TIFFIN 2

92

Only a few more chapters 🤗👀 yes; another wedding is happening and the series will continue, but things are about to get more intense 😅
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The rest of the week took a toll on me. I had asked for a leave of absence so my stacks of clients doubled higher than ever. On top of all this, my wedding was fast approaching. Much faster than Jo's had.

Oh no... Josephine! She was due to return wasn't she? Well, she hadn't texted yet. I would have to see about that. 

I was angered at all the activity ensuing. People threw invitations at me, I was presented with bridesmaids, the decor was thrusted upon me, and many more things. 

In the back of my mind swam the issue of my mother in law. She was still in trouble, I knew she was.

I just couldn't find a time to sort out a meeting with her. 

Brendan had my full attention, dragging me out to dinners and drinks, discussing the plan of action to get the team back together again. 

"Josephine has been in love-land long enough." He said. "She needs to get her ass down here and be here for your special day." 

That, I agreed with. I really did miss my friend, but it sure was nice to hang with Brendan again. I realized what I'd been missing amid all this private drama in my life. 

He still didn't know about what happened at the frat.

I would need to tell him and Jo at the right time. 

Kylie and Rose took up my time just as much as anyone else. They didn't join us on our outings, but they did gather with us at my apartment. 

It was safe to say that Hero was not happy about this. He excused himself many times when he saw us huddled in front of the flat screen. 

Kylie frowned when this happened. 

"This is his home," she said, "I hope things aren't strained because we..." 

I shook my head at her negative atmosphere. 

"No, not at all." 

I didn't think he was awkward because of their past at all. Her or Rose. I'd noticed that the box of evidence had vanished completely. I knew he'd stowed it away or....

Had he given it to his mother? 

What if I had been wrong? Maybe it wasn't her in that photo.

The same night that we were gathered around, and made a point of baking pizza, I received a random text that read: 

On the plane ride back to Chico. Did I miss anything? 

I smiled at Josephine's name blaring on the screen. I instantly began typing unaware of several pair of eyes focused on me. 

Brendan recognized my patterns, instantly jumping to my side. 

"Is that Jo?"

"Yes," I smiled. "She might even make it back for the wedding." 

"Who is she?" Rose asked, digging into a carton of ice cream. 

I quickly pocketed my phone after sending my message. 

"Oh, it's Hero's cousin. She just got married to his best friend." 

Rose nodded. 

"So, I see you are all pretty close."
 
This made me think. I suppose we were all close. Pondering over this made me realize how much had changed since Josephine left. 

She would want to know why all these new people were in our circle. Especially Kylie.
 
I immediately decided to change the subject. 

"Have you found a date yet? We need to all meet him and make sure he's the real deal." 

We all leaned in close as Rose spoke. 

"It's not that serious. It's just a one- time thing. Besides, I've decided to go with Raybans. He's.... well... more easy going than all the others." 

I raised an eyebrow. 

"What do you mean?" 

Rose picked at the cotton on her pajama shirt. 

"He asked me something no guy has ever asked me in my life... he pushed the matter of what I wanted..." 

Kylie, it seemed, hadn't really heard about her taste in guys and how they tended to treat her. She eyed Rose with a lost expression. 

"What do you want?" 

Rose bit down on her bottom lip. 

"I want someone to treat me like I'm worth something. I'm so used to being the one- night stand that it's all becoming so... sad. I need a guy that wants to stay together for the long haul."

"Me too," Kylie replied softly, "I've always settled. That's not what I want anymore. I know this dating app isn't the best option, but... Ezekiel seems like he respects me." 

Like a missing piece to the puzzle, Brendan stepped in, voicing his concerns. 

"As you have all figured out, I'm gay. I dress too fashionably for my own good and make prissy girls jealous when they walk by. I don't think it's too much to ask for some hunk to sweep me off my feet and dazzle me with hot sex... or something like that." 

We all laughed at his witty response. He really did know how to soften the mood, though his needs were just as important as anyone else's. 

Before I was ready to say a thing, all heads turned to look at me. I knew what they wanted from me, but I couldn't sympathize with them in such a way.

I took a deep breath. 

"I already have everything I want. I couldn't imagine wanting to change it. I don't say this to be insensitive but I think he and I were always meant to be together. I was the one to change him and..." 

I trailed off trying to find the right words.

Kylie swallowed.

"You two complete each other. Hopefully that never changes."

I know some of you are worried about Rose and Kylie hanging so close to Kristina but trust me...

It's a good thing.

You'll see 👌