Backup Girl No More Adios to my V-card and My First Love (Brooklyn) novel Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Here’s a culturally adapted version that captures the complex social dynamics:

Mom said Aiden took off traveling with friends right after getting his acceptance letter. He’d barely been home since. His mom kept asking about my return date though.

The day I flew back, my parents picked me up at the airport in formal wear. When I woke up from my jet–lagged nap in the car, we were pulling up to a luxury hotel. Still groggy, I let Mom lead me into the lobby.

That’s when I saw Aiden for the first time in months.

My feet stopped dead.

He stood by the fountain in a perfectly tailored suit, his tall frame cutting an elegant figure. One

summer had stripped away the last traces of boyhood, transforming him into exactly the man I’d always imagined he’d become.

My emotions churned as the meeting I’d avoided for so long happened without warning.

Seeing my confusion, Mom whispered, “Honey, it’s Aiden’s graduation celebration. We came straight here.”

Dad added, “Since you didn’t want a party, Aiden arranged to have his on your return date. Kind of a joint celebration.”

As if sensing us, Aiden turned, his eyes meeting mine.

My heart skipped.

Aiden started toward us, but Madison appeared, sliding her arm through his.

Mom leaned in, whispering, “I brought you a dress – you can change in the powder room.”

I shook my head. What was the point? This wasn’t my celebration.

Aiden kept watching me, his expression unreadable. Madison’s eyes darted between us. An awkward silence fell.

Thankfully, more guests arrived. Madison pulled Aiden away to greet them, every inch the perfect hostess.

I quickly dragged Mom toward the ballroom, eager to escape.