by Jodie Larson
“A little, but if you’d like some company, I can stick around.” His smile is genuine, friendly, and instantly relaxes the tension building in my shoulders.
“Not too much longer. I still have to work tomorrow and be around the tiny humans while not nursing a hangover. Hence, the white wine tonight.” I hold up my empty glass.
“So white is your drink of choice?” Breck leans forward, propping his elbows on the table.
I nod. “I’ll get in a mood to drink red, but I need to stay somewhere if that happens. It hits me faster. But if I’m partying, I’ll stay away from wine and hit up rum instead.”
“No vodka?”
I shudder. “Nope. Drank too much of that in college. I’m more of a flavored rum girl, like Limón or Captain. Tends to go down easier.”
“Maybe you haven’t had the right drink yet. I bet I could make you a vodka drink and you’d never even know it.”
I lean closer, placing my elbows on the table so they’re almost touching his. “Are you saying you’re inviting me out for drinks?”
It’s Breck’s turn to blush slightly. “Suppose I am.”
“And what about Myles?” This is dangerous water we’re treading. I know Myles still hasn’t forgiven him for the night that almost ruined their friendship. One night, a single drunken kiss, and a moment I relive over and over again. I doubt Brecken gives it much thought, but for me, it was the kiss. It was the night Brecken Lavery went from childhood crush to real life feelings.
“I doubt Myles would care if two friends hung out for a drink. Besides, if I’m going to work on your house, we’re going to spend a lot of time together. He might as well get used to it.” A valid point. “So what kind of work are you looking at?”
I shrug. “Just some updating. The Hansons didn’t change much over the years and I haven’t had the extra money to hire a contractor to take it out of the seventies. Ideally, I’d like to start with the kitchen, but I don’t know if I can afford it. Right now, I have enough money budgeted to redo the living room floor; tear up the carpet and put down new hardwood.”
Breck taps his lips. “That won’t take a lot of time. Anything else you need done?”
Is he kidding? “Like I said, the whole house needs a facelift, but I can’t afford much right now.”
“Don’t worry about the cost. You tell me what you need and I’ll get it done.”
I shake my head. “You’re not paying for my renovation. I’m a big girl. I’ll take care of it myself.”
“Come on, let me help. Why have all this money if I can’t help out my friends when they need it?”
I give him a pointed glare. “No.”
A smirk, one I should be weary of, graces his face. “Fine. I know better than to argue with a woman. When do you want to start?”
“Next week? We can at least start tearing up the carpet while I put my order in for the flooring. That should give us enough time.”
Breck takes out his phone and scrolls through his calendar. “Early next week works for me. We’re not scheduled to be in the studio until Wednesday or Thursday, so that’ll be perfect.”
“Great.” I stand and stretch my arms above my head. “Now I’m starting to get tired. I should probably head home.”
He stands with me and looks over to Paxton, who’s still surrounded by a hoard of girls. “Looks like my ride is going to be a while. Mind if I catch one with you?”
I nod and watch as he heads toward Pax, probably informing him of his change of plans. As he walks away, I can’t help but admire his ass and narrow waist in those jeans. Heat spreads through my stomach, but I try to ignore it. Feeding this crush will not help, not when I know I have zero chance of it ever coming to fruition. Brecken can have his choice of women around the world. Why would he want me?
Once he returns, we wave goodbye to Quinn and Gabe and head toward the parking lot. The lights flash on my Altima as we climb inside.
“Nice car.” He slides a hand over the interior with appreciation.
“Thanks. Didn’t want to drive that old beater from high school anymore. I bought this one after college. A gift to myself.”
“Well, it’s in nice condition.”
“I don’t go anywhere, so it’s easy to maintain.” I try to laugh, only it comes out strained. Brecken doesn’t need to know how pitiful my life is.
“At least you have a car. I got rid of mine when we left, which was stupid because now I need to borrow my parents’ car if I want to go anywhere. Talk about pathetic.”
