Grave Misgivings by Lily Harper Hart

princess,” Nick said, winking at Aaron.
    “Is she going to make you wear tights and put a glass slipper on her foot?”
    “Only when we’re alone in our bedroom tonight.”
    “You know I can hear you, right?” Maddie asked.
    “I’m not trying to be subtle, love,” Nick said.
    “You guys are the first ones here, although Brian and Max are supposed to be here already. Max said something about going on a beer run before he gets out here. I explained that my father has more liquor in this house than we could ever go through, and my parents leave it stocked when they’re out of town like they are now, but old habits die hard.”
    Nick chuckled, and Maddie realized she was missing an inside joke. “What are you talking about?” she asked.
    “We had a couple of parties up here back in the day,” Nick explained. “Aaron was so terrified his father would notice the liquor was missing he paid a bum two towns over to buy for us.”
    “I don’t remember you coming to parties up here,” Maddie said.
    Nick bit the inside of his cheek. “Oh, well, it was a long time ago.”
    “But … .”
    “It was after you took off for college and left him crying in his Gatorade,” Aaron supplied. “Those first six months after you stopped talking to him were some wild times. He was going to classes in Traverse City, but we were partying here every weekend. Those were some great times.
    “Do you remember those twins we picked up at that bar that one weekend?” Aaron continued, clearly missing the mortified look washing over Maddie’s face. “We got so drunk we couldn’t remember which one was which. I ended up sleeping with your date and you ended up sleeping with mine. They didn’t realize it wasn’t on purpose until the next morning. Man, were they pissed off.”
    “Mad,” Nick said, searching for a way to explain.
    “I’m so sorry,” Maddie said, shaking her head. “I’m just so … sorry.”
    “Mad, don’t do that,” Nick said, reaching for her.
    “What did I do?” Aaron asked, confused.
    “It’s not you,” Maddie said. “You didn’t do anything. I did it.”
    “You didn’t do it,” Nick said. “Well, you did, but … I’m sick of talking about it. I’m over it.”
    Maddie arched a confrontational eyebrow.
    “Okay, I’m mostly over it,” Nick said. “It hurt when you left and I lashed out. It’s over now, though. We’re together. I don’t want to keep having to rehash this.”
    “I’m really sorry,” Aaron said. “I didn’t realize this was still a thing between you guys.”
    “It’s not,” Nick said. “We’re over it.”
    “No offense, but it doesn’t look like you’re over it,” Aaron said.
    “We’re mostly over it,” Maddie corrected. “I still feel guilty, though.”
    “Well, if it’s any consolation, he was miserable without you, Maddie,” Aaron said. “The twins did help for a couple days, though.”
    “Shut up,” Nick said, shaking his head. “Show us our room. We want to get unpacked before dinner.”
    “Well, since I’ve already stuck my foot in my mouth, how about I make it up to you?” Aaron suggested.
    Nick narrowed his eyes. “What did you have in mind?”
     
    “I WANT to live here,” Maddie gushed, buzzing around the circular room excitedly. “We’re sleeping in the top of a turret, Nicky. A turret. I really am a princess.”
    Nick reclined back on the bed, which was the first thing he tested, and rested his head on his hands as he watched Maddie excitedly explore the room. Since he was worried he’d upset her, Aaron rewarded her by assigning the couple one of the coveted turret suites. It boasted its own bedroom, sitting room, and bathroom. It was like a segregated apartment.
    Nick didn’t feel like a princess, but there was no way he was going to argue about the room assignment. Maddie was giddy, and that was exactly how Nick liked her.
    “I wish I had a tiara for you,” Nick said.
    “I think that would be a bit much,” Maddie said.