Page 59 of Our Little Moments

Hazel, Nate, and Stella rise up.

“Okay. Let’s do this,” Stella says, breaking the previous silence.

I stand up, laughing to myself. How did I let these two involve me in their animosity? Seeing all of us standing around the fire, I know the answer is yes, we really let them involve us.

This is going to be one hell of a vacation.

“I’m starting,” Isabella declares.

“No way. You’re going to choose Adrian and it won’t be fair,” Jay objects.

Isabella smirks. “You really think I’m that predictable?”

Silence stretches.

“Stella,” Isa calls out.

As she walks over to stand next to Isabella, we all stay silent, stunned.What’s your plan, Bella?

Jay smirks at my sister. “Adrian.”

As I walk over to my best friend’s side, Isabella snorts. “And you call me predictable.”

I look over to Stella, who’s looking at everyone around us, clearly looking to see who to choose.

“Hazel.”

My little sister’s whole face lights up as she runs over to Stella.God, it makes my heart ache.

Well. It’s clear Nate won’t be on our team. I couldn’t rip my sister’s best friend away from her, even from this stupid competition. It would hurt me too much to do that to her.

So, it only leaves me with Layla or Sam.

Stella’s gaze meets mine and holds it. There’s a gleam in her eyes, some sort of silent plea. Her eyes fly in Layla’s direction and I understand what it meant.

I smile, looking into her bright green eyes. “Sam.”

Isabella laughs. “Come on. Don’t make this a guys versus girls thing. You’re better than that.”

Hazel’s eyes are bright as she chooses the last member of her team. “Nate.”

As Nate walks over to their side, I watch as Stella’s cheeks heat. I can read her so clearly. She hadn’t considered Hazel would choose Nate and was sure she’d pick Layla, which explains the plea from earlier. I smile at her and, when her eyes connect with mine, the embarrassment fades from her face as she grins.

“So,” Isabella claps her hands, “starting tomorrow, the competition begins.”

The air crackles with tension. Why the hell are we letting tension between the two of them affect all of us?

“God.” Stella laughs. “No need to make it sound so ominous. It’s just a friendly competition between friends.”

Isabella rolls her eyes. “Come on, Stella. Never call a competition againstthis manfriendly.”

Jay laughs.

Everyone heads to bed after that.

Chapter 23

Stella

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