Page 151 of Just My Type of wrong guy

They brought a box of butter tarts—my favorite Canadian treat—with a note in Martha’s handwriting: “You may have left, but the taste of home was always waiting for you.” Alexandra and I smiled over them at breakfast the next day, and that mix of brown sugar, butter, and syrup filling was exactly as I remembered.

Before meeting my Miss Petulant, my babe, I barely knew how my parents were doing. Now we’ve got a trip planned for the summer. Alex will see the house where I grew up, thestreets of my childhood, the place that shaped me—and I’ll spend time with my folks.

After such an intense year, being alone with her on this New Year’s Eve brings a peace we both needed. And among all the absolute truths life’s taught me, that it always comes full circle is my favorite.

“A kiss for your thoughts,” Alexandra whispers, wrapping her arms around me from behind.

“I was just thinking how damn good it feels to be in love with someone who saw my redemption when I couldn’t,” I say, running my hands along her arms. She kisses my back, slow and sure.

“A very wise man once told me we stumble through life, and it’s lucky to find someone who helps us up.”

“I think he was right,” I say, turning to face her.

“He usually is. But don’t tell him that.”

“Our little secret.” I wink, pressing my lips to hers. “When you left me here, I thought you were getting ready for our New Year’s…”

“I was deep conditioning my hair. But I’ll wash it out and open my mystery box soon,” she teases, playing with the box I gave her this morning.

It’s got everything she needs for tonight: outfits, shoes, the whole deal. I didn’t want her stressing about those little details, so I worked it all out with Dani, who knows exactly what Alexandra likes. Now all she’s gotta do is show up.

“Is there a box for you too, or am I over here in full princess mode while you rock your football jersey?” Her eyebrow lifts in what almost feels like an accusation, and I roll my eyes.

“A jersey on New Year’s, Alex? Please. You forget—I’m not like other boys,” I say, flipping my hair with a grin. She laughs, kisses me again, and disappears back into the bedroom.

***

I take a deep breath, spritz my cologne twice, and fold the flyer Victor sent me before slipping it into my pocket. Christmas is behind us, but this is Alexandra ’s gift, and I’m gonna keep it safe. When I get to the living room, it’s empty. I check the clock—she’s still got eight minutes before we’ve got to head out.

I send a text in the band group chat—Victor and Dani included:

Me:This year was intense. Best year of our lives, I’d say. Thanks for taking me in and giving me the best damn family. Here’s to an even bigger 2025 for all of us.

Dani’s like is immediate.

Dani:The band—and life—would be way less fun without you. Thanks for sticking around and making my days better. But there are still three hours to New Year’s.

I laugh—there couldn’t be a more perfect answer for the girl who insists on only eating after midnight.

Victor:If this year was incredible, just wait for the next. You’ll record the album of the year, get at least four Grammy nominations, and if you don’t have the most profitable tour and win at least two of those awards, I’ll quit. You’ve earned every good thing coming your way.

Victor: Thanks for getting eliminated from Next Idol and becoming my biggest success story in years. You’re the luckiest, most successful failures in music.

Rick: Not sure that was supposed to be a compliment, but I’m offended.

Rick: It’s already midnight here in England, so I can tell you—2025 is going to be amazing. Mine already is.

Thomas: I hope we get a private jet for the most profitable tour of the year, or I’m calling for a disband.

Guilherme: I think we’re Victor’s best band—no idea why he’s treating us like this.

I laugh, my back still aches just thinking about that tour bus.

Victor: I haven’t even hit 2025 yet and he’s already making demands. See you next year, guys. Finish this tour soon so we can start the next record.

He leaves the chat.

Guilherme: A.J.’s right. This was the best year of our lives. We should be grateful—and ready for an even bigger one. Love you guys.

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