I Hate the Way...

Part 71: "Mrs.Mikaelson"

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The following day, Hope and Josie planned to meet with the event planner for Raf and Ethan's engagement party.

Josie arrived at home later than expected. She was still buzzing from her time spent in the studio with MG and the band, since they were able to wrap up the tracklist for their first album coming up.

As Josie closed the door behind her, she was greeted happily by Peaches, who darted over to her in an instant.

Josie set her keys down before crouching to pet the dog, "Hi baby! Mommy missed you," she glanced around the living area, furrowing her eyebrows, "Where's other mama at?"

Suddenly she heard light laughter coming from the kitchen, and Peaches barked before taking off in the direction.

She followed after the dog, rounding the corner into the kitchen. She paused in her tracks as she was met with the sight of Hope sitting at the kitchen table, looking over some of Dana's plans, the party planner. The blonde woman was leaned just a little too close, her hand rested on the table near Hope's, her smile was bright and far too friendly, and she was laughing at something Hope must've said.

Josie mentally rolled her eyes, 'Okay Hope's funny, but not that funny.'

But her laughter faded when Hope turned toward the kitchen entrance, both of them noticing Josie was home.

But Hope's face lit up, and she stood up to make her way across the room to greet her. "Hey, love," she said warmly, leaning in to give Josie a quick but affectionate kiss. "How was the studio?"

Josie softened a little bit for her wife, casting a subtle glance at Dana before she responded. "It was good, we actually finalized the track list for the album. I can't wait to show you." She tried to keep her voice steady, but her eyes kept darting over to the woman at her table. She kept her smile polite but still guarded.

Hope smiled at that, "I can't wait to see it." She intertwined their hands, "I'm proud of you."

That made Josie's smile much more genuine, and Hope squeezed her hand before guiding her over toward the table, "Dana, this is my wife,J—"

"Josie, I remember," Dana responded immediately, offering a tight smile as Josie and Hope sat beside each other.

Josie's eyes narrowed slightly, resting their joined hands on the tabletop, "So what did I miss?"

Dana's eyes shifted from their intertwined hands to Josie's gaze, then to the images on the table, "We'll we've already gone over most of the plans, so now we're just trying to agree on the venue. I've suggested having it in here. It's simple, cozy, and full of charm," Dana grinned as her eyes shifted to Hope, leaning a bit closer as she said it.

Josie bites the inside of her lip, regretting not sitting in the middle now.

Josie's jaw tightened when Dana's gaze lingered on Hope. And she definitely doesn't want this woman having open access to their home.

She hummed as if in thought, "I think we should do it down by the water. The view is perfect out there, Raf and Ethan love the water, there's more room for everyone. That wouldn't put a damper in your plans, would it?" Josie asked ingenuously.

Irritation flashes across Dana's features but she composes herself very quickly, before offering Hope a smile, her eyelashes fluttering annoyingly, "It's totally up to you, Hope." Her hand lands on Hope's opposite forearm, "Whatever you want."

Josie's gaze darkens while Hope manages to slip her arm away without being impolite. She's not thinking anything of it. But Josie is.

Before she gets the chance to say anything though, Hope replies to Dana, "Actually, it's up to my wife." Josie smirked internally at that, watching the dissatisfaction on Dana's face.