57. Chapter 57
Charlotte
Wandering through the house, I find Kayla and Hannah in the kitchen. “I’m just saying, Mama S, the man Theo has with him is fine as hell, and did you get a load of that accent?”
“What’s going on? Who’re we talking about?” I ask as I grab myself a glass of iced tea.
“The hottie Theo brought with him. He’s a single dad and pretty new to the area. Theo met him when he was out walking Max and has been hanging out with him since. His little girl is the cutest little thing, too.” Kayla gushes.
“Aren’t you married?”
“So? I can look, but obviously not touch. No one gets me going like my Frenchie, so he has nothing to worry about. Come on, let me introduce you.”
Kayla takes my arm and leads me out to the patio where the men are huddled around the grill. A little girl, who can’t be any older than four or five, is playing on the ground with Max, Theo’s golden retriever.
“Charlie, meet Seth, Theo's friend.” The guy turns round, and I see what Kayla means—he is very handsome. Not my type, but I could see women going crazy over him.
Jake comes to wrap his arm around my middle, “Seth was just saying he’s transferred here to the veterinary practice on fifth. Isn’t that where Bella goes?”
“Wow, what a small world. You’re probably in charge of all these dogs right?”
Seth laughs, “Yeah, I’ve actually just come from there. Theo invited me here with Soph. I hope you don’t mind.” Holy British accent Batman.
Jake slaps him on the back “Nah, man, the more the merrier, and she looks like she’s having a great time.” He tilts his head toward the little girl giggling away with all the dogs around her.
“She loves dogs. She keeps begging me for one, but I don’t have the time unfortunately.” He takes a sip of his beer and is pulled back into conversation with Theo.
“I’m going to go and join the girls for our book club meeting.” Pressing a kiss to Jake’s lips, I go to join the girls and chat about all things books.
As soon as my ass hits the chair, Kayla asks, “So, girls, what did we think of For The Fans?”
“I’ve never wanted to see two guys go at it more since reading this book,” Alyssa fans her face.
“Agreed. It was so hot, wasn’t it? I literally wanted to ask Louis if he would ever be with a man, but since his dick doesn’t even work these days, there was no point,” Kayla shrugs.
“I see we’re definitely still salty about the piercing.” Alyssa waves her hand around, gesturing to Kayla’s mourning wear.
“Salty isn’t even the word,” Kayla huffs.
“Well, I have to say, as spicy as this was, I really felt for Kyran, for what he went through with his family and past,” Hannah says.
“Agreed. I loved the spice, but I loved the relationship he built with Avi and how he helped him to overcome his past,” I muse.
“I listened to some of it on audio while I was away with work, and oh my God, the narrators were so hot. Ten out of ten, would recommend.” Alyssa takes a sip of her drink.
“Oh, I love a good audiobook, especially when I used to run,” I sigh wistfully, remembering those days when I could go out running. Isn’t it funny how once you can’t do something anymore, you long to do it? Hopefully, I’ll soon get the all clear from PT to be able to get back out there.
Kayla’s nose wrinkles in disgust at the word run. I guess she won’t be joining me anytime soon. “Anyone got any ideas for our next book?
“How about something mafia?” Alyssa suggests.
“Mafia sounds good. My friend read one where a woman was kidnapped by the leader. I was curious about that. Let me text her and find out what it was called.” Hannah grabs her cell and types away.
“That sounds great, definitely something different for us to try,” I say, intrigued.
“I’d love a tattooed dark mafia boss to kidnap me.” Alyssa shudders in excitement when she notices her mom staring at her. “Whoops! Sorry, Mom, I forgot you were here.”
“Evidentially.” Hannah rolls her eyes as she pours more iced tea from the jug.
Just at that moment, the guys stroll over with a plethora of barbecued goodies, including some veggie options for me, and we all dig in. Little Sophia has decided she wants to sit in between Theo and Seth, where he’s cutting her burger into quarters for her.
Sitting here enjoying the spread in front of me, I’m transported to my birthday. Of Bella in a beret and enough food to feed a small army. Of Jake giving me those Riley Green tickets.
Another memory unlocked.