I quickly glance his way while navigating the streets. His profile illuminates with each passing street light. It’s a distraction I’m not used to having and I’m finding it hard to focus on the road in front of me. “Not pathetic. Smart. You’d have to make sure someone was starting it regularly and getting it serviced so it wouldn’t crap out on you. Besides, how often are you home for long periods of time? Not very, if memory serves me right.”
He looks down. “I should have stopped by when we were in town last to say hi. I’m a shitty friend.”
I grab his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “You’re not a shitty friend. You’re busy and have a life. Besides, you don’t have to check on your best friend’s sister. It’s not a bylaw of your friendship.”
“You’re still my friend,” he says, reciprocating my squeeze.
If I keep hold of his hand any longer, ideas will float into my head and nothing good will come of it. Snatching my hand from his, I turn on the radio, syncing it to my phone and press shuffle for some music.
“Crush” by Jennifer Paige starts right away.
Fuck you, playlist.
Thank God the drive is short as I pull into Kade’s old driveway. Now Brecken’s, I suppose. It really is fortunate that we’re only a block away from each other.
“Thanks for the ride,” he says. He doesn’t make a move to get out of the car and I can’t figure out why he’s waiting. A flash of an emotion floats over his eyes, but he quickly blinks it away. That’s odd.
“Anytime. Guess I’ll see you Saturday?”
This time he smiles as he opens the door. “I’ll be there.”
Perfect. Let the torture begin.
So. Many. Tiny. Things.
The whole house looks like something you’d find on one of those Pinterest boards Tatum talks about. I didn’t know it was possible to make a “Big Wheel” out of diapers, blankets, and shoes. Yet there it sits, next to the scrapbooking table and the onesie decorating station. The whole house is unrecognizable. It’s baby central.
Kade doesn’t look fazed, though. He’s sitting next to Adrienne, his hand seemingly glued to her belly as he leans close to talk to it. It. I hate saying it. I wish they would have found out the sex so I could say him or her. Not it. If and when I ever get the chance to have kids, we will not wait. I like to plan, which surprises me that Kade doesn’t already know. He’s one that is always two steps ahead of the game.
The girls bustle around, hanging up the last of the decorations and organizing the different stations. It’s a small party, only their closest friends. And Linda. That was Kade’s olive branch to her. Sort of an “if you screw this up, we’re walking” type of deal. And the label wouldn’t be pleased if we find someone else to bring all those millions to.
With Adrienne only two weeks away from her due date, they pretty much had everything they needed. This is more for Quinn than anyone else.
“Breck? Can you help with something quick? I need someone tall and since you’re the only guy here, you’ve been volunteered.” Quinn’s strained voice from the kitchen pulls me from my thoughts.
Assholes ditched me the first chance they got. Something about looking at Myles’ newest car or motorcycle or who knows what. Can’t say I’m a big car guy. They’re nice, but not something I want to bond over. Unless it involves rebuilding them.
“Sure, Quinn.” Curious to see what she’s doing, I make my way over. She’s standing on a ladder, trying to place the last piece of
tape on the “Boy or Girl” banner strung in front of the cabinets.
“You’ve got this,” I say with a laugh. Quinn is not amused as she shoots daggers my way.
“Just climb up here and put this tape on, please. Your arms are longer than mine.”
I take her place and stretch to hang the sign.
“To the left. Now down. No, up. It’s too tight. Loosen it up. Not that much!”
One. Two. Three. Four…
“Quinn, I love you, but if you don’t make up your goddamn mind soon, I’m going to throw this on the ground.” Is it possible to feel your blood pressure rise? Even counting isn’t getting rid of the tension from my shoulders.
She throws her hands on her hips in the most dramatic fashion. “Stop being a smartass and listen. Down slightly and to the left.” I barely move to her instructions. “There! It’s perfect.”
“Thank God,” I mutter under my breath. After climbing down, I join her from the opposite side to admire the handiwork. It’s straight enough.
“I should give up my day job and be a professional sign hanger.”
