Page 121 of Someone to Love
“Wait,Niko Costas?” Tiana repeated her eyes looking like one of those geniuses on TV that go into their mind palaces and solve insane equations. “In college weren’t they…?”
“Rivals,” AJ said.
“I was going to say mortal enemies,” Tiana mumbled almost to herself then asked AJ, “Does Niko know Gianna is here?”
“We saw her on the way.”
“Are they still…do they keep in touch?”
AJ didn’t respond.
“Where’s Niko, now?” Tiana was already looking past them. “Is he still here?”
Poppy scanned the crowd and spotted him. “He’s on the dance floor with Tabby.”
When she turned back, Poppy saw the exact moment Tiana’s eyes landed on her new brother-in-law dancing with her newly discovered niece, she melted. It was just a split second, before her guard or mask or walls were back in place. Then, without a word, she walked past them, beelining to the dance floor, a woman on a mission.
When she was out of hearing range Poppy asked, “Do you think that’s going to be okay?”
“What?”
“Her ex, and Niko’s ex in town until after Christmas?”
“You mean with you, Me, Liam, Frankie, Zion, Yaya, Mr. Santino, Sue Ann, the Wells Sisters, Karina, Lauren, Amanda?—”
“You’re right, okay, your right.” This town really did rally together to help its own. Poppy had no idea what Tiana’s ex had planned, but he was in for a fight, and if he thought the divorcesettlement was tough, he had no idea what he was up against in the court of Hope Falls, they were judge, jury, and executioner. Poppy almost felt sorry for him. Almost.
AJ pulled Poppy into his arms. She was surprised because not only was it physical touch, it was PDA. “You won’t have time to worry about them.”
“Oh really?”
“No, you’re gonna be busy planning a wedding.”
“Am I?” Poppy smiled. “I thought we we’re going to elope.”
He nodded. “You’re right and I don’t think we should wait until next year to get married.”
“So you want to get married before the New year?”
“No,Iwant to get married tomorrow, but if you want to wait, we can wait a week or two.”
“A week or two?”
“Yes.” He smiled. “For you, I’ll compromise.”
“Oh, that’s compromise.”
“Yes.”
She lifted up on her toes and pressed her lips to his. If that was what the rest of her life looked like, then she’d happily compromise forever.
THE END
