Backup Girl No More: Adios to my V-card and My First Love (Brooklyn) novel Chapter 18

Chapter 18 

Chapter 18 

“Our house is too quiet – mind if we join your game?” Mrs. Carter asked with her usual warmth. 

We’d always spent New Year’s Eve together before everything happened. This year, Mom had politely declined their dinner invitation, but you can’t exactly turn away guests at your door. 

Aiden naturally gravitated to the seat next to mine, watching me play poker. My cousins, oblivious to our history, kept making those classic “when’s the wedding?” jokes. I laughed them off smoothly 

while Aiden’s jaw tightened more with each comment. 

At midnight, when everyone headed outside for fireworks, he caught my arm, clearly wanting to talk. That’s when my phone rang. 

Blushing slightly, I pulled away from him to answer. It was Jake from my photography club back at Stanford – a local California guy with an infectious laugh. He wasn’t the brooding type like Aiden; 

instead, he was the kind of guy who could make anyone smile, always ready with a terrible pun or a 

ridiculous story. 

He claimed he called just to count down the New Year together, not wanting to celebrate alone. I kept 

him on speaker, letting him join our family’s celebrations from across the country. 

Before hanging up, he laughed sheepishly. “Truth is, I just wanted to be the first person to wish you 

happy New Year. So… happy New Year, Brooklyn!” 

I couldn’t help grinning as I wished him the same, chatting for a few more minutes. When I finally 

hung up and turned around, Aiden was standing there, his expression glacial. 

He’d clearly heard everything. 

“Boyfriend?” His voice was rough. 

“Not officially,” I answered honestly, after considering it. 

Aiden stayed quiet for what felt like forever. 

Just as I was about to head back inside to rejoin the poker game, he spoke again: “Long–distance relationships rarely work out. You should find someone closer to home.” 

I nodded, noting the irony. “You’re right – you never really know someone until you do. I’ll take my time deciding. Thanks for the advice, Aiden. Hope you settle down soon too.” 

17:42 

Backup Girl No More: Adios To My V–Card and My First Love 

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