On the Rocks (Mixology #2)(18)
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy

I pulled out of the lot once she buckled her seatbelt. “Were you serious about the no plans thing?”

She tore her eyes away from her window. “Yeah. What would I be doing?”

“I don’t know. Going out on the town.”

“By myself? No thanks.”

“Yeah, that’s probably not advisable for a girl.”

“I don’t like how sexist that comment is, but it’s probably true.”

I laughed. “Honest. I like it.”

“What other way is there to be?”

“How are you doing?” I hadn’t brought up the whole thing with her sister again, because I didn’t want to upset her, but she almost seemed more distant. I hoped it hadn’t gotten worse.

“I’m fine. Excited to finish moving.”

“You don’t like living with Colin, do you?”

“It’s not that. I just feel guilty. He’s been so helpful and supportive, I don’t want to overstay my welcome, you know?”

“I definitely do.”

“But maybe I’m going to do that to you guys too. I hope you offered me the spot because you actually wanted to.”

I decided to end her doubts immediately. “We wanted you to move in. You’re cool. It’s going to work out.”

“I hope so.”

“I know so.” I reached over to touch her leg to comfort her, but at the last minute I thought better of it, and instead I put a hand behind her seat. If it had been Maddy she’d have thought nothing of it, and let’s face it, neither would I. But Carly was different. She was wearing a short sundress that showed off just enough of her legs to mess with me. Why did I have to feel so comfortable and at ease with her? That comfort would get me in trouble if I wasn’t careful.

“You’re pretty confident, aren’t you?” She watched me carefully.

I continued down the one main road that cut across the island. “Usually.” She’d have to get to know me really well to see any other side.

She laughed this kind of high pitched laugh. Normally I’d have thought it was fake, but I sensed it wasn’t. We rode the rest of the way in silence.

I pulled into the driveway.

She unbuckled her seatbelt. “I have to pack up a few things, so don’t worry about waiting.”

“You sure?” I’d planned to help her.

“I might need your help on the other side though.”

“Just give me a call when you park.”

“Awesome.” She reached to open her door. “Thanks for the ride.”

“Anytime.” I smiled. “I’m glad you’re moving in.”

“Me too.” She hopped out and closed the door.

I waved before pulling out of Colin’s driveway.

Before I’d made it halfway home Ralph called. “Hey, what’s up?” I answered. He only called for two reasons, to ask me to cover him at work or to tell me about a party. I was banking on it being the latter.

“There’s a party at Sean’s tonight. You in?”

“Sure.” I needed to get out. “I’ll see you there.” I hung up. Maybe I’d invite Carly to come with me.

Chapter Eleven

Carly

“Hey, Maddy!” I called up the stairwell when I walked in. Her car was parked in the driveway so I assumed she was home.

She didn’t answer, so I decided to finish packing. I’d just finished putting away the last of my clothes when I got a text from Colin.

Sorry I didn’t reply earlier. Crazy day. Went well. I have a plan. I’ll fill you in later.

Awesome! It was fun being in on Colin’s secret. It was the first hint at what our grown-up relationship would be. My brother was the only rock in my life, and I really hoped he wouldn’t push me away too.

He texted me again. In case I need to spell it out, don’t tell her. I really want her to be surprised.

I’m not dumb.

That’s questionable, but good. Talk soon.

Sure, but I’m moving today

Today?

Yeah…

Ok, if you need help let me know.

K. Thanks.

I pocketed my phone and walked out to the kitchen. “Maddy?” I called again. I needed my keys if I was going anywhere. Still no answer. I decided to check outside. Sure enough she was sitting out on the deck.

“Hey.”

“Hey.” Her voice was so soft I barely heard her.

I slumped down in the chair next to hers. “How’re you doing?”

“I’m not sure.”

“That doesn’t sound particularly good.” I looked her over. She looked a little pale again. “What’s going on?”

“Life never works out the way you plan.”

“Ok… so what’s going on?” She was moving in with Colin. This was supposed to be a really good day.

“Have you ever found out something good but realized someone else would think it’s really bad?”

“Uh… maybe.” I hadn’t experienced the exact concern, but I was pretty much an expert on worrying about what someone would think. I wasn’t sure where she was going with this conversation though.

“That’s how I feel right now.”

“Care to elaborate?” I leaned back into the slightly uncomfortable chair.

“Yes, but no.”

“You have to be the most confusing person ever today. Just tell me what’s up.” I didn’t want to be pushy, but I had the distinct impression that the person who would find the news bad was my brother.

She turned to me. “If I told you something, would you swear to keep it between us?”

“In other words, I can’t tell Colin?”

“Yes.”

I thought about it. I wouldn’t want to hide something from Colin, but if I wanted to help him, I needed to know what was going on.

“I promise. Whatever it is stays between us.”

She pursed her lips and looked back out at the water. “Do you think your brother wants kids?”

What? What kind of secret was that? “I think so but it’s not like we’ve discussed it a lot.”

“But what’s your gut feeling?” She turned to me. “Would he be excited at the idea, or upset, or—”

“You’re pregnant.” The words flew out of my mouth.

She nodded. “I finally picked up a test after I dropped you off.”

“Wow. Congrats.”

“You didn’t answer me.” She tensed up. “How would he react?”