“Positive.”
* * *
The party is alreadyin full swing when we get there, thanks to more car problems. I recognize quite a few faces, friends of Mom’s mostly. When I spot my sister, Sarah, I dash over and give her a quick hug. Oscar swoops in and gives her a huge bear hug, like he’s known her all his life. In actuality, he’s only met her once or twice briefly — unfortunately, Sarah and I are not super close.
Mom swoops in and gives us both tight hugs. “So nice to see you again, Oscar,” she says. “Have you met Mark yet?”
“Nope,” Oscar says. “Haven’t had the pleasure.” They exchange a manly shake.
“Nice to meet you,” Mark offers with his trademark smile, the kind of smile that could sell anything to anyone.
“There’s lots of food,” Mom says. “Help yourselves. We need to go mingle.”
And off they go.
I spot Gabbie and Eli in the corner, helping themselves to appetizers from the caterer’s table. Gabbie looks amazing in a silky red dress, her small pregnant belly rounding out. She looks healthy and happy. Eli’s smile is almost blinding. Corrie’s right when she says they’re a little sickening.
Oscar grabs my hand. “Let’s go say hi to your friends.”
Gabbie and I share a long hug, the kind reserved for close friends. The boys shake hands and get into a bit of boy talk. We chit chat about everything and nothing.
A smile traces Gabbie’s lips. “Looks like Corrie is late again.”
“Business as usual, I guess,” I say and I notice Oscar’s gaze darting around the room. “Who are you looking for?” I ask him.
“I’m looking for dickwad. I want to meet the jerk.”
“That’s probably not a great idea.”
“You want something from the apps table?” he asks. “I know what you like. I can get you something while you catch up with your friends.”
I smile up at him. “Sure. Thanks.”
As soon as he’s gone, Gabbie nudges me in the ribs. “He’s a sweetheart, that one.”
I smile. “He is.”And good in bed too.
We chat about Gabbie’s kids and the nursery she’s decorating. She’s expecting a girl. When Oscar gets back with my food, I practically scarf it down. I’m famished. This party is an after dinner cocktails affair, and I haven’t had dinner at all — too busy having sex and getting ready. Also way too nervous to cook and eat a proper dinner.
I’ve just popped in a cracker with gruyere cheese and prosciutto in my mouth when Matt startles me. “Kayla,” he cheers. He’s bright eyed and seems happy to see me. “So nice to see you again.”
My mouth is full, and I can’t utter a word. I shoot my free hand out for a handshake. He squeezes it and leans in for an awkward hug.
Oscar finally clues in and assesses him carefully, from head to toe. A scowl traces his brow and his eyes roll back. This is an expression I don’t often see on him. He offers his hand. “Oscar Cohen,” he deadpans.
“Matt Moore,” Matt says. “I’m sorry… you are?”
“I’m Kayla’sspecial friend,” he tells him with a playful smirk.
I take a step closer. “He’s my boyfriend, actually.”
Oscar grins and pulls a face but says nothing.
“Oh…” Matt says, seemingly caught off guard, and if I didn’t know any better, I’d swear that disappointment crosses his features, just for a second or two.
“Well, you’re a lucky guy, Oscar. Kayla is quite the woman.”
“A tough life makes for a stronger person, they say,” Oscar says, his tone business-like.