I stumble to the side as she shoves my shoulder. “Don’t think so. Good thing you’re so damn cute.”
“Who’s cute?” Lizzie chirps, walking in from the garage with an armful of bags.
“Here, let me help you.” I quickly spring into action, taking several of the heavier bags, leaving her with one.
She laughs and shakes her head. “You didn’t have to take them all. I was managing just fine.”
“I didn’t. You still have one.”
“Yeah, the one with the bread in it.”
Myles and Pax finally join us and set up camp at the counter, digging through the bags and popping grapes into their mouths.
“I figured this would be catered. Who’s going to make all this food?” Myles says around a mouthful.
“It’s all pre-made meat and cheese trays from Costco. And don’t you notice the theme for the finger foods? Baby carrots, sweet peas, Babybel cheese, pigs in a blanket?” Tatum hugs her husband from behind, placing a kiss on his temple.
“So what I’m hearing is no burgers or anything like that?”
Tatum clucks her tongue. “No. Sandwiches, fruits, veggies. Healthy stuff.”
He scoffs, frowning. “That’s crap.”
“You’re not the one who needs to watch what he eats.”
Just then, Adrienne walks in, taking a seat next to Myles. “I would kill someone for a big, fat, greasy burger right now.”
“See!” Myles says, pointing in Adrienne’s direction. “Even she wants a burger.”
Tatum’s face falls slightly. “Oh.”
Before she has a chance to speak again, I pipe in. “The sandwiches will be amazing.”
“No, this was a dumb idea. I should have called out for the food. I just wanted to do something special.” A rogue tear slides down Tatum’s cheek. Myles springs into action, swooping her into his arms.
“Shh. Baby, it’s great. I was just kidding. Sandwiches and fruit are an excellent idea. Then we won’t spoil our dinner later.” He presses his lips against her forehead as she tries pushing him away.
“It’s fine. I’m just…hormonal, that’s all. And stressed. It’s been a lot over the last few weeks and I haven’t slept well. That’s it.”
Pax and I meet eye to eye. Something tells me it’s a bit more than stress that has her hormonal. I know he’s thinking the same thing as he raises a brow and darts his eyes to her stomach. I nod. Looks like Kade may not be the only new daddy soon if our thoughts are correct.
After all the food is prepped and put away, Quinn’s guests start arriving. Not many people I know. A few co-workers at her clinic, some people from the orchestra that Adrienne used to play with before she got married, and then there’s Lizzie, off to the side, holding a glass of sparkling cider and watching everyone mingle. She spoke with her co-workers, but only briefly before they ditched her to find Adrienne and Kade. Once again, people using others for their own selfish benefit. Hopefully I’m wrong and they were just excited to see the happy couple.
Before I can join her, Myles tugs my arm. “Hey, why are you looking at Lizzie like that?”
I draw my brows together. “Like what?”
He glares. “You know like what.”
“She’s standing there by herself. I was going to join her so she wouldn’t feel awkward,” I say, jerking my head in her direction. “Unless you’d rather she be alone and not have fun.”
Myles shrugs. “Lizzie’s a big girl. She can handle herself.”
“What is your issue?” I rip my arm from his hold. “Did you ever think that maybe we’re friends? You’ve been beating me down for nine years. Let it go. Nothing’s going to happen between us.” Anger seethes through my body, igniting my blood to an almost boil. “It was a long time ago. Back the fuck off.”
Myles looks over at Lizzie, who finally decided to join the rest of the girls in the kitchen. “Fine. But the minute I see any funny business, all bets are off.”
“Whatever.” I start to walk away but decide I better clear the air now. “And just so you know, she asked me to help out with projects at her house. No jumping to conclusions when you see me over there. I’m helping a friend.”
He takes a step in my direction. “Better be all it is.” I nod. “Good. Now let’s get out of here before we get sucked into all things baby.”
Good point. And like every other “fight” we’ve had, all is forgotten.
