? DON'T READ THIS VERSION. This story has been rewritten into a separate book with a different title. The new and better version, IN WAVES, can be found on my profile. Please read that one instead! ?
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"Wha...
It was almost like the last twenty-four hours never happened, and yet Nate still lingered in the back of my mind from the moment I had left San Diego. I feared it would take a lot more than fresh showers and pretty dresses to get him out of my thoughts.
I heard the doorbell sounding from downstairs and then my mom's voice following it a few seconds later, "Lia! Matt's here!"
I took a deep breath and smoothed out my dress, wanting to look impossibly perfect for tonight.
Here goes...
* * *
Walking down the stairs, I caught sight of Matt almost immediately as he spoke to my family with charm. He was dressed smartly in a deep blue button-down shirt, an open black blazer, along with dark pants and expensive-looking shoes. It seemed like he had emerged straight out of the pages of a men's fashion magazine, radiating the essence of everything that goes into style and wealth. My stomach did a backflip when his baby-blue eyes left my family and made contact with mine instead, lighting up as I stepped off the staircase and walked over to him.
"I knew you'd look amazing, but wow...no words." He said with a growing smile, viewing me over from head to toe. A large bouquet of pink peonies suddenly appeared from behind his back and he held them out to me. "For you, beautiful."
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I blushed and took them from him with a somewhat unsteady hand, admiring the neatly packaged blossoms and the satin ribbon that tied the stems together. This was why he had asked me what my favorite flowers were yesterday, I couldn't get enough of his thoughtfulness. I beamed and drew him into a hug, wrapping my arms around his neck along with the bouquet. I loved the smell of his cologne so much; I could just stand here hugging him for the whole night and I'd be happy.
I opened my eyes and saw the staring from over his shoulder, realizing that my mom, Derek and Rob were all watching us embrace. I took that as my cue to let go of him and step back awkwardly. Mom and Derek looked absolutely ecstatic, while Rob looked as if he was thinking of ways to hurt Matt.
I remembered that he had shown dislike towards Matt at the party, but I had thought he was just drunk and being over protective. Earlier I had been worried about me spilling what happened with Nate last night, but I had never even considered Rob would be a problem. I looked directly at him and hoped that he could read my expression without me speaking any words.
Please don't freak Matt out or do something stupid. I thought in my mind and stared intensely at Rob. If you so much as mention Nate's name, I'll never forgive you!
Rob stared back at me blankly and then shifted his attention over to Matt again, openly frowning at him. My attempt at sibling telepathy had failed drastically. The best thing to do was get out of there as quickly as possible.
"Let's put these in water before you leave, sweetie." Mom said eagerly and seized the flowers from my grasp.
"What? No, I—" She started pulling me into the kitchen without a choice while my protesting trailed off, leaving Matt in open waters with Rob.
