𝐌𝐘 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐁𝐎𝐘𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐃 | 𝒋𝒐𝒔𝒉𝒖𝒂 𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒕𝒕

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑. 𝟏𝟑

I looked back to Blaire and saw she was glaring the back of Addie's head, angered by her cluelessness. Cool, at least we were both thinking the same thing. I just wished Addie understood. Blaire then told me with her eyes to fix the problem, I cleared my throat and tried to figure out how to word it.

"Wait but isn't that the whole reason they wanted you with someone now? Like your Aunt kept saying that she wanted you...like there with someone. I-I mean I wouldn't mind-"

"You guys what the hell I'm hungry and we're just standing at my front door - gimme that" Angelo suddenly urged before snatching the keys Addie was fumbling. She also snapped out of her thoughts and moved back for him to unlock the door.

Here goes nothing.

"Mooom we're here!" Angelo yelled throughout the house. Blaire closely followed him and mouthed to us "Good luck" and we both smiled gratefully. However she said it so mischievously as she was so excited to see how it'd go down.

"Hey guys," Addie's Mom chimed as she walked into the room, before her eyes landed on me, "and you must be Joshua, I've heard - not much about you - but it's good to finally meet you" she said whilst side-eyeing Addie, making the girl roll her eyes. I simply chuckled and shook her Mom's hand.

"It's so good to finally meet you Mrs. Phillips, dinner already smells great" I added, which made Mrs. Phillips smile.

"Oh - why thank you...and please, call me Eva" she replied and that brought the biggest smile to my face. I glanced at Addie quickly to see that her brows were raised.

"Now, would you like anything to drink Josh?" she asked as she already started walking away. I had Adeline's notes in my head, there was no reason for her to worry.

"Oh that'd be great, I'd love just a water" I replied. I was impressed with myself to be honest at this point. I had met a couple of girl's parents before - but I had never wanted to impress them as badly as I did right now.

"The healthy choice, I like it. Guys just make yourselves comfortable and I'll bring everyone water" she said as she perused all our faces. I thanked her in response and as Eva, Angelo and Blaire walked away - I turned to Addie. Her mouth was slightly hanging.

"Leveled up already Adeline, is someone a little speechless?" I whispered as I neared her. I said it in the cheekiest way that I think it took Addie by surprise.

"Oh p-please, the night has barely started my Mom's just happy an older boy's in the house - it's Aunty G that'll run you over" she taunted and I faked a scared expression.

My face was so close to hers at this point so no one could hear us, but I was craving the intimacy more than expected, "well let's see how that goes" I said before seamlessly embracing my hand in hers. She scoffed but walked ahead of me, our connected hands propelling me behind her.

Blaire approached us and went close to Addie, "Time for you to be an actress Ms. Phillips" she teased and Addie nudged her away. We all knew she sucked at lying, but her lie started this - and she was going to have to lie to not make it worse...?

"I may just have a panic attack" Addie whispered. Blaire's teeth gritted but she grabbed onto her best friend's shoulder.

"Hey it's going to be fine - don't think about the future right now and shit. Just know you have a literal actor acting as your other half and he's probably more prepped than you are," she assured. Blaire smiled over to me and I returned it gratefully.

"Exactly Addie. We're here now there's nothing we can do, I know you suck at lying but I'm here to help" I added. I found myself squeezing her hand again, I couldn't help myself.