13
When I got to the kitchen, nobody was there yet. I contemplated going back to my room but a glance at the clock confirmed it would be a waste of time. The party could start any minute and it was more awkward to walk in later than be here at the start. I just didn’t want it to look like I’d been waiting so I made myself a cup of tea to keep busy.
With a steaming mug in hand, I settled on the couch and tried to enjoy the last moments of peace and quiet before the kitchen would turn into a madhouse.
“Hello, little lady,” a voice said from behind me.
I groaned at the greeting and reluctantly turned around, already knowing who it was from. “Hey, Aaron.”
He shot me a big grin, one he obviously thought was charming. Effortlessly, he heaved a full crate of beers on the kitchen island and r
