Chapter Twenty-Four
LILY
Apollo and I demolished the first of the two three-packs of condoms before the sun came up. We’d probably have gone through the second pack already but I warned him if we did, we’d have to go without until the shipment came in. So now he has them officially rationed to use one a day. We’ve already used today’s and he’s already regretting the ration. We’re both ready for my doctor’s appointment next week.
“They’re here,” I shout when the doorbell rings.
Only Blue and Parker know Apollo is here. Hopefully, Parker is over getting star-struck since she’s already met him once. Still not sure how Haley and Charlie are going to handle him. We’ll find out in a second.
Apollo gives me the thumbs up from around the corner, through the door to the hallway that leads to the bedrooms and bathroom from the living room. Letting me know he’ll be ready when I announce him.
We thought it would be best to ease them into it with a little preface and introduction.
The girls pile in when I open the door. Their hands full of wine and arms full of me as they pass through the door into the house.
“Let’s get this party started,” Charlie says waving her bottle of wine.
“Hold on a sec,” I say over their cheering. “Sit down for a minute.”
“Uh oh,” Haley says as the four of them sink onto the couch. “Bad news already?”
“Oh, don’t you hate getting bad news on vacation?” Charlie chimes in.
“Ruins the whole vibe,” Haley agrees.
“Or lets you find the man of your dreams,” Blue jokes, and they all bust out laughing. Even Parker, who has been content to just listen and enjoy the show, as usual.
“It’s not bad news,” I assure them as their laughter subsides. “It’s actually really good news.”
“Better than you finally taking some time for yourself?” Charlie asks.
“Much better. And one of the biggest reasons I finally did.”
“Well… Out with it then!” Haley shouts while Parker and Blue exchange knowing looks biting their lips together trying to keep quiet.
“Well…” I say mocking Haley. She sticks her tongue out at me. I do it right back. “I’ve been seeing someone.”
They all tease me with cat calls and sexy whistles.
“Yeah. Yeah,” I say rolling my eyes but unable to hide my smile. “Anyway. He’s here and I want you all to meet him.”
“Yes! Bring him out!” Haley calls.
Charlie practically talks over the top of her. “Yes! Show us the man who finally got Lily Carmichael to quit working.”
“You guys…” I say shaking my head before going on with the introduction. “Ladies and ladies. May I present to you...” I turn to step out of the way as Apollo’s foot appears in the doorway. The room goes quiet, then erupts with fan-struck screams when he steps out as I finish, “Apollo Christensen.”
Even Parker has stars in her eyes for a second. Probably before remembering what happened the first time she met him.
At least Blake knows he’s here this time. And that I’ve gotten serious with him, so I don’t expect Blake to come kicking down the door. But it’s Blake. So who really knows?
There’s a lot of incoherent chatter and swooning before I’m finally able to get them to calm down and listen to me explain how big of a secret this is and that we’re trusting them to keep it.
“Of course, Lily,” Charlie says.
“We’d never do anything to jeopardize your happiness. You know that,” Haley adds.
“And you know we’re good for it,” Blue says putting an arm around Parker, her new mom friend.
