holden do. Mav’s also a bit older than Hope, so that probably has something to do with it.” Billie turned to my sister. “Did Hannah tell you how much fun we had the other night? I’m grooming her to be our future babysitter.” She winked.
I placed my hand on Hannah’s shoulder. “You want to go get us something yummy from the counter?”
She nodded. “What do you want?”
“Get me a latte and a cookie, please.” I handed her some cash. “Get whatever you want, too.” I reached for her shopping bags and set them on a spare chair. Then I sat down next to Billie.
“She’s a great kid.” Billie looked over to where Hannah stood in line. “We loved having them over for the night.”
“Thanks again for helping out with that.”
“Of course. They’re good kids. And you’re totally a saint for giving up your life to be here with them.” She took a sip of her coffee. “Forgive my language, but I’d love to wring your mother’s neck.”
I rolled my eyes. “Get in line.”
Billie reached for my arm. “I’m sorry you guys took that trip for nothing.”
“Well, I certainly could’ve had worse company. Owen made it seem like a mini-vacation.” My cheeks tingled thinking about him.
Lala chuckled. “We’ve never seen Owen so interested in something besides his damn job. You’ve definitely cast a spell on him.”
“We’re just friends,” I was quick to say.
Lala flashed me a skeptical look. “Really?”
I swallowed. “How much do you know?”
“We know about the one-night stand,” Billie said matter-of-factly.
Great.
“Okay.” I sighed. “He mentioned that he told the guys, so I figured maybe you knew. I’m glad I asked. I don’t want to sit here and bullshit you.” I exhaled. “Obviously our history makes things complicated between us, but it doesn’t change the current status of our relationship. We are truly just friends, despite what happened the first night we met.”
“I think the way you met is fucking awesome. The coincidence of you living in the building after he thought he’d never see you again?” Billie grinned. “What are the freaking chances?”
“It’s the stuff romantic comedies are made of,” Lala added.
Billie shook her head. “I thought you guys were on your way to something special. We love Owen and want the best for him.”
I nodded. “Exactly. But I don’t think the best for him is me.”
Lala tilted her head. “Why do you say that?”
“We won’t have enough time before Hannah gets back for me to list all of the reasons.” I looked out the window for a moment. “If I’d met Owen at some other point in my life, things might’ve worked out. But it wouldn’t be fair to drag him further into the current mess. And also, his life is here. Mine is in L.A. That’s a pretty big factor, too.”
Those were the last words I was able to get out before Hannah returned. We sat with them for about a half hour before the babies woke up. Then we all walked back to the building together, and before we parted ways, Billie, Lala, and I vowed to go out to dinner soon. Billie told me I could drop my siblings with Colby while we were out, which brought me a ton of comfort, because leaving them for any great length of time in the evenings was always a recipe for disaster. Laurice, who’d watched them the night I’d met Owen, was down in Florida for a month, so I had no one else to keep an eye on them right now.
That night, after both kids were in their rooms, I began ruminating again about tomorrow. I’d done a pretty good job distracting myself today, but that was wearing off now that I was home and essentially alone.
My phone chimed.
Owen: Just wanted to let you know I’ll be thinking of you tomorrow.
Devyn: How did you know I needed a distraction right now? I’ve been pretty worried about it.
Owen: Well, I’m here to distract.
Devyn: I had coffee with Billie and Lala today.
Owen: Holden told me.
Devyn: He has a big mouth.
Owen: Understatement of the year. LOL
Devyn: They know the whole story about us. I figured they did, but they confirmed it.
Owen: Does that bother you?
Devyn: No. They’re cool.
Owen: Did they try to pry?
Devyn: A little, but with the best of intentions.
Owen: You told them the truth?
Devyn: Yes.
Owen: Damn, you admitted that you’re scared to go near me out of fear that our combustible chemistry would be too much for you to handle? I’m surprised you were that candid. ;-)
I smiled.
Devyn: Thank you. I needed that laugh.
Owen: Ouch! LOL
Owen: Seriously, I’m sorry tonight is rough.