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Mia s
tood between Dad and Alexi, arms out like the turkey loaf wishbone.
Chapter 28
Hope’s eyes widened. She quickly walked over and put her hand on top of Alexi’s. She squeezed it gently and nodded for him to let her have Mia’s arm.
Alexi slowly released Mia and frowned when Dad guided her to the door.
They were treating her like a baby, but Alexi needed to understand it all would blow over. Mom and Dad weren’t unreasonable, just surprised.
Mom stomped over, grabbed Hope’s arm, and pulled her toward the door after them.
“Wait,” Niko said when he realized they were taking Hope too. “Hope’s not a child.” He started after them.
Hope shook her head frantically over her shoulder at Niko. She made a call me later gesture with her hand.
Niko and Alexi followed them out. The morning air had a slightly crisp feel; the season’s first cold front had arrived. The cool air and the grayness of the sky couldn’t stifle her feelings as she watched Alexi. He lifted his hand to his neck and squeezed it as he looked at the sky.
Mia texted Alexi when she got home. Hey, handsome, what a first kiss!
Alexi typed a smiley face, and Yes. Come over now.
Can’t.
Yes.
Can’t. It’s Thanksgiving. Family day. Parents are fuming…what a first impression. How’s Niko? Hope’s in with the parents fighting, totally taking the heat off me.
Pick you up at seven, tomorrow?
Her heart leapt. Yes. It crashed just as fast. No, sorry…Lauren’s party.
Be my date?
Her insides couldn’t take this roller coaster. She was back at the top soaring and wrapped in twinkle lights. Cool. When you pick me up, bring Niko. I’ll wear something he and my parents can yell about. It’ll help them bond.
Like what?
I’ll find something. My parents called the house and had the maid gather my stuff. I bet she packed the water bra. See you tomorrow.
Chapter 29
The joy at being home surprised her. All her stuff was here and laid out where she wanted it, the decorations and mementos familiar. It was home. Plus, she had a date with Alexi tonight. Life was exciting.
“Is it weird that I’m nervous?” Mia pulled a brush and then the heated straight iron through her hair, getting ready for her first official date with Alexi. She touched up the back, and then unplugged the hot iron.
“Not at all.” Hope smiled. “It’s weird that I am, though.”
Mia shook her head. “Not after the fuss Dad made. I don’t envy you telling Niko you can’t move back in until after the wedding.”
“I haven’t even missed the loft. But if it makes Mom and Dad happy, and not worried, well, I can wait to live with Niko. I think.” Hope bit her lip. She went over and knelt beside Mia. “I’m sorry about moving you in with Niko. It was very selfish and thoughtless.”
Mom and Dad had gotten to Hope. “Don’t say that.” Mia gestured toward the door. “They’ll come around. They just need to get to know Niko better.”
“I understand now that people have been gossiping about you, and I didn’t notice,” Hope said.
“People like Willow don’t matter to…” Mia shut up when tears welled in Hope’s eyes. Maybe Hope hadn’t known about Willow.
