Page 141 of The Art of Almost Losing It
“You think there’s really someone else?” I ask.
Could that be it? Why Graham doesn’t want me? I never actually considered it. Never actually asked him if me being his fake girlfriend was going to mean he couldn’t be with the love of his life.
I’m a bad person.
Maybe I ruined his chance at one true love.
“There’s definitely someone else.” Nora nods sagely.
“But don’t make waves. You don’t want to lose all your perks.” Colette’s cousin pours everyone more wine. “Like, he’s taken you on big trips, right?”
“Uh, of course. Right,” I lie.
“But speaking of trips, so for the bachelorette”—I hastily change the subject—“since everyone’s here, I thought we could run over the itinerary.”
“I’m so glad you’re planning this,” the matron of honor says, “because I do not have the time.”
After the bridal tea,I wolf down the last of the sandwiches.
“Man, you really went through the wringer at the bridal table.” Piper winces then sucks in a breath when I chug the last third of a bottle of champagne.
“It’s fine. I’m grateful Colette gave me the push I needed.”
“To do…?”
“I’m going to go lose my virginity.”
“What am I doing here?”I whisper to myself as I stand outside of Graham’s front door.
I have to lose my virginity. I lied to everyone that I did, And look at what happened the last time I lied to those girls. I ended up getting kidnapped.
I’ve put that vibe out into the universe.
It’s Graham, Kraig, or the homeless guy in the subway station.
Graham it is.
I press the doorbell before I can chicken out.
Footsteps race, then the door is flung open.
“Daniiii!!! I didn’t know you were coming!” Bridget grabs my hand and drags me into the dining room of Graham’s penthouse while I protest.
He stands up when we enter the room.
“Graham, you should have told us your girlfriend was coming over!”
“It was a surprise,” I babble. “Um, surprise! I’m here!” I clear my throat while all of his siblings stare at me.
“I thought maybe we could…” I gesture helplessly and look at his siblings so I can look anywhere else but those intense green eyes. “I don’t want to interrupt your sibling get-together. Oh! You haveallof your siblings here.”
I swallow as Kraig stands up.
“Dani.” He hugs me. Two arms.
“Stay.” Kraig pulls out a chair for me. “You’re going to make this party-planning session a lot more pleasurable.”
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