“Little brother!” A voice shouted as we walked into Rubber Duck. “And who is this gorgeous person?”

  “That’s his friend, Robin,” MJ replied.

  “Our lil’ bro is growing up,” the voice said.

  Halfway to the counter, I froze. A person tipped an imaginary hat toward me. Next to them, Alison Alistair.

  “H-h-hi Alison,” I stumbled.

  “Still too shy to talk to me?”

  “Cameraperson?” Robin asked, looking toward Alison’s friend. “I’ve always wanted to meet you. I love you!”

  CP winked and nodded. Robin blushed.

  Alison inspected Robin. “So you’re our sibling’s ‘friend’ eh?”

  “Well, that’s sort of why we’re here,” Robin answered.

  Alison raised an eyebrow. “To introduce CP and me to them?”

  “No,” I blurted. “Robin and I are officially dating.”

  CP plucked a Takoyaki with their chopsticks.

  “Wait,” Alison commanded. “I need to call Morgan.”

  “River!” MJ yelled. “Get over here, now!”

  “What’s happening?” Robin whispered.

  If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  “I dunno, but it’ll definitely be embarrassing.”

  We meandered outside for a couple minutes before Morgan entered the brewery.

  “Shall we?” I offered my arm.

  Robin nodded. “Let's go see what they’ve planned.”

  We returned to the group of five conspirators, all sitting and staring directly at us.

  “Whatever could little brother be doing here?” River asked.

  “And with another person?” Alison added.

  “Well, lil’ bro, are you going to answer us?”

  They all took a sip of beer in unison.

  “This is creepy,” I whispered to Robin.

  “Very.”

  We walked a few more feet toward them.

  I sighed. “Robin and I are dating.”

  All five spit out their drinks before bursting out laughing. I looked at Robin, they shrugged, and we started laughing too.

  “Was it worth it, Alison?” I asked.

  “Very much so. It’s a big deal little brother. You’re dating! Next, you’ll be socializing.”

  “Actually,” Robin started. “Riley—”

  “No. Not today.” MJ shook her head. “I can only take so much in one day.”

  We all laughed again.

  CP tapped a foot, then snapped, pointing at me.

  “You’re right, CP!” River said. “Riley just spoke to Alison without getting sweaty and stammering.”

  Morgan clapped. “This deserves a party! Tonight! I’m paying for everything. Ah, my two employees, next to each other for ten years, finally found one another. I’m such a good boss.”

  MJ and Co. all decided to hug me at once. It was too much—the noise, the attention, the arms around me, the last twenty-four hours all bearing down on me at once.

  All I could think was, “No. Not here. Anywhere but here. Please—”

  There was no stopping it. Darkness.

  ~

  An entire chapter—short, but not a single kiss. Imagine that.

  You must be chewing on your hat right now, wondering how you misjudged this story so badly. Might I suggest ranch dressing? Helps the felt go down smoother.

  Now that you’ve accepted this isn’t a kissing book. Have you solved the enigma that is this story?

  Probably not—hats take a while to eat.

  ~

  The River and Friends Series - River and the Bug, The Adventures of Alison Alistair, and The Reaper Wears a Scarf. Please check them out!