Page 53 of Queen Rose

Nate

We had to fucking sneak out of Aria’s bedroom. She hadn’t wanted to chance any drama from her family, so we escaped out the balcony and into the backyard. Fortunately, once I climbed over the rail, I realized it wasn’t a long drop if I hung from the edge. Safely in the backyard, we’d split up, me in my Jeep, and her in her freshly detailed car that she’d gotten back from Scarlett’s uncle earlier today.

I hadn’t wanted to separate, but she’d wanted to fulfill her promise to Brandon, even though he had no clue she was coming. And about ten minutes after I got home with the Twizzlers I’d promised the kids for game night, true to her word, she’d walked in the door with hot dogs and french fries.

Brandon got so excited he did a silly little dance right there in the kitchen, waving his arms around like a crazy person. And Becca was so happy to see Aria, she clung to her side for several minutes after she arrived. It was pretty cute.

The kids have been having the best time with Aria. They played three rounds of Candyland and, honestly, I don’t know who was having more fun, Aria or my siblings.

It’s been a fucking great day, despite me not knowing how things were going to go when I got to her house earlier. I meant every word I’d said to her. I would do anything for her. Apparently, that includes helping her sneak down from her balcony so she doesn’t have to face her family. And after the return of Becca’s bag, the lake house trip, the hot dogs, and all the Candyland, I seriously think she’d do anything for me and my family, too.

I let out a happy sigh as I close the book I’d been reading for a bedtime story.

“Will Aria be here in the morning?” Becca looks up at me, blue eyes full of hope.

“Probably not. She has a bed at her house to sleep in. But maybe we’ll see her later in the day, okay?”

Brandon claps his hands and bounces in the bed, totally not ready for sleep. “Yeah! I can watch Batman with her!”

Overstimulation is definitely a thing. I help him get situated under the covers and bend down to kiss his forehead, speaking softly. “I’m sure she’d like that. I’ll ask, okay, buddy?” He nods happily, then turns over on his side, his plush Batman figure tucked under his arm.

I cross to Becca’s bed, giving her the same treatment.

Just as I’m slipping out the door, Becca whispers, “She likes you.”

I smile. “Yeah. I think you’re right.”

“And you like her, too?”

“I do.”

She quietly squeals. I hold my forefinger to my lips and shoot her a conspiratorial wink in response.

I’ve just backed out of their room when I hear something like a glass being knocked over in the kitchen. I hurry in to find Mom and Aria staring at each other, a glass of water tipped over between them. My mother’s mouth is opening and closing at a fantastic rate, her face a little red as her eyes bounce between Aria and me.

“Nate? Is it true?” Mom quietly asks, her face grim.

Aria begins to shake her head, and I can see the apology in her eyes. She hops up from the table, tearing her gaze from mine. “I’m so sorry. So sorry.” She grabs paper towels in the kitchen, and runs back. She peels some off the roll, mopping up the mess.

“So sorry about what? Will someone tell me what the hell is going on?”

Mom stares at me, hurt sliding over every one of her features. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

It’s like a direct punch to my solar plexus. All the wind is knocked out of me. There’s a buzzing in my ears, and I barely hear the continued conversation.

The corners of Aria’s mouth tug downward. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking. I asked Erin if you’d found another job yet.”

“Nate. What happened to your scholarship? Are you not going to college? Please tell me there’s an explanation that I’m not understanding.”

I swallow hard. Heat washes over my skin, making my hands clammy and my cheeks bright red. I can’t believe she’d do this to me. My eyes flutter shut as I stand there, soaking in the reality that Aria’s betrayed my trust.

Avoiding her eyes, I clear my throat and focus on Mom. “I didn’t want to bother you with it.”

Mom’s stare is incredulous, like she can’t believe I’d lie. But I did. And now I hate myself for the pain it’s causing her on top of everything else.

Aria scurries to the trash bin with the wet paper towels, then comes back and sits down. She puts a hand over my mom’s, squeezing gently. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—”

My gaze slides to Aria. My words fire out at her. “It wasn’t for you to tell her. I told you I wasn’t going to—”

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