Page 28 of Rewriting the Story

Leo: Don’t ruin the surprise.

Henry: What?

Oliver: Just get in here.

I tilt my head at my phone, confused, but after I gather myself, I head inside.

As soon as I hit the lobby, I not only see a bunch of balloons, but Grant is holding a huge sign, welcoming me into the hotel.

I drop my stuff on the floor before I run my hand through my hair. “You do know Oliver is the one getting married, right? What’s the fuss about?”

“Are you serious?” Grant says as he hands the sign to Leo. “Thefussis because we haven't seen you in years, and somehow, you’re standing in front of us!”

“I wanted to go a more mellow route, but Grant insisted,” Oliver says as he comes over to me, his hand out in front of him. “Welcome back, buddy.”

I return his handshake, feeling nostalgic. “Thanks, Oliver. Congrats on the wedding.”

He can only smile when I say that.

I’m about to introduce myself to the other two, but Grant practically barrels into me, his arms wrapping around me.

“I’ve missed you,” he says into my ear. “How does it feel being a super cool author, and can I tell everyone I know you?”

“Uhh—” is all I can get out.

“Never mind the fact that you already do,” Leo says as he saunters over to us, discarding the sign on the floor. “Sorry if this is overwhelming, mate.”

“Only a little, but I should have assumed this would happen,” I say, my hand massaging my neck. “It is nice to see you guys. I’ve…” I stop myself from saying I missed this, because that’s not something I want to dive into at the current moment.

“Okay, well, we have a lot to discuss,” Grant says as he picks my bags up. “Follow me.”

“Here we go,” Oliver says, a disappointed look on his face. “I’m sorry in advance.”

“Wait, why?”

“Because Grant prepared a long fucking presentation to bring you up to speed on all the things you missed, including my relationship,” Leo says, and God, he is so much more manly than I remember. That accent is pretty killer too. No wonder all the girls practically drooled over him at that Halloween party senior year.

“Actually, I was curious about that. Last I heard, you two hated one another, and she tried to kill you with a bat.” I wasn't actually present for their tiff, but I heard about it a thousand times; Paige would not stop talking about how Ella and Leo were going to get together.

I guess she was right, in the end. She was almost three for three for coupling her friends. I can’t help but wish she could have been right about me and Amelia.

“That’s foreplay for them now,” Grant says as he pushes the conference room door open. “Stop spoiling the presentation. It took me two weeks to put all the information together, and I rented out this conference room in the hotel specifically for this.”

“This took youtwoweeks? How fucking long is it?” Oliver asks him. “And where did you find the time?”

“It’s a normal length for over two years’ worth of life content Henry missed.” Grant smirks at us. “Now, gentlemen, if you would be so kind and have a seat. The show is about to begin.”

“I can’t believe I let you do this.” Oliver merely shakes his head as he sits down.

“At least there’s alcohol,” Leo says, pouring a glass of what looks like bourbon. “Any of you fancy a glass?”

“Nope,” Oliver says.

“I’m okay,” I tell him.

“The only drunk I am right now is drunk on adrenaline,” Grant says as he dims the lights. “Are you guys ready for the best recap of the last two years ever?”

“No,” Oliver says.