Page 105 of The Fast Lane
“I’ve never seen him that upset,” I said.
“Yeah, I guess I said the wrong thing.” He huffed a laugh and moved to the other side of the table now that we had more room.
“I think we’re all a little nervous about how this will turn out. You aren’t alone, though. Remember that.”
He gave me a long, unwavering look. “I’ll remember.”
The server came by and refilled all our drinks.
“Speaking of how things turn out…” Crossing his arms, Abe sat back and gave Theo and me a speculative look. “So…you two are a thing now, huh?”
I almost spit out my water. “What?”
At the same time, Theo said, “Yes.”
“Wait, what?” I glared at Theo. “I thought we agreed not to tell anyone until after the wedding and we figured out what this,” I waved a hand between us, “is exactly.”
Theo smirked. “Oh, right. I forgot.”
I smacked him on the arm. “You forgot nothing.”
“It’s Abe. He’s not going to tell anyone.”
With a harrumph, I crossed my arms and scooted over to put a little space between us.
“I have eyeballs. There’s no way you would have been able to keep it a secret.” With a grin, he pointed at Theo. “He can’t stop staring at you like you hung the moon and,” now he pointed at me, “you look like you’re floating.”
I ducked my head, my cheeks heating. “Are we that obvious?”
Abe rolled his eyes. “Yes.”
“Whoops,” Theo said. “That’s too bad.” He slid over, put an arm around my shoulders, and tucked me into his side. “I guess we’re caught.”
“It hasn’t even been twenty-four hours.” I frowned at Theo. “You’re bad at this.”
He leaned in, and right there in front of my brother, whispered, “That’s not what you said a few minutes ago.”
“Okay, well, that wasn’t as quiet as you think it was, and gross, bro, that’s my sister.” Abe leaned forward, his expression serious. “You’re two of my favorite people in this entire world. Don’t screw this up, okay?”
Message received.
FORTY-FOUR
Note to self:
A good friend will tell you when you’re wrong.
A best friend will bet on it.
“So, it finally happened. Yes!” Mae grinned at me from my phone screen. She had the phone propped up and was folding laundry. Which was a very Mae thing to do. Two birds, one stone, and all that. The woman did not know the meaning of taking it easy. “I knew it. This was my day. This was my day.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Your day for what?”
She pressed her lips together, looking guilty. “We might have had a pool going on about you and Theo.”
“What? Who?” I asked in outrage. “Who are these people?”
“I don’t want to tell you now. I feel like there might be payback for this.”