Misty
Bernie finally wore me down. Zep sits across from me at the small kitchen table I inherited from Grandma, and Bernie looks like she just won the lottery.
“And then, in gym, I wasn’t picked last for softball,” Bernie says.
“That’s cool,” Zep says and takes seconds of the meatloaf I made. “I don’t remember if I ever got picked for teams. I was usually in trouble.”
She giggles. “You were always in trouble?”
“I was a naughty kid.”
The way he saysnaughtyand glances at me makes my stomach twist. Thank God Bernie is going with her grandparents tomorrow night. I have a date lined up to help get rid of this sexual frustration making me tense. Then I can get Zep out of my mind.
“Oh, shoot,” Bernie says. “I forgot that I have to make a card for Carly. It’s her birthday tomorrow.”
I smile. Bernie’s never really had a true friend before, and I still haven’t met Carly. It’s one of the reasons I finally caved to let Zep come over for dinner. Now, she has to invite Carly.
“Do you need to be excused?” I ask.
She frowns and pouts. “Yes, please. I’m sorry, Zep. I can’t believe I forgot!”
“No worries, kiddo. Draw something pretty.”
After she scurries away, I slouch in my seat. “Do you have any idea who Carly is?”
He shakes his head. “I don’t really know any kids unless they’re related to the club. Or Bernie. Why?”
“Bernie’s had problems in the past with...friends. It makes me nervous because there’s always a reason Carly can’t come over for dinner for me to meet her. And she’s conveniently not at school if I’m there to get Bernie.”
“Got a last name?”
I shake my head. “Nope. Bernie’s tight-lipped with her details. Part of me worries she’s not real.”
“Maybe she’s worried you’ll embarrass her,” Zep offers.
“That’s very possible. I get so protective of her.”
“Until something happens, it might be best to let her have this one. She’s a pretty good judge of character. Present company excluded, of course.”
I snort. “You’re right. And she’s tougher than I give her credit for. I just don’t want her tohaveto be, you know? Anyway, let’s talk about something else. Anything else.”
“Chanel showed up yesterday.”
My eyebrows shoot up. As does my jealousy. “And?”
“I told her to…” He looks around to make sure Bernie’s not in earshot before saying, “…fuck off.”
This surprises me. Especially after his confession about their relationship. And his feelings for her. “Really?”
“I was kind of proud of myself. And shocked the hell out of both of us. I turned her away.”
“At the risk of offending you, I’m proud of you, too. I know how hard it can be to turn something you want away for what you need.”
His eyes focus on his plate. “It was time. One of us had to make the move, and it was never going to be her.”
“It sounds like she was the only one getting the best out of the deal. Why would she walk away?”
“I’m not as upset as I thought I’d be. I mean, I miss her, but it doesn’t hurt like I expected.”
