“You were feral,” Chase says. “Logan made you a stress ball, and you threw it at him.”
“It was shaped like aturtle,” I say flatly. “He knows I don’t do turtles.”
“I didn’t realize you’d scream like a child seeing a ghost,” Logan adds.
“Youdid.”
Carina’s mouth curves, eyes darting to mine. “I feel like I’m learning so much right now.”
I exhale a laugh, my own eyes darting to her mouth, then back up. Everyone is watching silently, completely enthralled.
“Sorry,” Charlie says brightly, stepping forward. “You also met me, Tam, and Zoe briefly in the waiting room. We were on our way to the cafeteria, which is frankly a crime against food.”
“Oh yes, I remember,” Carina says. “Sorry, that was a big week, and names start to blur.”
Zoe smiles warmly. “It’s really nice to see you.”
Lulu steps in next. “We haven’t met properly, but I’m Lulu. I overshare, but I mean well, and I’m engaged to Logan, which unfortunately means we come as a set.”
“Tragic,” Logan adds. “But true.”
“Would you like a mimosa?” Zoe holds up a flute. “We have plenty.”
“Oh, uhh…” Carina’s eyes dart to mine. “Thank you, but I can’t—I’m on call. Tea will be fine.”
It’s a lie. She’s not on call today, but it’s the perfect excuse to not draw suspicion or announce her pregnancy to everyone.
“I’ll make it,” I say, already moving to grab a mug, not making eye contact with anyone.
I open a drawer and reach for the small jar of honey tucked behind the spices—the one I usually hide like it’s contraband during brunch—and set it on the counter.
Zoe’s eyes narrow. “Is she getting the good honey?”
“Yeah.”
“Oh my god.” Zoe gasps. “Youneverlet us have the good honey!”
“That’s because you drink it straight from the jar.”
Chase pops up beside her. “Excuse you. I use a spoon.”
“You double-dip.”
“I don’t blame you,” Carina says, watching the exchange with a small, knowing smile. “It’s excellent honey.”
Zoe raises an eyebrow, a hand on her hip as her eyes spring between me and Carina. “So you’ve tried the honey before, then.”
“Yeah,” I murmur, refusing to meet her knowing eyes as I hand Carina her mug. “She has.”
Her fingers wrap around mine momentarily, and it makes me want to wrap my entire body around her.
Chase shakes his head. “This is how we find out we’re not special.”
Carina lifts her mug and meets my eyes over the rim, something warm and private blinking there before she takes a sip. “Thank you.”
Before she can sit, Theo toddles in from the hallway. Half a slice of toast in one hand, the other dragging his stuffed bunny by the ear. He stops short at the sight of her, his big brown eyes going wide.
Then he pivots and beelines for me.
