I look at Bailey, who’s surveying the other people in the room. “Yes, they really are.”
“Come on. You can meet everyone.” Brynn breaks away from Colton’s hold, grabbing Bailey’s hand and pulling her further into the living room.
I follow slowly and Colton sticks next to me. “Brynn is so happy Bailey decided to come. She’s missed her a lot.”
I just nod, knowing how hard this was for Bailey. I hope seeing how happy her siblings are to see her will make it all worth it.
“This is Chandler’s second partner, Vince,” I hear Brynn introduce, motioning to the guy lounging on the couch with Evie sitting on his lap. He gives a small wave. “And this is partner number three, Matt.”
“Wait, why am I number three?” the guy, Matt, huffs.
“Because you pissed me off earlier,” Brynn deadpans.
“How? You weren’t even here before I went to practice.”
“I don’t always need a reason.”
“What do you mean? Of course you need a reason?—”
“Watch it, McQuaid,” Colton snaps, stepping up behind Brynn.
“I didn’t even do anything.” Matt throws his arms up and drops them back down.
“Just let it go,” Chandler says, placating him with a light tap to his chest walking by on her way to check on her daughter as she laughs with Vince.
I can tell this is all too much for Bailey. She’s quiet, just watching it happen. It’s a lot for me too, but my entire focus is on her and what she needs. I can’t even think about myself at this moment. That’s how I end up stepping closer to her, not touching because I don’t think she wants that. But just close enough that she knows I’m here.
“So, how did you two meet?” Brent asks. It takes me a second to realize he’s talking to us, and looking directly at me.
I freeze because they don’t need to know the real story, but we didn’t exactly come up with a fake one either.
“We’re neighbors,” Bailey answers and I nod in agreement.
“How long have you been together?” Brynn chimes in.
This time, the question has us both freezing.
“Come on. You guys don’t need to bombard them right away,” Chandler speaks up, and I decide she’s the most rational one here.
“Sit down. Why are you just standing around?” Brynn asks and that’s when I realize we’re the only two still standing.
There’s plenty of seating options, but everything feels so awkward. How close does Bailey want me? Where does she want to be? I’m used to my very simple, straightforward life and being here is anything but.
Bailey settles on a small couch section, and when she gives me a look—silently telling me doesn’t want me far—I sit next to her. It takes a minute before the conversations start up around us again in a way that feels natural. I can tell how close this group is with each other. They all so easily give each other shit, and take it in stride. I see how the guy’s are with Evie and it’s evident they all love her like their own.
“Who’s ready for some dinner?” Chandler asks, pushing herself up off the couch, but Brent guides her back down.
“You stay, we got this.”
“Got what? Ordering pizza?”
“Precisely.” He smiles at her and she shakes her head.
“Pizza sounds great to me,” Bailey announces, and I’m quick to agree.
“So, Wes, what do you do?” Colton asks.
I clear my throat, and can tell Bailey gets nervous that I’m about to talk about myself.
