Add that to the column of things I never needed to know about my best friend. Sure, I know she’s dated over the years, but I never thought about that part of her relationships.
Just like I’m sure she’s never thought about that in mine.
Glancing at the clock, I’m surprised to see it’s pushing ten. I never sleep this late. And given that it’s a Sunday, she’s not at the shop since this is the one day a week it’s closed.
Tugging a T-shirt on and a pair of shorts, I head out into the kitchen. The bitter smell of coffee perfumes the air.
Alice is sitting at the island with a cup in hand and her tablet in front of her.
“Hi.”
She sputters, spilling coffee over the granite countertop.
“Oh, um, hi.”
Based on the redness that spreads across her face, she’s still not over what happened last night. Given how fast she sprinted out of here once the pizza came, I shouldn’t be surprised.
“Mind if I have a cup?” I point toward the coffee pot.
“Sure. There’s plenty.”
“Thanks.”
I lean against the counter and take in the house. Pillows that I used to see at Alice’s studio are now on the living room couch. The flower book she loves is on the metal coffee table with a new set of coasters. The bookshelves that were pitifully decorated are now filled to the brim with pictures.
“Wait, did you do all of this today?” It wasn’t like this last night.
Alice looks behind her before turning to me. “Yes. Declan, you have absolutely nothing to decorate with. The place needed a little sprucing up.”
“Wow. It looks great.”
Before I can go and look at each frame, the front door bursts open. There’s only four people in the world who have the code. One is sitting here, and my cleaner isn’t scheduled to come for another week.
Shit.
“Declan Andrew Paddack. You got married and didn’t invite your parents?” My mother bursts inside in a whirl of anger and fury. “What is wrong with you?”
“Umm…”
She’s a good head shorter than I am, but stalks over and points her finger in my face. “Honestly, Declan.”
If her anger could make her hair redder, I wouldn’t be surprised. It’s not like I can tell her the truth, but would a white lie hurt? I don’t think so. The only other time I lied to her was in high school when I broke curfew. She made sure it was thelasttime I lied.
“Why are you guys here?” I ask, deflecting from her previous question.
Mom walks past me as Dad gives me a hug. “She was bent out of shape yesterday, so we drove all the way here so she could say congratulations.”
“Really?” I ask him. “Because I think she wants to bury me first.”
“I still might!” she yells from where she is now embracing Alice. “Honestly, Alice, you picked him. Really? A man who can’t even tell his mother before he gets married.”
Alice looks at me, a contemplative look on her face. “Well, maybe he’ll need to sleep on the couch for punishment.”
“Ha!” Mom points a finger at my chest as I walk around her. “I guess Alice is a keeper.”
“Well, if she’s a keeper, why don’t I make us all breakfast? I’m sure you’re tired from your drive and want to chat with Alice.”
Mom takes a seat at the counter and beams at me. “I guess I taught you something.”
