Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 48632 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 243(@200wpm)___ 195(@250wpm)___ 162(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 48632 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 243(@200wpm)___ 195(@250wpm)___ 162(@300wpm)
“Do you like sweet treats? I love them, but Auntie Ronnie is more of a salt lover.” Briar comes right up to me, grabs my hand, and takes me to the dessert table.
“Don’t mind Briar, she’s all about desserts. She’ll leave you be in no time, especially once Sebastian finishes setting up his guitar,” Kennedy says with a shrug of her shoulders.
“Shoot, I need to go take care of these,” Lennie says, pointing down to her breasts. It’s then I realize she must be pumping. “I promise I’ll be right back, and we’ll chat some more.”
“Go, go. No need to worry about me,” I say once we’re at the table with an array of treats. “These look delicious. And to answer your question, yes, I love desserts of any kind. I even make a few that Uncle Matthew likes, especially chocolate chip cookies.” I don’t take on that he’s refusing to let me send any to Colt or Locke. I’ll have to eventually do it when he’s in court one day and doesn’t know I’m baking.
“Did you bring any?” Briar asks with hopefulness.
“Not this time. I did bring macaroni and cheese. Though, it might not be very safe with it being outside with all the men.”
“I’ll go get it! The men should never be trusted with food, my dad especially.” Briar takes off, and I’m assuming it’s Sebastian who’s following right along behind her.
“Be careful and use two hands,” Kennedy says to their retreating backs.
“I’m Winnie, Johnny’s my husband, and Sebastian is our nephew, but he’s ours all the same. I’ve had him all along, and when I came back, he took to Johnny faster than I ever thought possible. But that’s a story for another time. Lyric is up next.” Winnie comes over to the table, pops a piece of candy in her mouth, and returns to her seat on the couch.
“Hi, that’s me. The big Viking dude, Jagger, is mine. We’re the best friends-to-lovers, girl-moves-away, dad-causes-her-to-lose-touch, girl-comes-home, still-loves-the-big-oaf, and-they-finally-get-back-together love story, Lyric says without taking a breath.
“Did someone just recite a bunch of tropes in their falling in love story?” Lennie comes returns to the group, and all of us laugh.
“Are you a reader?” I ask.
“Girl, yes. What about you?” she replies.
“If audiobooks count, then absolutely.” I take the vacated seat where Briar once sat before.
“We should start a book club. I mean, once a month might be a bit much considering we all have busy lives,” Macie suggests.
“Can we add some romantasy to the mix?” This comes from who I assume is Shae, who has yet to introduce herself. “Oh, sorry. I’m Shae. The conversation kind of got away from me.”
“Hi, nice to meet you. I’m good with romantasy.” Honestly, as long as there’s a happily ever after at some point, that’s all that matters. “I just listened to this one book where she finds out her fiancé is cheating on her, moves across the pond with the help of the hero’s family in order for them to get their castle back in Scotland, and falls in love in the process. The story is so good, but the narrator’s Scottish brogue is absolutely superior.” Everyone’s eyes turn to me, and it’s then I realize I’ve really gotten into the storytelling part.
“Okay, that will be the first book.” Lennie fans herself.
“I’m adding Letty to the group chat now.” Ronnie goes about doing so, and I feel a ping of vibration in my back pocket.
“Alright, I have to ask. How are you handling Matthew and this big group of problem solvers the men are?” Kennedy asks, coming back in from outside with no kids in tow and the food we brought in her hands.
“Are they doing anything out of the ordinary right now?” Lennie asks.
“Um, no. Unless you count Matthew spilling the tea that Letty is moving in with him since her lease is going up.” I’d roll my eyes at him gossiping like a teenage girl on her first date. Except I know he’s happy that I’m finally able to breathe a bit when it comes to bills and will get back into school. What I didn’t count on is that he’s making sure I’m moved in by the end of next week.
“He’s so proud of himself. It’s okay, though, because I made him wait for the answer for a few days. He really has fixed a lot of my problems that happened in my past, with, of course, the help of Jude and everyone else. But yes, I’m moving in with him. I tried to offer to pay rent, but he wouldn’t let me. I did get him to concede, but still, he gave me hell. I’ll keep working for Ophelia part-time, cleaning the penthouse and cooking. My roommates are also going their separate ways, which came as a shock, but our rent went up exponentially. Mischa has a boyfriend, Liv is going home to her parents, and well, things with Matthew and me are obviously serious,” I round out the story.