Page 34 of Had To Be You

“Maybe, maybe not. I’m not convinced just yet,” Parker says, arching a brow. “I’m not sure how great the Wi-Fi is here, how’s he going to check his email? This might be worse than a colonoscopy for my big bro.”

“Thanks, Parker. I appreciate your earnest opinion. I can live without Wi-Fi for at least an hour before throwing a fit.” Liam claps back in true Liam fashion with a witty, dry comeback.

“Never mind Parker,” Olivia says, shooting a playful glare her fiancé’s way. He raises his hands in surrender. “Parker, I love you madly, but you are wrong about your brother. He has no problem having a good time. He’s also bigger than you and could kick your ass, so I’d be careful.”

Olivia goes up on her toes and takes Parker’s face in her hands, pressing a kiss to the side of his mouth. Our cue to say hello to the others.

We greet the rest of the group, all clearly ready for a good time. Miles, Kate, Jules and Dylan are here, everyone excited to celebrate tonight in anticipation of Parker and Olivia’s wedding, which is exactly one week away.

Liam orders himself a whiskey neat and a glass of wine for me. Once we’ve taken a seat with the rest of the group, settling in on a couch, Miles raises a beer. “Let’s drink to a good night and to Parks and Olivia.”

We all raise our glasses in cheers. I take a sip of my wine, set it down and welcome the warmth it brings to my chest.

Watching my best friend gush over the man she’s about to marry does something to me. They’re so in love, it’s almost too much. And I mean that in a good way. It causes me to wonder…

Could a relationship, a commitment or even marriage make me happy?

This is what I could have.

This is what it could look like.

Could this be what I want, too?

Turning my attention to Liam, I watch him banter with his siblings and can’t help but feel envious at their close family dynamic. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to have a sister to borrow clothes from or a brother to be my fiercest protector. These days I’d settle for having a mom and a dad to meet me for coffee or share Sunday dinners with.

I will myself to stop looking at Liam, who’s too damn good-looking than anyone has a right to be. His thigh is pressed up against mine, his hand resting on his knee. Lucky knee. I shake my head, laughing at myself. I’m now jealous of a knee.

Miles is talking to his brothers now, pulling my attention away from Liam’s leg. “A run tomorrow? It’s been a while since I’ve schooled you two.”

“That can be arranged, but school me? A group of toddlers could out-run you,” Liam says, taking up his brother’s challenge.

“I will destroy you. And you, too,” Miles says, pointing his finger at Parker then miming his finger slashing across his throat. “On a scale of non-existent to sucks hard, your stamina, I’m betting, barely registers.”

Parker leans across the table. “I recall that the last time we ran together you complained the entire time about a hamstring injury and shin splints. So, when I tell you I’m going to shatter you, you should believe it.”

“Never going to happen.” Miles flicks up his middle finger then leans back in his seat, knocking back the rest of his beer.

It’s hilarious watching the three of them take jabs at one another. They could star in their own sitcom and I would watch every episode.

“I’m happy you three have each other,” Olivia chimes in. “How would you ever keep yourselves entertained otherwise?”

“It’s my party trick. Irritating the fuck out of my brothers,” Miles jokes.

“Don’t forget about me,” Jules pipes up, joining the conversation. “No one should forget about me. I’ve been tortured by the three of you for twenty-four years.”

“We’re persistent, Jules. It’s a quality one should admire,” Parker deadpans.

A minute later, the DJ plays a Lady Gaga song and Olivia, Kate and I take it as a personal invitation to hit the dance floor. We excuse ourselves from the table, dragging Jules along with us.

The dance floor is absolutely packed with people, but the four of us manage to slip in amongst the crowd. We sway to the music, feeling the drum of the bass vibrate through our bodies.

Before long, Olivia is in my ear, shouting over the music. “Can’t take it, Ells. You and Liam are giving me major vibes. What is going on with the two of you?”

“We are just having fun. That’s it.”

She slaps her hands on her waist, tilting her head to one side. “Fun? Seriously? He picked you up. That makes it a date. And that also makes it at least the third time you have been together. Liam doesn’t do repeats, so this,” she dramatically waves her hand in the air, “is more than fun and you know it.”

Could it be? Could she be right?

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