As I climbed the stairs to my apartment, relief filled my mind and put a bounce in my step. Things could've gone much worse at lunch. Whether Mother or I caused our issues, having less tension between us was a weight lifted from my shoulders.

My parents' acceptance of Joby shone a better light on them as well. Any other reaction would've been the last straw for me, no matter how Joby handled it.

Maybe we could start fresh with them—water under the bridge, can't change the past, all of that. Or maybe we'd always have a stilted and tiring relationship based on obligation. For now, as far as I was concerned, the ball was in their court. I'd put in as much effort going forward as Mother and not a drop more.

My phone rang, and I dug it out from the bottom of my purse. Laurel's name lit up the screen.

"Hello!" I answered as I slid the key in the lock and entered my apartment.

"How did it go?"

I smiled at the excitement in her voice. I should've known she'd be waiting for an update. "It went well. Mother apologized, if you can believe it. She even called me Liv. And they were cool with Joby, so that's a load off."

"Wait. What?"

"Lunch with my family. It was pleasant. Everyone played nice."

"Oh! That's great! I'm glad, and I want to hear all about it later. But I was asking about your date with Andre."

Tingles covered the back of my neck at the mention of his name. "Right, duh. I clearly need to get my priorities straight."

"Clearly," Laurel agreed. "So, where did you go?"

I left my bag in the foyer, and paced to the kitchen for a glass of water. My mouth fell open. "Aww." Andre had arranged the new flowers in a vase, and left it on the table. He must have cleaned things up when he got our dinner. I hadn't noticed in my rush out the door.

"What's aww?"

"I just realized Andre cleaned a mess we made last night and put the flowers he brought in a vase. They're so pretty."

"Hold up. What mess? I think I'm missing important details."

Warmth spread through me. "We decided to stay in."

Laurel shrieked. "Yeah, you did! That's my girl! Tell. Me. Everything."

I carried my water to the bedroom, ready to get things done and nap. As I reached the doorway, I stopped in my tracks. The sheets that had been in a heap on the floor were straightened over the bed. All traces of dinner were gone, including the wine glasses. They hadn't been in the sink. Did he wash them and put them away?

"Earth to Liv. Where did you go?"

A smaller vase holding three of the white lilies from the bouquet sat on my nightstand with a scrap of paper leaning against it. Andre had written, 'Get some rest. I'm looking forward to seeing you tonight.'

The note and Laurel's irritated huff made me giggle. "Andre cleaned my room. He even took the boxes out."

"What boxes?"

"I ordered some art supplies. He helped me rearrange the furniture and set things up."

"Jolivette Clementine Carson, if you say that man did chores and nothing else, I'm coming over there to shake some sense into you."

My huge grin caused an ache in my cheeks, but there'd be no getting rid of it. "That wasn't all. We did other things first... and later... and this morning."

"Okay!" Approving sounds came through the speaker. "What kind of things?"

"The kind I'm not telling you."

She scoffed. "You will eventually. I can wait."

I snickered as I kicked off my boots and tossed my jacket on the dresser before climbing under covers that still carried the scent of Andre's cologne. My bed had never been more appealing.

"Anyway." I yawned. "I'm exhausted. Tell me the plan for tonight so I can text Andre and squeeze in a nap before I get ready."

"If it's fine with you two, you can meet Enzo and me at the Korean Steakhouse at seven. I figure that's a long enough meal for you to get a read on him."

"Sure, that sounds yummy. I haven't been there in forever. I'll pay attention, but my opinion doesn't matter if you don't like him."

"I need an outsider's thoughts."

"You got it." Clothing options ran through my mind, reminding me of New Year's Eve. I'd need something for that too. "What are we doing tomorrow?"

Laurel made that popping sound with her lips that meant she was deep in thought. "I don't know. There's a party at that club in Buckhead."

"Ew. The place with the flashing lights and blaring music?"

"Yeah, that's true. What about Elixir? Strong drinks and a low key vibe."

"Awesome! I invited Joby and Nate, and I'll tell Andre tonight. He might be busy, though."

"Okay. Don't say anything around Enzo. I'm not sure I'll invite him."

"No problem. I'll text you when Andre gets here."

"Nighty night."

"Night." I ended the call, but before sleeping, I needed to tell everyone what was going on.

To Joby, I sent, We're going to Elixir tomorrow night. Hope you guys can make it! Probs get there 10ish.

Then I texted Andre. You didn't have to clean, but thank you! We're meeting Laurel and Enzo at the Korean Steakhouse at 7, so if you want to get here about 6:30, that'd be perfect. For NYE we're going to Elixir. I was hoping you'd come too if you don't have plans?

