Page 147 of Reconciling With the Rival

Paige throws her arms around Ella and they hug while Oliver and I shake hands.

“Come on in, you guys,” I say as I step into my place.

“God, I’ll never get over that accent,” I hear Paige whisper.

“Me neither, babe,” Ella whispers back.

These girls might be a little crazy, but I love their relationship. You can tell it’s special, and I know Ella spent the entirety of book club last week talking more about us than the book.

I don’t mind at all, though. I’m just glad there’s finally anusto talk about.

The girls head to the living room as Oliver pulls me aside in the kitchen.

“What’s up, mate?”Is he about to kill me right now?I’ve heard rumors…

“I’m pre-apologizing for when Grant gets here.”

I wait for him to say he’s joking around, but he doesn't elaborate. “Why?”

“He’s probably going to ask if you want to take a blood oath as the newest member of the boyfriends of book club.”

“I’m sorry, the what?”

“I’ll let him explain, but this is your formal warning,” Oliver says as more knocks hit my door.

“I’ll grab it, Ella,” I say as she and Paige continue to chat on the couch. I swing the door open to find Hads, Grant, and my sister.

“I ran into them in the car park,” Alissa tells me, a big smile on her face.

“Man, isn't language so cool?” Grant says as he smiles and walks into my place. Hads stops me and holds out something.

“It’s banana bread, a new recipe I tried. Where should I put it?”

Before I can answer, my sister does. “Follow me, Hads. I’ll show you.”

“Thanks, sis,” I say as I close my door. Everyone is officially here, and my palms have started sweating—I want tonight to be perfect. I know these guys are my friends too, but that doesn't stop my nerves.

I want tonight to be perfect; not just for me, but for Ella. Forus.

“Psst,” I hear someone say as I walk back into my flat. “Over here.”

Grant shifts behind the bathroom just off my living room, and I turn to see Oliver shaking his head, already annoyed at whatever’s going on.

“Both of you, come here.” Grant pokes his head back out before Oliver and I make our way into the bathroom. He shuts the door and locks us all in here, turning the lights off as he turns his flashlight on. “Have either of you done this before?”

“You are spending way too much time with Paige lately, Grant. It’s starting to show.”

“Oliver! I told you we were going to do this when it wasn't just us two! And now it’s not,” Grant says as he pulls out a pocket knife. “Who’s first?”

“Is this really necessary?” I ask, a bit in fear for my life in my voice.

“What a great question, Leo.” Grant smiles at me.

“It’s not,” Oliver deadpans.

“Oliver! Why are you always trying to ruin my fun?”

He cocks his head at Grant. “Because I’m terrified of Ella if we happen to hurt her perfect boyfriend.”

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