The Girl Next Door

24. Pretend Or Not

Alex's POV

The drive back to Geoff's was quiet, but not in an awkward way. It was like Astrid and I were both processing everything that had just happened. Her grandparents were great—warm, funny, and sharp—but pretending to be her boyfriend had felt a little too natural.

When we pulled up to Geoff's house, the music was already thumping, and the front yard was alive with people. A group of guys stood around a cooler, laughing loudly, while a few others were dancing to a playlist that Geoff probably put together five minutes before the party started.

I turned off the engine and glanced at Astrid.

Alex: grinning "You ready to dive into the chaos?"

She raised an eyebrow at me, smirking. "I didn't know you needed a pep talk before a party."

Alex: mock offense "Who said anything about me? I'm just wondering if you can keep up."

She rolled her eyes but smiled, opening her door. As we made our way toward the house, Geoff spotted us from across the yard and waved us over.

Geoff: grinning like an idiot "Well, well, if it isn't the lovebirds!"

Astrid groaned, but I could already feel the heat creeping up my neck.

Alex: shaking my head "Don't start, Geoff."

Geoff: ignoring me entirely, turning to Astrid "How'd it go with the grandparents? Did Alex behave himself, or did he embarrass you in front of the family?"

Astrid smirked, clearly enjoying this too much.

Astrid: "Oh, he was perfect. Grandma already loves him, and Grandpa gave him the stamp of approval."

Geoff: mock surprise, clutching his chest "The stamp of approval? That's a big deal. Alex, you're practically part of the family now."

Matt and Blaine wandered over, catching the tail end of the conversation.

Matt: grinning "What's this about Alex winning over the in-laws?"

Blaine: deadpan, crossing his arms "I give it two weeks before he messes it up."

Alex: rolling my eyes "Wow, thanks for the vote of confidence, Blaine."

Astrid laughed, leaning casually against the porch railing.

Astrid: teasing "Don't worry, Alex. I told them you're not too much trouble."

Matt: grinning mischievously "Not too much trouble? Astrid, are we talking about the same Alex who spilled an entire soda on his lap during last year's finals week?"

The group erupted into laughter, and even Astrid couldn't hold back a chuckle.

Alex: shaking my head, smirking "Glad to know my best moments are so memorable."

Geoff clapped me on the back, still laughing.

Geoff: "Come on, man. Let's grab a drink. You're gonna need it if you're hanging out with Astrid's grandparents again."

Astrid: grinning at me as we walked inside "He's not wrong, you know. My grandma has high standards."

Alex: grinning back "Good thing I'm used to a challenge."

Her smile lingered for a moment before she followed me into the house, and I couldn't help but think this night might be more fun than I expected.

The party was alive around us—laughter, music, splashes from the pool—but Astrid and I had carved out a quiet corner by the water. The string lights strung across the yard gave the night a warm glow, but the mood between us felt a little heavier.