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Stepping out of my car I stared up at the house in front of me. It was a cute two story house in a nice neighborhood. Perfect for starting and raising a family. Sydni and Bryton picked a great place to settle down.

Multiple cars lined the driveway and street. I had a feeling I was one of the last people to show up. Clenching the bottle of wine in my hands I headed up the steps to the front door. I knocked on the door twice before opening it, knowing it was already unlocked.

Following the sound of voices I came to the kitchen, grinning at the sight of everyone standing around having an intense conversation about which fast food place was the best. We've had countless conversations like this one, each one usually ending up with someone arguing.

"Am I interrupting anything?" At the sound of my voice all six heads turned in my direction.

"Lydia." Trevor Hall, Tasha's boyfriend, said. "Which one is better Wendy's or McDonald's?"

"Uhh." I looked at everyone as they stood there waiting for my answer. "Wendy's?"

"No!" Tasha, Bryton and Wyatt said at the same time while Josie, Sydni and Trevor said 'Yes'. My answer only fueled the fire in the conversation. I shook my head at my friends, and to think we were all adults.

"Ignore them." Sydni pushed away from the counter to come over and give me a hug. "Thanks for coming."

"Thanks for the invite. I brought some wine."

"Ohh thank you." Glancing over at the others still arguing she turned back to me. "Lets open this now." I couldn't have agreed more.

"This place is great." I commented, admiring the nice big kitchen. The pretty dark blue cabinets and white granite counter tops. It was a dream kitchen for some who loved to cook and entertain.

"Isn't it? I fell in love the moment we stepped inside." Sydni popped open the wine and poured some glasses. "Wait till you see the backyard."

"The backyard is amazing." Josie butted in, the conversation about fast food seemingly coming to an end.

"And there's a pool." Tasha pipped up.

"Fancy. Does that mean we'll all be over here for pool days?" Now that I can get behind.

"Obviously." Sydni nodded, passing out wine glasses to all of us. "Come see."

With wine glasses in hand the four of us left the kitchen, heading to the door in the living room the lead to the backyard.

"Oh wow." Their backyard was gorgeous. Stepping out of the door was a gorgeous patio that was covered. There was plenty of seating spread across the patio, one side looked to be a built in barbecue. Nice green grass separated the patio to the pool. And boy was the pool stunning. Big enough to fit everyone plus some.

"Pretty isn't it." Sydni beamed. "It's like a dream."

We were all definitely going to be coming over a lot more.

"Now to convince Bryton you need a puppy." Josie joked.

"That's next on my list."

"What's next on the list?" A voice pipped up behind us.

"Nothing." Sydni turned around and gave her boyfriend a grin. "Ready to start the BBQ." I hid my grin behind my wine glass at her changing the conversation.

"Yeah...sure." Bryton looked at his girlfriend with a weird look. Sydni shooed him away.

"Smooth." I mumbled into my glass. She shoved me in the ribs making me laugh.

"I'm getting that puppy don't worry." I had no doubt that she would easily convince Bryton to get one. She can convince her boyfriend to do pretty much anything, it was cute.

"You know there's this really great rescue place you should go to." Josie said. "We did a piece on them a few months ago and helped adopt some of the doggies and kittens."

"That's a great idea!" The two walked off, talking about the rescue.

"Oh I wanted to ask you." Tasha said a moment later, softly tugging my elbow and leading us a bit away from the others. "Since Josie and Wyatt's wedding is in less than three months, we need to have her bachelorette party soon."

I already know Jo's bachelorette party was going to be great, especially with it being handled by Tasha.

"What do you have in mind?"

"I was thinking we go to that Magic Mike club on 8th street. I had a friend go and she said it was amazing."

"Ohh." I have heard of it and how popular it is. "That could be fun."

"I know a guy who can reserve us a booth." Tasha said. Sometimes I forget Tasha came from a well known family and could pull a few strings. She was in that Elite circle for years so no wonder she had a few connections.

"I think it will be fun." Spotting Josie over her shoulder I leaned in. "Text me later and we can set up a date." I whispered. I stepped back just as Josie came up to Tasha's side.

"Ohh what are we whispering about." Josie looked around with a smile.