Flipping to my alarm, I set it for five. That should be plenty of time to shower and get ready, including thirty minutes for a clothing-related breakdown.

Before I could set my phone on the nightstand, it alerted me to a text. Andre wrote, I couldn't leave a mess for you. I rarely do anything for NYE. Elixir's fine as long as you'll be there. See you at 6:30.

Excitement and happiness raced through me, making it difficult to relax, but eventually, I fell asleep.

***

A few minutes before seven, Andre and I were sitting in his truck in front of the restaurant. I decided on jeans, black ankle boots, and a black v-neck sweater. Andre wore a similar, but more manly version of the same casual outfit, a fact that made us both laugh when he picked me up.

We expected Laurel and Enzo to pull in any minute, but the restaurant wouldn't seat you until your entire party had arrived, which was fine. We were in no rush as we chatted about a nearby hobby store.

Andre sighed and set his phone aside. "It'll be closed when we leave here. We could go next week?"

I'd mentioned wanting to flip through some books on different painting techniques and he'd jumped into locating a place with a variety of them. "That'd be nice."

"There's a bookstore beside it we could check out too. I could use some new reading material."

"Maybe we'll find something to read together, like a little two-member book club."

"Sure." He curved his finger under my chin and leaned over the center console to peck my lips. "You're so cute."

I beamed as my cell vibrated and kissed him once more before sliding it from my pocket. It was a text from Joby. Sorry it took so long to respond, busy day. Nate's in, so we'll see you at Elixir tomorrow.

I tapped out a reply and returned my cell to my pocket. "Joby says he and Nate will meet us at Elixir too."

"Cool. It'll be fun."

"Don't mention it around Enzo, though. Laurel wasn't sure if she'll invite him."

Andre blew out a breath. "I feel kinda bad for this guy, and I haven't even met him."

"Me too." I wrinkled my nose and pointed as I spotted Laurel waving at me from the passenger side of Enzo's car as they drove past. "There they are."

I opened my door, and when I collected my purse and my feet hit the ground, Andre was there, waiting to take my hand. We crossed the parking lot and stood on the sidewalk, giving Laurel and her date time to catch up.

They walked toward us from the back corner of the lot, with Laurel leading him. She turned to speak to Enzo twice and slowed her pace, but he stayed a step behind her. By the time they reached us, she already seemed frustrated, but she brightened as she studied the way Andre stood with his palm resting on my hip, holding me against his side.

"Hey! Sorry you had to wait on us." Laurel leaned in to give me a hug and whispered, "Girl, you should see how your man looks at you."

My tummy tingled as I straightened and said, "Hi, Enzo. I'm Liv, and this is Andre."

The guys did a fist bump in greeting while Laurel appraised Andre's every move. When he held his hand out to her, she took it with a smile. "Very nice to meet you in person."

"You too." Andre nodded. "I've heard good things."

Laurel arched an eyebrow and smirked. "Me too." She gestured to the entrance. "Let's eat. I'm starving."

Once seated, the waiter delivered salad, pickled vegetables, and a variety of dipping sauces, before lighting the fire in the center of the table. After taking our drink orders, he zipped off to the bar.

"I've never been to one of these," Andre said. "It smells great in here."

"It's all so yummy." I added salad to both of our plates and passed the bowl to Laurel.

"That's the truth." Laurel popped a spicy dressing covered bite of lettuce in her mouth. "Even salad is better here."

Andre skimmed the menu. "How does this work?"

"It's a set dinner price, and you order whatever you want." I pointed out the list of meat choices. "They bring these out in a marinade or whatever and we grill it right here."

"Can we get beef bulgogi?" Laurel asked. "That sauce is amazing. I swear it'd make my shoe taste like heaven."

Andre chuckled, and I said, "Yes! It's my favorite too." I peered at Enzo, who sat quietly beside Laurel and realized he hadn't spoken since we'd sat down. "Have you been here before, Enzo?"

"A few times." He ran his fingers over Laurel's shoulders, fiddling with her braids.

"Do you have a favorite we should order?" I asked.

"Not really. Anything will be fine with me." He hugged Laurel closer, and she rolled her eyes at me.

A server delivered our drinks, and Andre placed our first order—the beef bulgogi and a spicy chicken dish, along with some vegetables.

Maybe Enzo was shy? That wasn't my impression when he asked Laurel out, but he could be more comfortable in his own environment. "Enzo owns a fantastic Mexican restaurant." I told Andre to try and include Laurel's date in the conversation.

"Wow. That must keep you busy."

