Knocked Up By The Grump: An Age Gap, Brother's Best Friend Romance by Jaclyn Hartley

Author:Jaclyn Hartley [Hartley, Jaclyn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2024-02-08T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter twenty-one

Emily

“Ilove people-watching,” Lily says as she leans over the railing of our fire escape. “I mean… Just check out those kids down there!”

I follow the direction she points and spot a group of energetic teenagers skateboarding by.

“Right, look at them go,” I remark, nodding toward them. “I wish I had some of that youthful energy left.”

Lily chuckles. “You and I both, Em. But hey, we can still enjoy the view.”

Our attention shifts to a street performer who's gathered a small crowd with his mesmerizing saxophone melodies. I lean closer to Lily and say, “Now that's some serious talent. It's amazing how music can bring people together.”

Lily nods in agreement, her eyes scanning the crowd.

“True. Speaking of bringing people together, look over there,” she says, pointing toward a lively group dancing to the rhythm of another lively street musician. “Those folks know how to have a good time.”

We continue to observe the eclectic mix of individuals passing by, sharing occasional commentary and laughs.

As we watch the bustling scene below, Lily and I eventually find ourselves circling back to the topic on my mind… my complicated relationship with Alex.

“I can't believe you slept with that jerk, Em.” she begins, a gust of warm wind blowing hair into her face.

I can sense the disapproval in her tone. I nod in agreement, my voice cautious as I respond. “I know, Lily, I know. It wasn't my finest moment, alright?”

Part of me wants to feel the same resentment that Lily is expressing, to chastise myself for succumbing to my desires that night. But deep down, beneath all the uncertainty and confusion, a part of me can't help but defend him, even if I shouldn't.

“It's just... it's complicated, Lily,” I finally admit, my voice tinged with vulnerability. “There's more to Alex than meets the eye, and I can't seem to shake these feelings.”

Lily's voice carries a note of skepticism as she leans in, her eyes fixed intently on mine. “You know I’ll always support you,” she says, “If you really think that Alexander Cooper is a good man for you, I will be here.”

“Thank you,” I tell her.

“That being said,” Lily shakes her head, purple hair falling in front of her eyes, “I wouldn't be surprised if he lied to you during that interview for the Miami Times. I mean, do you really think he plans to make any changes at all?”

Her words strike a chord of doubt within me, echoing some of my own lingering suspicions. I thought there was genuine sincerity in his eyes when he talked about wanting to make a change…and it's hard to ignore the spark of connection we shared in that moment. But I've seen the indifferent side of him, the one who seemed more interested in profits than the environment.

I sigh, running a hand through my hair as I lean back on the fire escape. “You know, Lily, I want to believe that he means it,” I admit, my voice tinged with uncertainty. “But with all his wealth

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