Page 79 of The Jellybean Dilemma

Liam snorted. “Yeah, don’t.”

Gina threw another pillow at him, but this time he tossed it back at her. She caught it and stuck out her tongue before saying, “Maybe if you tell them in a public place, they’ll be less likely to make a scene?”

Derek leaned forward eagerly. “We could all go out for dinner, and you guys could make your couple status known to Mom and Dad.” The way he ended made it seem like there was more, and I waited. He subtly shook his head at me.

Greg nodded. “Seems like a smart move. Any suggestions on restaurants? I’d like to get this over with sooner than later.” His grip tightened on my hip. “I don’t plan on leaving Jellybean’s side much in the near future, so the longer we wait, the more likely we’ll be found out.”

“Aww,” Avery cooed, staring at us, “you called her Jellybean.”

It was so cute when Greg blushed. We all laughed as the guys teased Greg good naturedly. Greg snorted. “Cause Cupcake is so much better.” He arched an eyebrow at Derek, who looked at the floor.

Liam rolled his eyes. “You guys are both saps. I’d never give a girl a ridiculous nickname like that.”

Gina piped up, “Wanna bet?”

Both Avery and Derek yelled, “No!”

I blinked at their vehement interference, wondering what that was all about. Derek changed the subject and suggested a few restaurants which Avery vetoed. Liam named one I hadn’t heard of—The Gilded Lily. Avery, Gina and Derek all vetted it, while Liam grinned, smug at the unanimous support. We checked our calendars and picked a couple of dates. I’d confirm with our parents, then make the reservation.

With all the difficult stuff out of the way, I finally began to relax. Greg got up to get each of us another glass of wine, and Derek beckoned me toward the hallway. Curious, I followed him.

“Okay, I have a huge favor to ask you.” He leaned down to whisper in my ear. “Can you help me?”

A huge smile spread over my face, and I had to clamp a hand over my mouth to keep from squealing. I nodded. “Of course, I will. That’s so exciting!”

We picked a time to meet, then he swore me to secrecy, even from Greg. Well, this could get interesting. I returned to the living room. Greg studied me in a silent question, but I just smirked, shaking my head.

Two hours later, I was beyond exhausted and ready for home. Greg had kept my wine glass filled, but he’d switched to water after his second glass. We said goodnight to everyone. I hugged Derek a little more fiercely than he expected, I think, but he patted my back.

“I’m glad you came tonight, sis.”

I grinned up at him. “Me, too.”

We made it back to my place, my empty shell of a house that sparked no feeling in me. I walked into the dark room, flicking on lights and I felt…nothing. I missed the warmth and coziness of the cabin.

Greg plopped my bags in the entryway, drawing my attention. “You’re staying, aren’t you?” I blurted out, desperation underlining every word.

“As long as you want me to.” He reached out to squeeze my hand. “We could go somewhere else, anywhere else. I have a roommate, though, so maybe not there.”

I shook my head, loving his thoughtfulness. “No, I’ll be okay, just as long as you stay with me.”

“Of course, Jellybean.”

* * * *

It was weird to be back in my old life. Several weeks had passed, but I just couldn’t find my groove. Like trying on a pair of pants that used to fit, but now those pants bagged in all the wrong places. I’d checked in on all my charities, made sure my mom didn’t need help in her absence, and tried to be happy with Greg.

Scratch that. I was happy with Greg. It was everything else I wasn’t happy with.

Maybe I needed to redecorate. It might help to have a project to throw myself into, something to keep me occupied. I sighed. I’d have to keep thinking.

For today, at least, I had a distraction. A horn honked outside, and I hurried to open my front door. Derek’s sleek black Mercedes waited at the base of the steps. I gave him a cheerful wave as I trotted toward him. I’d decided to forgo my usual Jimmy Choos in favor of a cute pair of dressy boots with much better traction since Greg wasn’t around to escort me this time.

“Hey, Rhonda,” Derek said when I slid into the passenger seat.

“Hey. No chauffeur?”

He shook his head. “One less person for Avery to interrogate. She is ruthless when it comes to knowing surprises.”

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