Page 36 of Don't Think

They just also happen to be ridiculously talented, make music that wrecks me in the best way, and have accents that could make anyone weak in the knees.

I chuckle and nudge Ana’s arm. “I still can’t believe they’re here. Like, how did we go from planning a relaxing vacation to…this?”

Ana shrugs. “Because they haven’t hit their fame era yet. They’re cool guys, Al. They’re not stuck-up…yet.”

“I don’t think they even seem like the type to ever become stuck-up,” Nora adds, eyes still locked on Gareth, and I swear I see drool pooling at the corner of her mouth.

I follow her gaze and spot the three of them crouched in front of the vinyl shelf. Then James reaches for a record, and my stomach immediately drops.

My Aunt Louise has been collecting those since before I was born. If she came home and found them out of place? The thought alone makes me cringe.

Before I can find an ounce of courage to be the party pooper, Jax smacks his hand away with a loudslap.The sound echoes down the hallway, and Nora and Ana both completely lose it, laughing way too hard for how much noise that made.

“See?” Ana says. “If they were already famous, do you really think they’d be acting likethat?”

“Yeah,” I say, pushing off the wall. “Maybe you’re right.”

I turn away, leaving the two of them to keep gawking while I, on the other hand, need a distraction. And what better distraction than food?

So I head for the kitchen and do what I’ve always done when things start to feel like too much—make way too many snacks.

At this point, it’s basically muscle memory.

Back when Trevor used to have his friends over, they’d be camped out in front of the TV for hours while I stayed back in the kitchen—baking, chopping, pretending I didn’t have a million other things I should’ve been doing. Like, for instance, studying for the exams that would decide whether or not I actually graduated from college within five years of leaving high school.

I was always half studying, half praying I wouldn’t burn the house down while the cookies were in the oven and trying not to fall asleep on the kitchen island.

And somehow, it was alwaysmyfault that nobody had fun. Ikilled the vibeormade things awkwardjust by being there. Just by existing with a tired face and a brain running on fumes. Trying to finish nursing school while pregnant wasn’t exactly the party Trevor made it out to be.

But I did it.

All without an ounce of his help, Istillgraduated nursing school the same year I left him. That’s two years of havingmy dream career with nobody else to thank but myself, and honestly? I’ve never been prouder of myself.

But that’s all behind me now. That was the old Allie.

This Allie is allowed to have fun. This Allie might even be a little… adventurous.

Officially adding this to my bucket list: actually have fun and stop disappearing into the background—tired or not.

After everyone is fed, of course. I can’t be expected to change overnight.

Once I’m somewhat satisfied with the spread, and by “spread” I mean fruit, crackers, and… I think that’s beef jerky? I carefully balance the tray with both hands. One eye on the food, the other on the floor, silently begging the universe not to let me trip over my own two feet.

That would be something I couldneverlive down.

Getting punched in the face was one thing since that wasn’tentirelymy fault. But faceplanting with a tray full of snacks? That would easily send me into an early grave.

When I finally make it into the living room, Jax immediately notices my leaning tower of crackers and springs to his feet. My eyes snap to his, nearly tripping from the distraction, and a weird little flutter dances through my chest while I try to catch myself.

He starts to walk over, but I shake my head—because Igotthis. I don’t need him thinking I can’t handle carrying a tray or food. Even if my nerves are completely shot and I really could use a hand.

My heart’s doing full-on cartwheels by the time I reach the coffee table and finally set the tray down.

I wipe my palms on my pants, trying to play it cool, even though internally I’m screaming.

“Can I get anyone anything else?” I ask, my voice wavering.

Ana grabs my hand with both of hers and yanks me down next to her. “Girl,sit down,” she says, laughing.