Since Forever: An Anders brother's novel by L.M. Maretti

Author:L.M. Maretti [Maretti, L.M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-01-31T18:30:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

GERTIE

“C ooper, please be careful. Don't slip on the water at the edge of the pool.”

“I've got it, Mama.” He rolls his eyes at me in typical five going on fifteen fashion. I suppose he learned that from me too. Cooper, one point, zero for Mama.

I hadn't planned on coming today, but when Aidan mentioned having a pool party in front of Cooper it was all he could talk about for days. Finally, I gave in.

“Hi Mr. Noah!” Cooper yells from beside me, I feel my stomach drop and avoid looking in the direction he’s yelling.

I've done well not thinking about Noah for the last week. Really well actually. I'm totally lying to myself.

The only time I didn't actually think of him was when I was sleeping. Then I dreamt of him. I sigh before making my way over to Jules and Aidan sunning themselves by the pool.

“Hey guys,” I say, forcing a smile to my face. “I didn't realize you’d be here, Jules.”

“Karissa from cardiology told me about it, I wondered if you'd be here.” She leaps up to embrace me.

“Noah is totally staring at your ass, by the way,” she whispers in my ear.

“Thanks, but I'm trying to pretend he's not here.” I grimace. “Aidan is totally staring at yours,” I whisper back.

“Stop, he is not.” She denies, shaking her head and uncharacteristically, blushing before sitting back down.

“Coop, my man! What's up dude?” Aidan says, giving him a high five. “You come to party?”

“Yea, I cleaned my room like Mama asked, so she let me come!”

“Good man, good man. Let's go swimming. Is that okay, Mama?” Aidan asks, glancing at me.

“Of course.”

“Watching him with Cooper is adorable. He has such an easy-going, chill vibe, doesn't he?” Jules says next to me.

“That he does. You planning babies with Aidan, Jules?” I elbow her teasing.

“Absolutely not!” she whispers. “Oh my god. Keep your voice down! He just seems like a nice guy, is all.”

“He is a nice guy. You should go out with him. See where it goes.”

“He’s way too young for me. Besides, you're one to talk, Gert. Little miss straight and narrow. Hey, where's your suit anyway?”

“I'm not swimming. I don't plan on staying long. I was just trying to appease the mini demon.”

“Lucky for you, I brought two and chose the more risqué one for myself. Follow me.” She drags me along.

“Jules, I’m really not in the mood for this.” I whine as she locks us both in the bathroom and shoves a suit at me.

“Even more reason you need to put this on.”

“What is this?!” I shriek, holding up the small scrap of fabric.

“Gertie, I love you, but you've been moping around for far too long. You don't want to give in to the obvious fire lurking between the two of you, fine. But you can at least torture that man with what you won’t give him. Now put this on.”

“There's nothing to put on!”

“Stop being a baby and get undressed.”

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