Chance gasps. “That’s it? After all the professional distracting I did, that’s all I get?”
I should’ve known asking him to keep Xavier occupied while Aveena and I worked on our reveal would come at a price.
I fold my arms over my chest. “Take it or leave it.”
He pretends to think about it.
“What flavor?”
I inch the pack of gum closer to my face. “Strawberry bliss.”
“Sold.” He snatches the pack out of my hand before tossing the piece of gum into his mouth. His arms come to wrap around my waist a moment later, and he smiles. “I’ll take my payment now.”
He starts by pecking my lips. Then he dives back in for more. I have to pull away before things get heated. I don’t want to miss Aveena’s announcement.
I turn my back to him, and Chance takes the hint, circling my body with his arms from behind. Slouching against his chest, I squint in search of Aveena’s and Xavier’s silhouettes. They should be halfway to the top of the cliff by now. I spot them soon enough and make quick work of texting Theo, giving him the green light on the next part of our plan. He answers with a thumbs-up.
Neither of us speaks as we watch Aveena drag a confused Xavier up the cliff. They’ve barely made it to the top before tears begin to steam up my sight. I can’t hear what they’re saying from here, but I don’t need to.
I see Aveena take his hand under the moonlight, leading him to the edge of the cliff while staying at a safe distance. Then I see her point down at the shore below them. Most precisely at the words we spent ten minutes writing in the sand.
I’M PREGNANT.
We probably looked like two immature college girls drawing in the sand earlier, but now? Seeing the way Xavier backs away in shock, turning to look at his girlfriend, I know it was worth it.
Aveena nods, moving closer to him, but Xavier doesn’t waste a second picking her up into his arms like he’s a fucking prince straight out of a Disney movie. My palm flies to my mouth, a lone tear gliding down my face as he holds her in the air for a second and then kisses her. Aveena’s arms wrap around his neck, and it’s almost perfect.
Only, something’s missing.
Shit, I forgot to give Theo his cue.
I shoot him another message.
Dia: NOW!
Jaw-dropping fireworks fill the sky with bright colors less than ten seconds after I press Send. Xavier and Aveena sever the kiss, alerted by the noise, and turn to glance up at the night sky. They stay up there for long seconds, embracing each other and enjoying their front-row view of the fireworks.
“She’s lucky to have you as a best friend.” Chance’s breath fans my neck as he props his chin on my shoulder. I told him all about Aveena’s announcement and our plan to make it epic when I asked him to distract Xavier.
“I’m the one who’s lucky,” I say with a sniffle, teary eyes riveted on the display of true love in front of me.
Chance kisses my cheek. “And I’m a lucky guy.”
“Yes, you are,” someone comments behind us.
My stomach sinks when the familiar voice wraps me up.
My first reflex is to detach Chance’s arms from my waist—don’t ask me why, I have no idea—before swiveling around to face Finn. I knew it was him just from his voice, but my heart still somersaults when I see him standing there with his hands deep into his pockets and his smile as cunning as you’d expect it to be.
“What do you want?” I skip the pleasantries, my voice dry.
My reaction doesn’t faze him one bit. “Just thought I’d introduce myself to your…” Finn pauses for a moment, grimacing like the word makes him sick. “…boyfriend.”
What the fuck does he think he’s doing?
“Who’s this?” Chance rests his palm inches above my hips, pulling me to his chest as if to mark his territory, and Finn’s eyes drop to Chance’s hand touching my body. I tense up, my skin burning as Finn stares at Chance’s fingers for a brief moment, his jaw muscles twitching.
“I’m Finn.” He snaps out of it, staring Chance dead in the eyes in anticipation of a reaction. He’s probably hoping that his name will ring a bell. Chance and I have had the “ex” talk before, but I never told him Finn’s name.