Zoey found herself sitting next to Harriet in the Pierce family van, feeling slightly out of place. She didn't understand why Riley always insisted on bringing her along to family events, and today was no different. This time, it was for a long holiday getaway, and Zoey felt both awkward and exhausted by the entire ordeal. She sighed, glancing out the window as the scenery blurred past.
"Sorry," Harriet mumbled when their arms brushed against each other. She shifted slightly, trying to put some space between them before resting her head against the headrest, closing her eyes.
Zoey looked over at her but said nothing. The air between them felt thick with unspoken tension. Ever since their heated discussion, they had avoided each other, especially Harriet. Zoey had tried to brush off the awkwardness, but it lingered, settling into the quiet moments like this one. She sighed inwardly, popping in her earphones and leaning her own head back against the seat, deciding that sleep would be the best way to pass the time.
Maybe, Zoey thought, by the time they arrived, things between them would feel a little less complicatedâor at least, she hoped.
Harriet's brow furrowed as she felt something heavy resting on her shoulder. Groaning softly, she opened her eyes to find Zoey, sound asleep and leaning against her. Stunned, Harriet felt frozen in place, not wanting to disturb her. She bit her lip and pretended to sleep when Zoey suddenly stirred.
With a start, Zoey sat up straight, realizing where she had been resting. She cleared her throat, trying to shake off the embarrassment as she glanced at Harriet. Squinting slightly, she caught the small smile playing on Harriet's lips.
"You know you can stop acting like you're sleeping," Zoey mumbled, nudging Harriet gently.
Harriet opened one eye and chuckled. "How do you even know?"
Zoey raised an eyebrow, her gaze shifting to the window. "You're smiling. No one smiles like that when they sleep."
"Now, some people do," Harriet replied with a shrug, still grinning.
"Who?" Zoey asked, resting her chin on her hand, curiosity piqued.
"Me," Harriet declared, pointing her thumb at herself with a mock-serious expression.
Zoey let out a soft laugh. "You're weird," she said, shaking her head as she turned her attention back to the passing scenery.
"Well, you can't say you don't enjoy the weirdness," Harriet replied, unable to hide her smile. The atmosphere felt lighter, a subtle shift made the journey ahead seem a bit more bearable for Zoey.
Zoey smiled as she watched the group enjoying themselves. Resting her arms on the table, she leaned her head on them, feeling slightly out of place.
"Bored?" A voice interrupted her thoughts. It was Vera, Nyx's wife, who was holding their son. Zoey straightened up and shrugged.
"No, not at all. Just feeling a bit out of place," Zoey replied, rubbing the back of her neck awkwardly. Vera chuckled softly as she set her son down to play.
"I can't blame you; most of them have their own businesses to mind," Vera said, leaning back and crossing her legs, her gaze fixed on her son.
Zoey laughed, at a loss for words. She glanced at Vera, aware that she came from a well-off family that owned a universityâher alma mater. Vera was also a lawyer with her own firm; the epitome of success.
"So, out of the three, who's your type?" Vera asked, her tone playful as she leaned forward, resting her arms on the table.
"What do you mean?" Zoey asked, puzzled.
"The three Piercesâwho's your type?" Vera laughed, calling over Sienna and Mia as they approached. Sienna was playfully interacting with Vera and Nyx's son.
"How about you two? Who's your type among the three Pierces?" Vera asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Mia tilted her head, pointing to herself. "Do I need to include myself here?"
"Of course, we need your vote," Vera replied, chuckling as she glanced toward the siblings who were busy strumming a guitar.
"It's Riley for me," Sienna said, a smile lighting up her face as she watched Riley.
"So much loyalty for Riley," Vera laughed.
"And you, Mia?" she asked, tilting her head with a smile.
"Well, Riley's my best friend, aside from Sienna, of course. But honestly, I think Harriet would be a good matchâonly if she weren't head over heels for Sienna's sister," Mia chuckled. "But I'm just answering the questionânot that I'm interested in dating one of the Pierces."
Vera scoffed, amused by Mia's defensiveness. "So," she turned to Zoey, "Who's your choice, Zoey?"
Zoey gulped as she glanced at the three Pierces. "Uh... honestly, they all seem intimidating. Nyx has that funny vibe, Harriet is kind of a cold ass, and Riley seems like a carefree kid." She sighed, feeling the pressure.
"You just need to choose one, honey," Vera encouraged, laughing softly.
Zoey looked over at Harriet, who was already staring back at her. She gulped, feeling a rush of warmth. "I think I'll go with Harriet."
Vera raised an eyebrow, her smile widening. "Harriet it is."
"How about you, Vera? Who's your choice?" Sienna asked, still engaging with the kid on her lap while sneaking glances at Riley.
"Well," Vera said, clearing her throat as she directed her gaze toward the Pierces, "If I hadn't married Nyx, I would have gone for Riley." Zoey chuckled as Sienna's eyes widened, clearly surprised.
"Gracious, Sienna! Not that I plan to take Riley from you," Vera added, covering her mouth as laughter escaped. "But honestly, Harriet is a good pick, though she can be hard to handle sometimes. Riley is a cool kidâshe can be a bit of a baby but is mature enough to know how to handle situations, even if she doesn't act on it. I mean, she's still into you, Sienna." Vera smiled knowingly.
"So, I'll still stick with Nyx; after all, I'm the only one who can tame someone like her. That stupid player," Vera said, glancing at her wife with affection.
"Wait, what do you mean she's into me? Riley?" Sienna asked, blinking in disbelief.
Vera shrugged. "Tell me if I'm wrong, Zoey?"
Zoey looked between Vera and Sienna as Mia leaned in, excitement shining in her eyes. "Spill it, Zoey!"
"Well, I must say you're not wrong at all," Zoey replied, feeling her cheeks warm.
Vera chuckled. "And I can also say that, in no time, Harriet will be giving in herself to you," she added, giving Zoey an encouraging smile.
"Waitâwhat?" Zoey gasped, her gaze darting back to Harriet, who was still watching her intently. Zoey held her breath as Harriet winked, her heart racing.