Page 24 of Twins with Daddy’s Bestie

The reason Olivia and I can't continue our relationship is chewing with his mouth open right across from me, but I can't deny that I want more. Would pissing Leonard off really be the end of the world? Sure, his arms are almost as big as my head, but if his daughter is happy, would he be that upset?

We finish our dinner, catching up on each other's businesses, talking about people we went to college with, and reminiscing about old times. When we're all done, we part ways, and I head home for the night, replaying the conversation in my mind.

Maybe there’s a world where she and I can entertain the idea of a relationship. But maybe I’m just getting my hopes up for nothing.

15

Olivia

I've been looking forward to brunch with my friends all week.

Ever since I started working for Drake and Callie started dating Steve, it’s been harder for our friend group to get together.

Having a girls’ day and bonding over bottomless mimosas will be the highlight of my week.

Callie and I split an Uber to the restaurant, already anticipating being a little too tipsy to drive after brunch.

Michelle and Brianna are standing outside the restaurant when we arrive. We run over to them and collide into a four-way hug, all of us talking over one another about how excited we are to see each other.

“Can we make sure this is a regular thing from now on?” Michelle asks once we're seated on the patio and handed our menus. “I feel like I haven't seen you guys in years.”

“I know!” Callie shouts, holding her hand across the table. “It's been torture being away from you two.”

“Congrats on the new job, Livvie!” Brianna says, nudging my arm as everyone turns their attention to me.

I see the mischievous look in Callie’s eyes before she says anything, and I kick her under the table. I should have known better than to tell her about Drake. One sip of alcohol, and she’ll spill every secret she’s ever been told.

“Thank you guys,” I say, holding their attention so no one sees Callie's reaction to the kick. “It's been incredible so far. Everyone there is so nice.”

“Maybe a little too nice,” Callie adds smugly. Someone else is about to ask a question, but the server arrives to take our drink orders first.

Everyone else knows what they want to eat but me. “Sorry; she’ll be a while,” Michelle says to the server with a laugh. “She needs to make sure she orders the perfect dish.”

“Is it such a crime to want to enjoy what I eat?” I ask without looking at any of them as I scour the menu. I've probably had most of the items on the menu, but figuring out what flavors I'm craving today takes time.

The three of them laugh about how picky I am as I narrow my choice to two dishes. One of them is eggs benedict with a Sriracha hollandaise sauce.

I would normally avoid spicy breakfast food, but my curiosity is piqued. The other choice is chicken and waffles, which is a classic for good reason.

When I've made my decision, we flag down our server and I order both. I've never been unhappy about leftovers in the fridge.

“So, what do you do at your new job? You're like a corporate chef, right?” Michelle asks, sipping her first mimosa through a straw.

“I really just cook for the employees at the office I work in,” I say with a shrug. “It's one of those offices with a bunch of perks for employees. Basically, I make them bagels every morning, and they're supposed to enjoy working more.”

They pepper me with various questions about my job, all happy that I'm finally on my way to living out my dream. I maneuver the conversation as far away from the fact that I work for Drake Vance as possible, but I can tell that Callie is dying to spill the beans. I knew telling her was a mistake, and it's only a matter of time before all of Los Angeles knows.

I grab my Bloody Mary and take a small sip, wincing as my stomach gurgles when the tomato juice hits it.

“You okay?” Callie raises an eyebrow suspiciously.

“Yeah, I just shouldn't be drinking on an empty stomach.” I laugh it off, pushing the drink aside and pouring a glass of water from the pitcher the server brought us.

My stomach doesn't want to settle while we make small talk and catch up after not seeing each other for a month. Of course, everything they're telling me I’ve already learned through our group chat, but discussing our latest drama and hearing about other people's breakups doesn't hit the same way over text.

Soon enough, our server walks through the patio doors with our food. I'm starving, and I feel like if I don't get something in my stomach, this nausea will never go away.

“Here you are, ladies.” We thank him and hurriedly grab our forks and knives to dig in.