"Yeah, it does." Enzo sipped his beer. This guy was Telenovela hot, but he wasn't chatty.

For the next hour, Laurel, Andre, and I ordered several things to grill and eat as we drank and conversation went from work to the two of them bonding over funny stories about my awful athletic abilities. My sides hurt from laughing, and butterflies had taken up residence in my stomach because of Andre's affectionate attention. A minute didn't go by without him touching me, smiling at me, or whispering sweet things.

Through it all, Enzo stayed quiet except for the occasional sound of agreement. He never joined in conversation or suggested anything to order. He didn't fill his own plate or help with the grill. Laurel did it all.

I could see why she had trouble clicking with Enzo—her personality was bubbly champagne, his was tap water. Plus, if what Nate suggested was true, taking care of him probably annoyed her. It seemed draining and not nearly as fun as my side of the table with my hot, doting, perfect boyfriend.

Andre grinned down at me as something thumped me on the forehead, and I jumped. Turning, I saw Laurel twirling a chopstick. She cackled. "If you want a break from ogling your man, I'm gonna run to the lady's room before we leave."

My cheeks warmed, and I giggled. "I wasn't ogling, I was admiring."

"Either way is fine by me." Andre leaned down to peck my nose.

Laurel sighed and jerked her head in a come-with-me-so-we-can-talk-in-private movement.

I patted Andre's leg. "Let me out, please. We'll only be a minute."

He slid out of the booth, and I followed Laurel to the restroom. As soon as the door closed behind us, she said, "Is it me?"

"No. I don't think he's a match for you personality-wise. He's too quiet."

"And boring, and needy." Laurel slumped against the wall. "If you weren't here, he'd have been the same. It's like having dinner alone, except he's there, and I keep trying to get him to talk, but he gives one-word answers. It's so frustrating. I want to stab one of us with a fork just for some excitement."

I cracked up, but her face crumpled into the saddest expression I'd ever seen on her. "Laurel, what's wrong?" I pulled her into a hug. "You don't have to date him. No one has to be stabbed."

Her shoulders shook as she laughed against me and sniffed. "I didn't think this would be so hard. I figured if I ever wanted more, I'd find a nice guy, and that'd be that. Guys are easy to find."

"Really?" I leaned away to meet her gaze. "Have you not been paying attention? What about watching me for the last decade made you think dating was easy?"

"Well, you're doing great now."

"That's true, but it's not like Andre's the first guy I ever dated." I furrowed my brow as I thought that over. "Well, he was, but you know what I mean. We didn't get it right on the first try." And then it hit me. "Oh, my gosh. Is this your first breakup?"

"Yes," Laurel whined and her eyes became glassy. "I thought it was supposed to be easy for the dumper, but I feel terrible, and I haven't even done it yet."

"Honey, I'm sorry." I grabbed her a tissue from behind the sinks and passed it to her. "When are you going to do it?"

"Now. As soon as we get outside. I can't drag this out anymore." She frowned. "Can you guys give me a ride home? I don't want to—"

"Of course we can. Don't worry about that. We'll wait for you in Andre's truck. No rush."

She exhaled slowly. "Hopefully, I won't be long. I doubt this is when the boy will decide to be talkative." She dabbed under her eyelashes.

At the table, Andre stood when he saw us coming. "I already paid, so we're good to go if you're ready."

Laurel's mouth fell open. "You didn't have to do that!"

"It's my treat." Andre glanced at Laurel and did a double take, clearly noticing the anxiety pouring from her.

Before he could question it, I reached up for a quick kiss. "That's very sweet, thank you." I led the way to the exit. As we stepped outside, I continued to the truck, only pausing to wave over my shoulder. "Nice meeting you, Enzo," I called and picked up the pace.

Andre squinted at me and opened my door. "Is everything okay?"

I climbed up into my seat. "Yeah."

"Then why do you seem upset?" He stepped closer, waiting for my answer.

"I feel bad for them." I gestured toward the back of the parking lot. "Laurel's going to dump him, so that sucks for him. Plus, she feels guilty, and it's her first time doing this, so she's sad."

"I'm sorry." He brushed my cheek with his thumb. "I kinda saw it coming though. He's no match for her."

I cringed. "I hope you don't mind, but I told Laurel we'd give her a ride home."

"Sure, that's no problem." He turned and waved. "Here she comes now." He waited to let her in and walked around to the driver's side.

Thank you so much for reading this far with me!! Your votes and especially the comments are so encouraging! I love seeing what you guys think of the story and the characters. 💜

We are very close to the end!! Only one or two chapters to go! 😬