Dirty Toe Drag (Nashville Assassins Next Generation 6)

I’m unsure what to do, and that annoys me.

My mom’s house is a ruckus of people and decorations. If I see the colors pink and blue ever again, it will be way too soon. It’s overwhelming. Or…I’m upset about Wes and it’s making me not want to be around anyone. I didn’t sleep well either, which meant I was dragging ass all morning while making the cupcakes and cake for the reveal tomorrow. I ended up coming over before Aunt Audrey because my mom was blowing up my phone. Then my mom kept me busy all day, so a nap was out of the question. Super infuriating. I want to tell her I need a nap, but really, I need to speak to Wes. I hate feeling like this. I hate that he is upset and probably overthinking everything. I just want to reassure him.

I exhale as I clean out the fridge to make room for the cake and cupcakes that Audrey is bringing over. Emery’s standing beside me, “helping,” but really, she’s just playing on her phone. I would play on my phone, but there is no point. I’d just stalk Wes’s Instagram and see if he’s texted me back. I know he didn’t because I’ve checked my phone every two seconds. I’m pathetic. This situation is pitiful. He’s ridiculous. But here we are.

When I hear the back door open, I look up to see Audrey coming in with a box of cupcakes. I smack Emery. “Come on.”

She grumbles but comes to help as we bring in everything from Audrey’s truck. Audrey falls into step with me as we head back into the house. “Has he called?”

I roll my eyes. “He texted that he was alive and to give him a minute.”

She makes a face. “Give him a minute. Okay.”

“Yeah, I’m not happy.”

“I don’t know who he thinks he is. You have millions of dudes in your DMs. He is replaceable.”

When Emery starts to sing Beyoncé’s “Irreplaceable,” I roll my eyes.

“I wouldn’t be happy either,” Audrey agrees, shaking her head and ignoring Emery. “Has he done this before?”

“Not this bad. He didn’t answer me when I texted him one morning, but he did a little bit later, explaining his bad day.”

She eyes me. “Is he one of those kinds of people who shut down when they get overwhelmed?”

“I think he might be,” I say with a sigh. “Which is something I’ll need to accept and be patient with.”

“Which is what I was going to say, if you want to continue this.”

“I know. I’m just frustrated and worried.”

She cups my face after shutting the fridge. “I know, love.”

“I just want to talk to him.”

“Talk to who, your secret boyfriend?” Shelli teases then, leaning on the bar and grinning at me. “I want to know who it is.”

Audrey winks at me as Emery looks over at our sister-in-law. “It’s Wes McMillan. Aiden’s best friend.”

My eyes widen as my jaw drops. “Emery!”

I can’t even look at Shelli. My sister shrugs. “Stella, everyone knows.”

“They do not!” I yell, shaking my head. “Only you, Mom, Dad, and Audrey!”

“You’re dating Aiden’s best friend?” my brother Asher asks. “Wait. Does Aiden know?”

Ally leans against him, shaking her head. “The real question is, does Wes still have legs?”

“Does Aiden know?” Shelli asks again, her eyes wide, and I shake my head.

“No, because no one is supposed to know until Wes can talk to Aiden. Thanks for nothing, Emery!”

Emery, unbothered, shrugs. “I thought everyone knew by now. It’s been like three months.”

I gasp. “Two weeks! Only two weeks!”

She makes a face. “Same thing. You’re already in love with him.”

I gawk at her. “Jesus Christ!”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa! We don’t take the Lord’s name in vain in this house!” my mom yells as she enters the kitchen, her eyes wide.

Elli strikes her hips, looking around. “What is going on?”

“Stella is dating Wes McMillan and is apparently in love with him,” Shelli says simply, and of course, Posey comes into the kitchen too.

“Man, he’s been chasing you for a second. Didn’t y’all make out at the wedding?” Posey asks, waggling her brows at me as she wears her son on her chest.

“Almost slept together,” Emery adds, and I want to die. I drop my head to the bar, groaning loudly.

“He told me they didn’t have sex, only made out,” Posey’s husband, Boon, says, because why would anyone but my brother be left out of this awesome conversation?

“You slept with Wes at your brother’s wedding?” Mom asks, and I groan louder.

“Please, God, make it stop,” I moan before lifting my head to glare at Emery. “You’re an asshole.”

“Language!”

Emery grins. “I could admit more things, like how amazing these cupcakes are.”

If looks could kill. “Emery,” I warn, and she walks away, laughing like the asshole she is.

Everyone is staring at me when I turn back around, and I throw my hands up. “What!”