Josie
… is everything okay?
Me
Yeah, all good.
Josie
You sure? Cuz you just gave me the “we need to talk” but nicer message.
My eyes move to Vic,my cheeks red, and a smile of embarrassment on my face.
“I think I messed up a bit,” I confess, and pass my phone to him.
Vic grabs it and reads our messages before cracking up. He’s almost crying from how hard he’s laughing, and I cross my arms defensively. He waves me away, trying to dismiss the embarrassment.
“Sorry, it’s not funny, but it’s funny. Can I?” he says.
I shrug, “Sure.”
He types a message back and hands my phone back, certain that he’s now fixed the situation.
Me
Josie Girl, I just grabbed Henry’s phone. Our poor awkward boy and I want to see you because we miss you.
I’m tornbetween amusement and indignation when Josie replies.
Josie
God, you two are adorable. Get over here.
I look upand grin at Vic, “Bingo, we’re in.”
Grabbing my wallet, I pay for our bill, and we both head to our cars and drive quickly to Josie. The two of us park on the side of the road and almost race to the door. Vic beats me with a “hah!” and raises his hands in victory. He’s busy looking at me and gloating, so he misses when the door opens. Josie looks at him and smiles in confusion, with her head tilted.
“You good there, Vic?” she asks, mischief clear in her tone.
He turns, arms still in the air, and grins at her. “Yes, yes, I am.”
She laughs and opens the door all the way, inviting us in. As the two of us file into her condo, we both take the opportunity to kiss her on her forehead and temple. She’s blushing and smiling furiously as we settle in on the couch. Vic and I settle in on either side of her, and I can’t stop myself from bringing my nose to her neck and inhaling deeply. Her head tilts with a smile of contentment, but I pull myself back before I can get lost in her.
“Well, we do have a question for you,” I admit to her as I pull back.
She settles back into the couch so we’re both slightly in front of her, where she can see us.
“Okay, shoot.”
“Were you serious about wanting to bond us the other night?” I ask.
She frowns a little before looking between us. “Yes, I want to bond with all of you, but I’m not sure how we can with Jesse and Simon out. They really don’t seem to want it, and I’m not about to force them.”
“Would you bond with just us?” Vic asks softly.
Josie looks between us, surprise clear on her face. She bites her lip just a little as she thinks before twisting her fingers together.
“I would love to, but it doesn’t seem fair to keep them out. I want all of you,” she says softly.
