The plus one problem

1

This weekend getaway was supposed to be a break—a temporary escape from Wes and all the fake dating, and the fact that my feelings for him were getting dangerously real.

It was supposed to be low-stress.

A few days of family bonding, relaxing by the lake, and zero emotional turmoil.

I step onto the porch of the lake house and immediately wish for a natural disaster to take me out.

Because standing right there, looking just as shocked as I feel, is my ex.

And next to him stood Ava, whose smile is tight and strained at best.
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2

My entire body locks up.

What. The.Actual.Fuck.

I was expecting cousins, a few family friends, maybe some wedding chatter.

Not a full-blown ambush.

My ex's eyes widen when he sees me, his hand tightening around his drink. "Hallie?"

His voice is a mix of disbelief and something else—something unreadable.

I force a neutral expression. "What are you doing here?"

Before he can answer, my cousin's fiancé jumps in, grinning like he just discovered fire.

"Oh, you two know each other? Figures! We go way back—fraternity brothers in college. He's my best man."

Best. Man !?!

Of course, he is.

Because why would the universe ever give me a break?

I glance at my ex, and the way his jaw tightens tells me he didn't know either.

Ava, standing next to him, clears her throat. "It's nice to see you again, Hallie."

Her voice is polite, but clipped.

I nod, even though I do not mean it.

I cleared my throat as if something was lodged there.

Turing my attention back to Ethan with an incredulous gaze

" I didn't see you at the rehearsals"

" I got caught up with affairs at work,so I....couldnt make it"

Then, as if this day couldn't get any worse, I hear his voice.

"Well, well. If it isn't my favorite person."

I close my eyes and inhale sharply.

No. No, no, no.

I turn slowly.

And there he was.

Wes.

Standing just inside the doorway, arms crossed, looking criminally smug.

"You have got to be kidding me," I mutter.

He grins. "Missed me already baby"?

I glare. "What are you doing here?"

He takes a slow sip of his drink, looking obnoxiously relaxed.

"Your cousin invited me."

I whip my head toward her. "You invited him?"

She shrugs, completely unbothered. "Would you have come if I told you?"

I gape. "This wasn't supposed to be a couples retreat"