Page 166 of The Friend Situation

Abbi scoffs.

“It’s really not a big deal, is it? Sometimes, we marry people who aren’t meant for us. Some of us do that more than once,” Weston offers, chuckling lightly. He put her in her place without hesitation and without even trying. “I won’t make the same mistake twice,” he mutters matter-of-factly.

“Damn,” Dean whispers under his breath.

Weston is used to dealing with presidents, CEOs, and world leaders. My sister is a fly in comparison.

“Third time’s a charm,” she says. “Hopefully, the second is yours.”

My sister glances at me, and I offer her a sweet smile.

She’s enraged. I can see it in her eyes.

No one ever dares to talk back to her, and Weston establishing that boundary early on is smart. If given an inch, she will always take a mile. Not with him though.

“How’s the new job?” Mawmaw asks Abbi, successfully steering the conversation in a different direction.

When the focus moves back to her, she lets out a relieved sigh.

“Fantastic! My boss is incredible. She works me hard, but we click. I even invited her to visit this weekend. There’s a possibility of her sponsoring the Valentine’s Day event next year. If you’re still here, you might all get to meet her.”

I study Abbi, aware of her constant need for validation. This is one of the main reasons we clash.

Weston tilts his head, locking eyes with me. I can’t help but smile. Our silent conversation continues as I lean back against him, feeling him grow hard beneath me. He interlocks his fingers around my waist to keep me in place.

“Stop it,” he mutters against my ear, nibbling on my lobe.

My brother glares at us, and I shoot him an evil eye in return.

“You’re pissing Matteo off,” Weston whispers.

I turn to him, gently placing my palm on his cheek beforemeeting his gaze. It’s just the two of us. Everything in the room fades away, and I’m completely lost in his eyes.

“Wow, you two really are in love,” Mawmaw comments, jolting me back to reality.

My heart races as I become aware of the chatter around us, realizing I was too lost with Weston.

“Love to see it,” my mom adds.

A wave of guilt washes over me, knowing I’m lying to everyone about this engagement.

Weston notices my shift, and his fingers lightly brush against my back. The family continues to steer the conversation back to Weston and me. He shares bits about himself and briefly touches on his work without sounding boastful. My mom seems genuinely intrigued, and so do my brothers, who ask questions that aren’t really their business. Lucas adds in commentary where necessary and makes jokes.

Weston responds thoughtfully, revealing just enough without getting too personal. He works the room effortlessly, commanding everyone’s attention as they lean in to listen. He shines like a diamond in my grandmother’s living room. My sister watches him with an intensity like she wants to eat him for dessert.

“Cake, anyone?” Mawmaw says, almost as if she read my mind. “I’m going to go ice it.”

Weston sips the last of his coffee, his fingers grazing my wrist. “Carlee’s incredible. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without her by my side.” He leans in to whisper, “I mean it.”

I believe him.

Ten minutes later, Mawmaw serves the cake, alongside enormous glasses of milk.

Once the sun sets, she unapologetically ushers everyone out of the house. I feel a wave of relief wash over me as silence fills the room.

I relax on the couch beside him, my eyes scanning over the space. I’ve missed being home so much.

Mawmaw changes into her nightgown and silk cap, then comes into the living room to bid us good night. “Leelee, I assume you’ll be in your favorite bedroom, and Weston will be in the other?”

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