Love At First Hate (Love At Firsts Book 2)(73)

“It’s my birthday.” Matt grins widely.

“Happy birthday,” Olivia says as she goes to hug Matt.

“Thank you, darling.” He hugs her back and shakes Frank’s hand before surprising me. “Since we’re putting this behind us. How do you feel about joining us? Might as well start now.”

“It’s your day, we wouldn’t want to spoil it for you,” Frank says meaning it.

“You wouldn’t. I insist. If we’re invited to your wedding party, you are more than welcome to join us for my birthday.” Matt flags the waitress down and asks her to add two more people to the table. It takes some moving around, but they give us a bigger table at the back of the restaurant where we don’t have to be afraid of making some noise. I know my friends can get loud, especially when they are celebrating something.

“I’m sorry, Frank, but I’ve got to ask. What did Robert say when he figured out you got married behind his back?” Matt asks, trying to contain his chuckles.

“Better than when he got wind that Caroline was divorcing her husband,” Frank scoffs, and we all end up laughing.

“I think he finally realizes that things can’t always go the way he wants them to,” Olivia chimes in.

“True. He’s been so adamant to control our lives, and now we’re all going against his will; his confidence is bound to be rattled,” I say before taking a sip of my beer.

“Be careful. If he’s going to go after anyone, it’ll be you, Nate,” Frank warns, and I knew that already, sadly.

“I know, and I will be. There’s not much he can do.” I shrug.

“Uh, don’t you remember the state you came back in a few weeks ago? And that was after being a hermit for two weeks.” Matt glares at me and softens up quickly.

“I know, babe. Sorry, you’re not going to let me live that down, are you?”

“Nope, no chance. You’ll just have to deal with it,” he says with a smug grin.

“Lucky me,” I scoff.

“You’ll survive.” He turns my face and kisses me deeply. “Sorry, Frank.” He chuckles.

“About what? I don’t have a problem with who Nate chooses to love. If anything, I’m happy he found you. You make a great couple.”

“Thank you. I just thought for some reason that you had the same views about Nate’s sexuality as Robert,” Matt says truthfully.

“I did too,” I tell them.

“Really?” Frank says surprised.

“Yeah, I thought you hated me, that all of you hated me besides Maddie.” I shrug.

“Caroline and I never hated you, but Robert was so against you that whenever we’d say something about you, it would bring more trouble to us,” he says, sounding guilty.

“It’s alright. It’s all in the past. To new beginnings.” I raise my beer, and we all cheer.

“To new beginnings,” Frank repeats.

“And to Matt. Happy birthday, handsome,” Olivia says sounding happy.

“Thank you, gorgeous.” He smiles at her.

“Can I ask you something?” Olivia says, looking at Matt.

“Of course, anything.” He takes a sip of his wine.

“Did you ever kiss or have sex with a woman?” she whispers loudly.

“Why are you whispering?” He matches her tone.

“I’m not sure. I might be slightly tipsy.” She grins innocently.

“Slightly, huh?” Frank says, and we all chuckle.

“Okay, I’m well on my way to getting drunk, but we have so much to celebrate, it’s alright.” She pats Frank’s hand and leans toward Matt. “So?”

“Yes to both.”

“And you didn’t enjoy it?” She sounds perplexed.

“It was alright. I just didn’t feel anything really. When I first kissed a guy, my world was lit up, and I knew for sure I was into men. I had my doubts like every teenager, but that confirmed it. As for sex, it was pretty much the same; decent with a woman but didn’t turn my world upside down.” Matt shrugs.

“What about with Nate?” Olivia has a naughty grin on her face.

“With Nate? Where do I begin? I knew I liked him and was into him before anything happened. Our first kiss was the best kiss I’ve ever shared with anyone. I don’t think any kiss could trump that one. As for the sex well, it’s f*cking amazing. It’s always good, and I don’t think that’ll ever change.” He looks at me fondly, and I melt.

“I love you,” I whisper and kiss him.

“I love you too,” he whispers into the kiss.

“You two are just perfect for each other.” Haven sighs happily.

“So he’s better than me, huh?” Spencer asks faking being offended.

“Sorry to say, but yes.” Matt smirks at Spencer.

“Ah well, I know I’m the shit.” Spencer shrugs.

“Aww, got your ego bruised, babe?” Haven giggles looking at Spencer.

“Not even close,” Spencer scoffs.

“Wait, you two used to date?” Frank asks, sounding confused.

“I wouldn’t call it dating. We had something. I was classifying it as just friends with benefits, but it was something more. We were really closer friends who were casually having sex. He’s helped me with some emotional issues. Despite us not having sex anymore, we stayed really close friends, and we still are,” Spencer says truthfully, looking at me to see if I’m okay with it.