We escape to the sanctity of the garage loft, where Gabe and Pax are waiting for us. The crack of a beer can is music to my ears as I settle into one of the plush chairs in the rec room. Kade was a smart man building this little slice of man heaven. Giant screen TV, a reclining sectional with two additional recliners, and a grand wet bar that’s fully stocked with everything you need. The only thing that would be better is –
“Who wants brats?” Kade asks, holding a platter of food in one hand and a plastic bag with several bags of chips in the other.
“Oh, sweet Jesus, thank you,” Myles says, practically lunging for the chips. Kade sets the food up on the bar and we each give our appreciation for not having to eat the crummy finger foods downstairs.
Once all the food is gone, we start a game of darts. Well, except for me and Gabe. The pool table is more my thing. Lots of angles to triangulate, more concentration and strategy.
After several rounds and a case of beer, the intercom buzzes, dragging us from the fun.
“Hey guys, Adrienne’s about to open her gifts. You’re required to be here.” That’s about as nice as Quinn’s going to ask, I suppose.
Pax crushes his beer can and tosses it in the recycle bin. “Let’s get this over with. The faster you open gifts, the sooner we can go check out that recording studio again.”
“Yeah, I have to admit, I’m kind of in love with the place. All you need is a bed and you’d never have to leave,” Myles adds.
I laugh and head down the stairs with the guys. “Why? You looking to go into the dog house sometime soon?”
He tosses me a pointed look, not finding the humor in my joke. Man, Tatum must really be giving him the business about this whole kid thing. If I’m right, he’s going to have to shape up sooner than he realizes.
The middle of the living room is piled with gifts, ranging in different heights and packages. Some boxes, some bags, and one that’s not even wrapped. Then again, it’s hard to wrap a stroller that’s already assembled.
“A gift from my parents,” Quinn says, pointing her thumb at the item in question.
“I’m sorry they couldn’t be here today. How’s your grandma?” Concern laces Adrienne’s voice.
Quinn sits up a little taller, resting a hand on Gabe’s knee as if she needs it for support. “Better. If everything stays the same, she’ll be out of the hospital by Monday.”
“What happened?” I ask.
Gabe’s tight smile is answer enough. “Heart attack. Mild,
but enough to knock her down for a few days.”
I lean against the wall behind the couch, conveniently with Lizzie in front of me. “Glad it wasn’t more serious.”
Quinn nods. “She’s a tough old bird. It’ll take more than that to take her down.”
“With you as a granddaughter, I would say so.” Myles earns a slap to the shoulder from Tatum.
“Shush.”
“Okay, let’s get this going,” Kade says, grabbing a gift from the pile.
They take turns opening each present. Most packages contain multiple items with almost every one including a pack of diapers. Probably a good thing. I don’t have much experience with babies, but I know enough to know they do three things—eat, cry, and shit. Probably all three at once. How can something so little create such chaos?
When it’s all said and done, Quinn has organized the abundance of blankets into their appropriate piles—receiving, thermal, crochet, and some ultra-plush soft thing. I thought a blanket was a blanket. Not for this kid. The littlest Evans will have a different blanket for every day of the year. For three years. Don’t even get me started on the toys. Kade and Adrienne could probably open up their own baby store.
Once all the wrapping paper is cleaned up and all the extra guests leave, we move the party outside to the patio. It’s another beautiful late summer day. Surprisingly the humidity has gone, leaving it a tolerable temperature. Of course, the sun going down helps with that as well. The empty swing set in the yard still makes me laugh. I can’t believe Adrienne actually had it built before they got married.
“Anyone up for a bonfire?” Kade hauls wood to the fire pit.
A collective yes can be heard as we grab our chairs and watch Kade expertly build the fire. Looking around the group, I notice there’s one person missing. When I don’t see her, I quickly excuse myself to go hunt her down.
“I think she went that way,” Quinn whispers over my shoulder.
I glance her way then to the area of the woods she’s pointing at. “You sure?”
She nods. “Yeah, she said something about needing a minute to herself. That was about five minutes ago.”