"Flowers." I quickly said. If anyone can smell a lie its Josie.

"Flowers?"

"After the wedding dress shopping I had to go to a flower shop to convince them to be interviewed for the magazine." Josie gave me an understanding look, knowing full well how people are. "While I was there I noticed how pretty the shop was and the flowers they had. I was thinking if you still need flowers for the wedding it may be a good place to look."

"Oh?"

"It's a mom and pop shop too."

"I love that. I do need to start looking at flower arrangements."

"May be nice to look into."

"Think you can call them and ask if it's okay Wy and I drop by next week?"

"Absolutely. I'll call them tomorrow morning."

"One thing checked off the list."

"How is wedding planning going?" I asked.

"Stressful. Who knew so much stuff went on behind the scenes. There's cake tastings, flowers, seating charts, color palettes. Thank god the venue takes care of the chairs and stuff so we just have to go and pick out the colors and designs we want."

"Sounds like a blast." Josie playfully glared at my tone.

"Just let us know if we need to help with anything." Tasha gave her a side hug. "That's what bridesmaids are for."

"I'll be your bridesmaid Jo." Trevor popped up, pulling Josie away from Tasha and into his side. "I would look great in a dress."

"Oh yeah?" Josie laughed, tilting her head back to look at Trevor.

"Yep. Feel free to make me your maid of honor anytime." Trevor winked at her.

"You're Wyatt's best man idiot." Tasha glared at her boyfriend. "Don't be stealing my duties."

"I can be both."

"Wyatt! Trevor is switching teams!" Tasha yelled.

"He's finally coming out of the closet?!" Wyatt yelled back.

"Looks like it!"

"Good for you Bro!" Bryton butted in.

"I'm not gay." Trevor narrowed his eyes at Tasha. "You'll pay for that."

"So scared." Tasha smirked.

I stepped back as Trevor lunged for his girlfriend. Tasha darted away laughing. I watched the two feeling a stabbing pain in my chest. Downing the rest of my wine I looked away from the happy couple. Jealousy was a nasty thing.

"I'm going to grab more wine." I quickly walked away before Josie could respond. I needed more alcohol if I was going to spend the whole day being a seventh wheel.

Grabbing the wine bottle I went to head back outside only to hesitate. From the doorway I could see all my friends. Everyone of them standing with their person. Josie leaning back against Wyatt's chest. Sydni tucked into Bryton's side. Tasha and Trevor whispering to one another while grinning like love sick puppies.

I loved my friends. I did. But there were times, like right now, where I felt left out. Like I didn't belong. They all were happy and yet here I am. I wouldn't say I was unhappy, I loved my life, but moments like this made me feel like I was missing out.

A certain face popped into mind but I quickly shut that down. Not gonna happen. Now I definitely need more wine. Shoving that image out of my head I made my way back outside, joining the group once more.

"I brought more wine." I declared, holding up the bottle.

"Maybe we should try and not repeat Australia." Bryton suggested, bringing up our vacation from months ago where all us girls got hammered on the beach.

"Now where's the fun in that." Sydni got on her toes and kissed her boyfriends cheek. Flashing me a grin she held out her glass, same with Josie and Tasha.

As I filled everyones glasses I felt a presence behind me before I heard the voice.

"The party has arrived!"

That all too familiar voice had me smiling while shaking my head.

"Mateo." Josie greeted Wyatt's younger brother.

"How's my girlfriends this fine afternoon?" Completely ignoring the guys Mateo pulled Josie into a hug, flashing the rest of us a wide grin. He may only be 19 but boy was he a charmer.

All the guys rolled their eyes at his comment. Mateo always finds a way to annoy the guys, it was beyond comical.

"Anyone come to their senses and want to leave one of these idiots?" He looked at Tasha with hopeful eyes.

"Never going to happen kid." Trevor wrapped his arms tighter around Tasha. Knowing his luck with the others was slim Mateo came over to me, slinging his arm across my shoulders. I may be way older than him but he towered over me.

"How about you L. Wanna test drive this youngster?"

"I'm way older than you." I pointed out.

"I don't mind an older woman." Mateo winked. Deciding to play into his little game I wrapped my arm around his waist. The action making his eyes widen just a little.

