Page 109 of Exposed

I hit Mason’s arm. “Put me down.”

Bee laughed.

“Wait…” someone said. “Brooklyn?!”

No, not someone.I recognized that voice.

Mason turned slightly so I could see upside down who was standing next to Matt.

“Justin?” My voice cracked.

Mason set me down and I ran over to Justin. I threw myself into his arms. I thought he was so shocked that he wouldn’t catch me. But as soon as I launched myself at him, he held on to me so tightly it almost hurt. Like he was scared I would slip away again. I hugged him back.

“Why wouldn’t you prepare me?!” he shrieked and slapped Matt’s arm while he was still holding me tight. “How? How is this possible?”

“Justin, I can’t breathe.”

He laughed and released me. But then he grabbed both sides of my face. “You’re alive.”

I nodded.

“I’m so happy I could…I might…oh, what the hell?!” He slammed his lips against mine.

“What the fuck?” Matt said.

Justin laughed and pulled back. “Nope, still gay. But if I had to marry a woman it would definitely be you.” He patted my cheeks. “God, why do I want to kiss you again? I can’t keep my lips to myself!”

“Okay, that’s enough,” Matt said and put his arm around my shoulders.

“Oh.” Justin’s eyes grew round. “Please tell me it’s finally happening! You promised me 16 years ago that I could plan your wedding. Promise me again right this instant!”

“I mean…we’re not engaged…” I started.

“Of course, Justin,” Matt said. “Just don’t kiss her again.”

“I’ll leave the bride kissing to you, big boy.” He squealed. “What is my life right now?! Brooklyn I have so much to tell you.” He grabbed both my hands. “I did it. I did what you knew I could. I’ve planned so many weddings.” He pointed to Mason and Bee. “I planned their wedding! I have the most successful wedding planning company in the city. Because you believed in me. I owe everything to you.”

I wasn’t sure that was true. But I still jumped up and down with him when he grabbed my hands and started leaping around the room.

“You did that all on your own, Justin. Because you’re amazing.”

“No, you’re the only one who believed in me. The only one. You’re the only one that even asked me what I wanted to do. You don’t understand how much that meant. You actually talking to me instead of pretending I didn’t exist. Meeting you changed my life, Brooklyn.”

I started crying. I couldn’t help it. I thought I’d ruined everyone’s lives. That’s why I’d stayed away. But standing in this room surrounded by family and friends? God, I was such a fool.

Justin grabbed both sides of my face and kissed me again.

I laughed.

“Seriously, everyone stop inappropriately touching my girl,” Matt said.

“Oh, honey, jealously doesn’t suit you. And you have it all wrong. This is my girl. And she’s fucking back, New York City!” he screamed at the top of his lungs.

Chapter 33

Friday

Matt

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