Page 191 of Broken Ties (Rixon High 4)

“Oh, hi,” I said, shooting Sofia a ‘please behave’ look. “We’re so glad you came.”

Eli hugged me but Leo was a little more wary.

“So I guess I owe you an apology,” he said.

“It’s okay,” I replied, aware we had an audience.

“No, I was a dick. I swear I’m not usually such an asshole.” He flicked his gaze to Sofia. “For what it’s worth, I really am sorry.”

“It’s fine. Isn’t it, Sofia?”

“Yeah, I guess.”

“Aaron is at the bar if you want to get drinks.”

“Great.” Eli grinned. “We’ll do that.”

“So what’s the deal with the two of them?” Ezra asked, watching the two of them walk off.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“What? No one else picked up on it. They’re—”

“Not ready to be outed by the likes of you, E.”

“Fair enough. But they don’t need to hide it on my account.”

“Hide what— oh. Oh. That’s why he was such an ass that night.” Realization dawned in Sofia’s eyes. “Wow, it makes so much sense now.”

“I didn’t tell you because it’s not my story to tell.”

“I can respect that,” she said, glancing around the bar. “Where’s Cole?”

“Oh, he isn’t coming.” Ezra shrugged.

“Why not?”

“Something about a family dinner.”

“Oh.” Disappointment washed over her.

“You know if you two get together we could all group date,” I whispered.

“Shh,” she hissed. “Don’t let anyone hear you say that crap. Aaron will freak.”

“I’m sure he’d come around to the—”

“Poppy, stop. I already told you, it’s never going to happen.”

“Fine. My lips are sealed.”

“Good.”

The guys returned with our drinks and Aaron slid in beside me. He dropped his arm over my shoulder and smiled down at me. “Everything okay?”

“More than okay.”

I had everything I ever wanted.

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