Not Even Close (A New Generation) by Elizabeth Reyes (books to read in a lifetime txt) 📗

to think Savannah might be too young to know you had nocontrol over matters of the heart? If she was truly still serious about notdoing the boyfriend thing with one guy—not several fucking friends—shewould’ve balked at her dad inviting Byron to dinner with them, right? Shewouldn’t have all but dropped off the face of the earth the moment he’dmentioned his overnight date this weekend. And it certainly wouldn’t have beenthe first thing she questioned today when she got the chance.

Halfway through rummaging through his closet for the perfectshirt that said casual yet respectfully dressed for a family dinner, he got thetext from Irma and thankfully so. Byron had been so anxious about this damn dinner;he’d forgotten all about her. She said she was going to have to take a raincheckon tonight. A friend had gotten stuck with an extra ticket to the ballgame thatevening, and she was going to take it. Being that normally she liked callinghim and dragging out the conversation, Byron got the distinct feeling herfriend was a dude and that’s why she went the text route. In case Byron mightpose the question. But this was exactly what he meant about the things he feltfor Savannah being so different from any other girl he’d hung with. Onlyreason Byron had even given a second thought to the fact that she might’vecancelled with him for another dude, was to compare it to how different he’d befeeling if it’d been Savannah. Had it been Savannah, he would’ve called herback immediately and asked what friend. Even as short time as he’d known her,given his reaction at the gym he knew now it would’ve been more of a demandthan a question. But he had to get his ass in check. After today and after theygot a chance to talk later when he’d be sure to get things straight, hisreactions would only get more severe.

In contrast his only response to Irma was a genuinely indifferenttwo-word text, no worries, then got right back to fretting aboutdinner. Finally, satisfied with his outfit and his hair, he was out the door.He’d told Savannah he’d be picking her up. No way was he arriving alone to faceher family. After texting her to let her know he was on his way, he jumped inhis car and inhaled deep, exhaling sharply.

“What the hell am I doing?” he whispered as he started out theparking lot of the shop.

Just last week he’d convinced himself he’d take the clothes she’dwashed for him, thank her, and be done with it. Then just one kiss changedeverything. Now here he was on his way to have dinner with her entire family.

The whole way to Savannah’s dorm he tapped away at the steeringwheel reminding himself, just like when he was sitting at the dentist readyinghimself to get his teeth drilled that it’d all soon be a memory. Though now hewasn’t sure if he wouldn’t opt for a root canal instead of having to face herdad again. Was saving face really worth it? The memory of holding her todayafter the hell he’d been through since sincerely believing that was her yesterday,and knowing he’d be spending time with her again finally, made the answer tothat easy.

Absolutely.

Whatever grilling her dad might put him through tonight, and allthe inevitable anxiety he’d be feeling until this dinner was over with, wastotally worth the payoff.

When he arrived at Savannah’s dorm, she and her sister werealready walking out to meet him. He tried not to look as uncomfortable as hefelt seeing her walk out with her twin. She hadn’t mentioned he’d be pickingthem both up. But she had texted him earlier to ask him to please steer clearof bringing up why she hadn’t told him about having a twin in front of Nena. Shesaid she’d explain that later.

Savannah appeared as nervous as he felt while her sister smirkedsmugly at the sight of him. The resemblance was uncanny. They even walked justas effortlessly in the dangerously high wedges they both wore. No wonder he’dthought them the same person. Though just like the times he’d picked up on thedifference in the sweet laughter, there was a difference in their demeanor aswell. So far it was the only thing that gave him hope he’d ever be able to tellthem apart.

They reached his car and got in, Savannah in the front and hersister in the back. Byron turned to her sister. “Nena, right?”

He knew at least that much. Savannah had mentioned her sisterenough times this past week, including how close they were. She’d just left outthe most crucial piece of information.

“Well,” Nena smiled broadly. “We’ve always been Vannah and Nenato each other because we couldn’t say our names correctly when we were toddlersand then it just stuck. But it’s actually Sienna. I go by either, though.”

“Fair enough,” Already he’d decided Savannah was much prettiersounding than Vannah and he’d be using that instead from here on. Now that heknew this was their thing, he’d keep it that way. “Sorry about the way we met,Sienna. Any chance I can get a do over?”

She laughed reaching her hand out.  “Sure thing. I’m SiennaMoreno, Vannah’s sister. And you are?”

Taking her hand, he shook it with a relieved smile. “Nice to meetyou, Sienna. I’m Byron Ledesma, Savannah’s friend.”

He cleared his throat as he and Savannah’s eyes met but sheglanced away quick enough. When he’d decided they were getting things straighttonight, he’d meant he’d ask point blank if there were any other friends,she made out with. If there was, he was out. Obviously, he wouldn’t be able todeal with that. But he wouldn’t push for more—yet. It was too soon, and he’drespect her wishes for now about the no boyfriend rule. If he could atleast get a promise of exclusivity he could live with whatever she chose tocall their relation to one another.

They reached the restaurant he hadn’t been to in years, but heremembered it being good. It was kind of a surprise her family who owned theirown Mexican restaurant would choose one to dine at. But then people came from allover for this