“Sheppard,” Nathan returned the favor.
“Hey Madi, I don’t hear Ashley complaining about Nathan driving her here tonight,” Jay said.
“Why would I complain about my gorgeous Navy SEAL husband chauffeuring me around?” Ashley asked before kissing said husband. “I love you.”
“I love you, too. Call me when you’re ready to come home.”
A few seconds later, AJ dropped off Blake and, of course, he walked her to the door.
“Have fun,” AJ said as he leaned down to kiss Blake goodbye. It was comical watching him compress his six-foot-two frameto be eye to eye with her five-foot-two one. “I’ll be kicking everyone’s ass at Nathan’s.”
The guys had a game night planned.Will Matt be there?
Blake giggled and asked, “You’re not playing teams?”
“No, it’s only us three.”
“Alright boys, out you go,” Mom said, shooing them out the door. She’d tried sounding stern, but love filled her eyes and leaked out in her tone.
When they’d finally left, we organized our food and drinks before filling our plates with finger sandwiches, Meg’s bacon mac and cheese, cheese and crackers, and fresh veggies.
I poured myself a generous glass of wine, knowing it’d be my only one, since I was responsible for driving Meg home. I wasn’t the only one limiting my alcohol intake; Ashley and Meg drank Ashley’s virgin sangria.
“I’m so glad you made this,” Meg said after taking a large sip. “It’s so good you don’t even miss the alcohol.” She popped a blueberry into her mouth.
“I know. It’s made going dry during pregnancy so much easier.”
Ashley was due later in the year; I couldn’t remember exactly when. She, Emily, and Meg were excited they’d be raising their kids together.
We couldn’t wait to sit back and watch the show as the three musketeers—who embodied the word shenanigans—navigated being new moms. Their playdates would be better than any reality TV show.
“Who was supposed to bring the crafts?” I asked, noticing the empty space in the middle of the table. We rarely completed the craft of the month, but we at least pretended to try.
“I was, but decided to skip it. We have more important things to talk about,” my mom said. “Like, how come you didn’t tell me about the fire?”
She sounds hurt. Crap.
“I’m sorry, Mom. I didn’t want to worry you.”
“Did you really think I wouldn’t find out?”
I shook my head as I let it hang forward. “I should’ve known Dad would tell you.”
“Of course he did.”
“I promise I won’t keep things like this from you again.” It was an easy promise to make because I didn’t like hurting her.
I’d been on my own a long time and had gotten used to not sharing things I thought might cause them unnecessary concern. Now that I was back home, I needed to change my tactics.
“So.” Uh oh, I knew that tone. It was her, I-already-know-the-answer-but-I’m-going-to-see-if-you-tell-me-the-truth tone. “Is the rumor true? Did you go on a date with Matt?”
Shit. All eyes turned toward me. My cheeks flooded with color despite me wishing they wouldn’t react to hearing his name. I didn’t want to discuss Matt with anyone, and definitely not with my mom.
“No. We ran into each other at the bar, and he helped me fend off a pushy suitor.”
It was the truth, and it should’ve been enough detail to satisfy their curiosity.
It wasn’t.
