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Story: Overruled

I’m still grinning as I leave his office, immediately accosted by my two very overbearing best friends.

“So?” Nate is vibrating with excitement. “Is it happening?”

“Seems that way,” I tell him.

“About time,” Vera says. “Maybe you’ll stop working so fucking hard now.”

“Doubt it,” Nate snorts. He waggles his eyebrows at me. “Going to see your boyfriend now, Duchess?”

“None of your business,” I say sweetly.

“Oh, come on,” he whines. “We give you all the details aboutourrelationship.”

“ ‘Relationship’ is a strong word,” Vera grumbles.

Nate rolls his eyes. “Ignore her. She’s still coming to terms with her feelings for me.”

“Just know that I refuse to force her down an aisle chained to my wrist,” I tease.

Nate wraps his arms around Vera’s waist, laughing as she squirms away from the overexaggerated kiss he’s trying to land on her cheek. He settles for pressing it into her palm, winking at me after.

“She’ll come willingly.”

“Shut up,” she says, looking embarrassed for maybe the first time since I’ve known her. “Both of you.”

“I’m happy for you guys,” I say. “Seriously. At least I know all your bickering will have happy endings.”

“Speaking of happy endings,” Nate says. “Are you bringing Ezra to dinner this weekend?”

“I am.”

“Are we allowed to grill him?”

“You are not.”

He makes a face. “You’re no fun.”

“I know.” I check the time on my watch. “I need to go. Ezra’s making me and his mom dinner.”

“So domestic,” Nate sighs.

Vera slaps his arm. “Leave her alone.” She smiles at me. “We’re happy for you too, you know.”

I nod. “I know.”

“Call me later, yeah?”

“Sure thing.”

I watch them go, already sniping at each other about something, and I have a feeling that will never change. Not that I can really judge, considering I’m going over to my idiot boyfriend’s place and will no doubt be rolling my eyes at him at least a dozen times before he coaxes me into bed.

It’s amazing how much the thought makes me smile.

•••

Ezra’s mother answersthe door when I knock, ushering me inside.

“Ezra had to run to the store,” she says. “Apparently he simply can’t make curry without fresh garlic.”