"Hope you can keep up." I grinned coyly up at him. He looked at me in surprise.

From the corner of my eye I could see the others trying hard not to laugh. This was a regular occurrence with Mateo.

"I could go for hours." Mateo recovered and gave me a smirk.

"One too far." Wyatt interrupted, looking at his younger brother in disgust. "We don't need to hear that."

"You're just jealous you can't keep up in your old age." Mateo shot back. Before Wyatt could make a comeback another voice interrupted.

"Just because you can go for hours doesn't mean you know how to use it." I stiffened at the voice. Mateo noticed my reaction, a wide smile stretching across his face.

"Do you still know where everything is? I know it's been years for you." Mateo said with a smirk, looking at his older brother. Beside me Trevor coughed, covering up his laughter.

"I'd watch your mouth if I was you. Mom isn't here to save you." Landon glared at his youngest brother. Coming up beside Wyatt I finally let myself look at Landon. I hated how my stomach flipped at the sight of him.

His blond hair was getting a bit long, the edges curling around his ears. My fingers itched to grab it. He's let his beard grow, covering his jaw and cheekbones. His nose was a bit crooked from being broken playing hockey in school. The slight imperfection just made him more attractive.

The Boone brothers were insanely attractive. It's unfair how all three managed to look like GQ models. And to top it off they were nice guys. Their mom, Evelyn, raised them to be nice and respectful which only added to their appeal.

However I can't say Landon Boone was the nicest of the three. No, he was a dick. The guy was stubborn as hell and always had to find some way to get under my skin. I've been trying my best to avoid him the last few weeks. I've been successful until today it seems.

"Blondie." Landon greeted, the corner of his lips tilting up knowing how I felt about that nickname.

"Didn't know we were allowed to bring trash to the party." I tilted my head to the side looking him up and down.

"Obviously if you are here."

My lips quirked up in a mini grin before I schooled my features. I can always count on Landon to have a comeback and not get offended easily.

We kept on staring at one another, the others shifting on their feet awkwardly.

"Well I'm going to grab a beer." Mateo announced. Just like that the awkwardness was broken as Landon and Wyatt immediately said no.

"You do know he drinks right?" I butted in. Both heads snapped in my direction. The looks they gave me would typically intimidate someone but I wasn't easily fazed. "You guys did far worse at 19. At least he's drinking with you so you can keep an eye on him." I drank from my own wine as the two kept on glaring at me.

"Marry me." Mateo blurted. Laughing I patted his stomach, noting the hard abs under his shirt.

"Ask me again when you are 21."

"Age is but a number baby." Mateo winked.

"I'll keep that in mind."

"Since everyone is here let's start the food!" Sydni clapped. With that the guys branched off towards the grill as Syd lead the way back to the kitchen.

As I followed after the others I felt eyes on my back. I knew who it was before I looked over my shoulder. I met Landon's eyes, my skin heating under his gaze. There was something about his expression that gave me pause but before I could figure out why he turned away.

I stared at him for another second, letting myself look him over without anyone watching. His ass looked too good in those jeans. It truly was unfair how attractive he was.

Realizing where my thoughts were going I mentally scolded myself. Not letting my mind go there I turned my head back around and headed into the house. 

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Ahh the whole gang is back!! Honestly I think my favorite scenes are with everyone together, especially Mateo. I know how much you guys love him so of course I have to include him! 

As you guys can see we will start seeing different sides to both Lydia and Landon. There's always more to the story than you see at first *wink*

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! A little short but I promise the chapters get longer as we go, cause I can't seem to help myself :D 

I want to say a quick thank you for the love you've given this book already! You guys are the best! And THANK YOU for the love on the other two books. I can't explain how much it means to me. I hope you all enjoy this one as much as 'Fear of Falling', and 'Fear of Intimacy'. If you haven't read them feel free to head over and do so!

If you are looking for books to read between updates head over to my profile. I have a TON of books you guys can read! Everything from Billionaire, Mafia, Sports, Best Friends Brother, Christmas, etc. So head over and check those out!

Love you guys so much!!! I'll see you soon with another update!! 

VOTE, COMMENT! 

<3 <3 <3

P.S Who's your favorite character from the series?? 

-Ken