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“I want you to move in on Monday, the second you get back.”
“Xander, I can’t move in on Monday.” I had a rental agreement, I had to give notice.
“We’ll see,” he muttered. “Now talk to me so I can fall asleep to the sound of your voice.”
“Xander, I can’t do—”
“Humor me.” I could imagine his pouty expression and puppy dog eyes.
Flopping back against the pillows, I let out a soft sigh. “You’re a pain in my ass, you know.”
“I know, but you love me.”
“Yeah, I do.”
It wasn’t every day you got to move in with your hero. But Xander was so much more than that to me. He was my savior. My confidante. My best friend. My soul mate.
He was the man I was going to spend my life loving.
And I couldn’t wait to see what the future held for us.
Ashleigh
Two months later…
“Uncle Xander, you came,”I threw my arms around him and squeezed him tight.
“Congratulations, Leigh Leigh.” He held me at arm’s length, studying me. His brows knitted, his mouth thinning. “Are you drunk?”
“It’s a party. Our graduation party. Of course I’m drunk.” I flashed him a devious grin. “But don’t tell my dad. You have to promise you won’t—”
“Relax, Leigh,” Peyton said, slipping under his arm and burrowing into his side. “He won’t tell him. Right, babe?” She smiled up at Xander.
Jeez, it was still weird to think of them together. One day, if they got married, she’d be my aunt.
Whoa, mindfuck. My best friend and my aunt.
Peyton smothered a chuckle and I blinked at them.
“Did I say that out loud?”
“Yup. You might want to lay off the alcohol, Leigh.” She gave me a pointed look.
“Shit, sorry.” I hiccoughed. “I didn’t mean… I mean, it’ll be cool if you do get married. I’m totally up for being your niece and—”
“Leigh Leigh?” Uncle Xander said looking a little flustered, and I nodded. “Stop talking now.”
“O-okay.”
“We’re going to find Bryan,” Peyton smiled, “you’ll be okay?”
“Yeah, I’m good.” It wasn’t a total lie. I was happy to be here, celebrating with my friends. We’d made it—we’d survived high school. Soon we’d all be chasing our dreams at college.
Well, most of us.
I searched Bryan’s crowded yard hoping to see a glimpse of Ezra.
I knew he probably wouldn’t come. After all, he hadn’t graduated like the rest of us. But it didn’t stop me from looking for him, hoping that maybe, just maybe, he would come and celebrate with the rest of us.
