Page 50 of The Hero + Vegas = No Regrets

SIXTEEN

Worth

Even though my sisters and I argue and get annoyed with each other, we’re tight. They were little when things started falling apart, so they don’t remember when we were good as a family—but they understand the bond we have. We don’t talk about it. We don’t need to.

But it’s why I’m slightly on edge at the idea of introducing them to Sophia.

Sophia is running a little late. I’ve told her to text me when she’s on her way. I’ll come out of the restaurant to meet her, so she doesn’t have to walk in on her own.

I press send on my message and look up to find Poppy and Avril approaching the table.

“Happy Thanksgiving,” they both chorus.

“I have a present for you,” Avril says, dropping a roll of paper on the table. It’s tied up with a bow. “I’m going to spoil the surprise and tell you it’s my business plan for dropping out of Columbia, and it’s also a midterm report saying how I’m up to date and passing all my classes with a grade point average of three point two and rising.”

“So why do you want to drop out again?” I ask as my sisters slide into the seats either side of me.

“I never wanted to drop out because I was failing. I was failing because I want to drop out.”

She’s right. It’s an important difference.

“You need to read the report,” Poppy says. “It’s great and what we all need.”

“What weallneed?” I scoff. “I’m pretty sure I need my sister to graduate from the Ivy League school I’ve been paying for.”

She puts her hand on my arm. “Just keep an open mind,” Poppy says. “I think you’ll be surprised.”

I groan and check my phone. No message from Sophia. “I’ll read it like I’d read any other business proposal.”

“Perfect,” Avril says. “You’re always harder on us than you are on everyone else, so that should work in my favor.”

I raise my eyebrows. “I can’t remember the last time I paid for college for anyone else but you two. Can you order some drinks? I’m going to call Sophia and see where she is.”

“Sophia,” Avril says. “I can’t believe you’re actually introducing us to a woman. I thought you might be gay. Bennett is absolutely gorgeous.”

“I’d take Jack if I had to pick one of them,” Poppy says. “And if I had to pick two of them, I’d take Fisher as well.”

“We are all gay,” I say. “The wife and girlfriend thing is just an elaborate beard operation.”

“Called it,” Poppy says.

I roll my eyes and stand, only to lock eyes with Sophia as she walks into the restaurant. “Wow,” is all I can say. She looks incredible. She’s wearing a huge smile and her hair is in a braid, with curls falling around her face. She’s in a jade-green dress and she seems to shine.

Her gaze flits to my sisters, but I can’t keep my eyes off her.

“Hey,” she says as I slip my hand around her waist. She presses a kiss to my cheek, holding back more than she normally does. I know it’s because we have an audience.

“Sophia, this is Poppy and Avril.” They greet each other with hugs and Avril switches seats so Sophia can sit next to me,

“We’re excited to meet you,” Avril says. “We’ve never met one of Worth’s girlfriends. Just his boyfriends.”

Lucky for me, Sophia starts to laugh. “Is that right? Bet none of them rocked heels like I do.”

My sisters laugh, and I smooth my hand over Sophia’s leg. She’s passed their first test. No doubt there will be more.

“Worth just admitted that his friends’ wives and girlfriends are just beards.”

Sophia shrugs. “Well, I don’t think gay men are quite as good with their tongues as your brother, but I might be wrong.”

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