Page 24 of Accidentally Falling For My Best Friend
“He’s planning to abandon us all and move to some weird town in Montana to be with his one-true-love,” Adrian adds theatrically.
“I am not moving to Montana,” Beck says flatly. “I’m trying to plan a visit there for a few weeks during the off season, it isn’t that big of a deal,” he insists. Interesting that he ignored the whole “true love” thing, but I don’t call him out on that.
“Your entire life has been focused on the Werewolves. You leaving for a monthisa big deal,” Jordan adds.
“So, Parker, you’re awfully quiet back there," Beck says, obviously trying to shift the focus off of himself.
“Am I ever particularlyloudin a group of people?” Parker deadpans, glancing up from what looks like a sudoku app on his phone.
“Good point,” Beck admits. “But, what’s new with you?” he asks, turning around as much as his seatbelt will allow to face Parker.
“Umm…” Parker mumbles and his cheeks pinken a little like they always do when the focus is on him. I hate when people try to put him on the spot in social situations, and usually I jump in, but I’m completely off my game today with how awkward things feel between us.
He doesn't ever struggle at work, he can talk business and numbers without hesitation, even in large presentations or important meetings, but when the focus is put onhimand not the work, he doesn’t love it. He doesn’t seem to blurt out random thoughts as much as he used to growing up. I can tell the moment that Parker settles on what to say as he sits up a little straighter and the blush fades. “Your brother is trying to get me fired by demanding the most expensive resort renovations possible,” he says with a slightly teasing tone.
Teasing is good. It's normal. We’re totally normal.
“That sounds about right,” Beck agrees with a laugh, then launches into more questions about the resort.
“I’m invited to the opening, right?” Adrian asks in an over-the-top, sugary-sweet tone. He’d no doubt be batting his eyelashes at me if he wasn’t driving.
“Yeah, we’re hoping to do a friends and family soft-opening at the end of next March before the resort is officiallyopen to the public for the peak tourist season. I know there will still be hockey, but I’m hoping that you’ll all be there.”
“Fuck yes, I’ll be there. If the CEO can run off to the mountains for over a month, his assistant can go on a free island vacation to Bora Bora,” Adrian eagerly assures me. “Beck, consider this my official time-off request.”
“I have no doubt that you’ll make it work,” Beck agrees.
“I will also definitely be there. It sounds really cool,” Jordan adds.
“We’ve already launched a marketing campaign in the bridal world and reached out to a few engaged celebrities to see if anyone would be interested in early bookings for next year. We’ve offered a discounted rate for their promotion,” Parker adds. “April and May are already fully booked, so we need to make sure everything is ready before then.”
“Sounds stressful,” Jordan replies.
“It’ll be fun!” I insist. Glad that we’re focused on a topic that can distract me from last night.Except there I go thinking about the kiss again.
Dinner should be super fun and not awkward at all.
12
PARKER
June
“You never think I’m awkward,” I say as I pet Spot.
Oakley’s grandparents’ five-year-old Dalmatian and I have always had a special bond.
Oakley’s family has always included me in their dinners, even lovingly referring to me as his “better half.” I love spending time with his brothers, parents, and grandparents, but it’s also nice to take a break from all the noise and people, and soak up the affection from Spot while I can.
I’ve always loved animals, how uncomplicated their obvious loyalty and love are. Growing up, we moved around too much for us to ever have a dog of our own, and then, when it was just me and my mom, asking for another thing that she would have to be responsible for seemed selfish.
Oakley’s offered for us to adopt a dog many times over the years. Our condo allows pets and even has some dog-friendly amenities, but I’ve never been able to picture one being happy in our indoor space with nowhere to really run.
If we’re being honest, I’ve also been worried that if we did geta pet, it would become too attached to Oak, and I’d be forced to say goodbye when he inevitably found his wife and finally moved on from being my roommate. I know most people prefer Oakley’s confident humor and easy-going nature over my sometimes awkward and quieter one. Odds are, any dog that we got would feel the same way.
Spot, though, has gravitated toward me since his grandparents adopted him. It gives me a confidence boost every time I see how excited he is at my arrival.
Today, more than ever before, I’m glad Spot has given me the excuse to hide out here and away from Oakley, our friends, and his family. I know I’m being awkward with Oakley, and I don’t want anyone to call me out on it while I’m still so confused about what even happened. Spot looks so full of joy and love as I toss a ball as far as I can. It’s a spacious yard, and he immediately bounds after it, tail wagging the entire time.How could I be anything but happy around him?
