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Chapter Twenty-Six
When Ollie suggested this party, they knew it was because she was in love with Jackson. Ollie had never worn her heart on her sleeve and everyone she’d dated had to fight for her love. After Pierce, Ollie had stayed clear of introducing them to her best friends. But Jackson wasn’t like Pierce or Nina.
Having everyone there felt good. She watched their friends mingle and despite having met for the first time that night, they seemed to get along like a house on fire. Ollie might have spent most of the time cuddled up against Jackson in her favorite chair, but that didn’t take away from enjoying everybody else’s company. Ollie also made a mental note to ask Frankie about Milo, because those two looked far too cozy for people who hadjustmet.
Speaking of Frankie, her best friend was the best party planner on the planet. Not only did she have games for a little ice breaker, but when she was organizing the party, she’d designed name cards. If you gave Frankie the freedom to plan a party, she went all out.
Ollie was also glad they had invested in a larger table years ago and it fit everyone comfortably. When the drinks started running low and everyone started to get hungry, Frankie had led them to the table she’d decorated and set up so beautifully. There were flowers on the table, fancy plates and cutlery. She might have complained about planning a party on a rough day, but Frankie knocked this out of the park.
Thanks to the name cards, Ollie was at one end of the table, with Jackson at the other. On her right, at the head of the table, was Milo and on her left was Everleigh. On Milo’s right was Lachlan, Frankie and Jackson. With Gavin closing out the group at the foot of the table.
Lachlan had been in charge of the food, so as it was passed around and everyone tried different dishes, she heard moans at how good everything was. But Lachlan refused to take ownership for the food. That had always been the case and Ollie was so impressed with how good he was when it came to food. Looking at him, you’d think he was a lumberjack most of the time, but he was so damn talented.
They were halfway through their meal when Everleigh said her name softly. Ollie set her cutlery down and reached for her wine as she turned to face Jackson’s friend.
“I know this is really weird, especially since we didn’t know the other existed, but I’m really glad Jackson met you.”
Ollie laughed and took a sip of her wine. “I’m really glad he met me too. And also I’m gladwegot to meet.”
Everleigh chuckled “I’m going to strangle these boys later, I’m always looking for more girlfriends. You and Frankie seem to have a pretty good relationship going.”
“Well, we’ve known each other for a while. And Lachlan fits into our trio somehow.”
“I totally get his place in this group—that’s how I am with the boys,” Everleigh explained and with a quick nod at Milo, she smiled. “And it’s only because we used to date.”
“Honestly, it could have ended after your relationship was over, but it says a lot that they kept you in their circle.”
“I guess?” Everleigh blushed. “But I’m only bringing it up because Jack’s ex really pulled a number on him.”
“Yeah...” Ollie nodded, pretending like she knew what Everleigh was talking about. Ollie realized she’d done quite a bit of talking about her past relationships, but Jackson never offered.
Everleigh was still speaking. “I think we all knew she was wrong for him. But tocheaton him and brush it off like it was nothing, that was harsh.”
“I’m sure,” Ollie agreed, her heart racing as she glanced at Jackson and found him laughing at something Frankie said. She turned to her food as Everleigh continued.
“She broke his heart and Jackson doesn’t talk about it, because he believes saying her name will make her magically appear.” Ollie snorted and Everleigh laughed. “But you’re so much better than her. You seem pretty awesome and Jackson is so lucky.”
Ollie made anaw shucksface, her eyes meeting Jackson’s as she glanced at him, a small smile playing on his lips. Tearing her eyes away, she smiled at Everleigh. “I think we both got pretty lucky.”
As everyone was finishing up dinner, Ollie escaped into the kitchen with the intention of getting dessert together. She hadn’t been put in charge of food because she could burn everything, but she’dassistedin the kitchen. But honestly, Ollie wanted to breathe. She knew she was lucky with Jackson, but the fact that he hadn’t told her about this woman, or any more details made her feel a little unsteady.
She was bent over, reaching into the bottom shelf of the fridge for the tiramisu when she felt hands on her waist. Jumping, she knocked her head against the side of the fridge and groaned.
“Fuck, babe, I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.” She winced, grabbing the dessert as she straightened up. Jackson was instantly there, his hand going to the spot on her head and touched it gently. When she flinched, he made a face and opened the freezer. He’d been in her apartment so much, it seemed so natural for Jackson to find a kitchen towel and empty ice into it, wrap it up and hand it to her.
“I didn’t think I’d scare you. You okay?”
“Yeah, got a lot on my mind.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
Ollie sighed heavily, pressing the towel to her head as she moved around the center counter to grab the dessert plates and spoons Frankie had set aside.
But she changed her mind and turned to Jackson. “Why don’t we talk about your exes?”
His eyes widened. “What?”
