I laugh. “Well, you all are,” I point out. “I’m not sure who to take.”
“You’re not taking Oscar?” Gabbie asks.
I roll my eyes and notice for the first time that it’s one of those old-fashioned tiled tin ceilings. “Don’t remind me,” I say. “We had a whole fight about it because I don’t want him to come. I just think it’s too much for us. I really don’t want to get serious.”
“Uh-huh.” Gabbie bites her bottom lip. “Seems like you’re afraid of getting too close.”
“Well…” I’m at a loss for words.
“Youlikehim,” Corrie teases. “You reallylikehim.”
I shake my head. “Let’s stop talking about Oscar. So who’s in?” I ask.
“I’m in,” Corrie says. “But tell your future step daddy that I can cover my own way.”
Of course she can — Corrie’s soon-to-be-ex is a successful attorney, just like Mark, my new stepfather, in fact. She has more than enough money to spend, which is one of the reasons she always looks so fabulous.
“I’d love to go but I’ll be going into my third trimester,” Gabbie says. “And the kids…”
I can see the disappointment in her eyes.Thisis exactly why I don’t want marriage and kids — too many sacrifices. I’m not sure if that makes me a selfish person, but I don’t care. There’s no one looking out for me, butme.
“I’d love to, too,” Maeve says, excited. “I’m in… I’m busy at the store, and that’ll be when the new spring collection is in, busy time of year…but I can make it work.”
Maeve has been to Paris, more than once. And actually, so have Gabbie and Corrie. Oscar’s the only one who hasn’t been. My heart sinks again. Why does he keep doing this to me? Why do I care so much? It’s those big puppy dog eyes of his. I hated the look on his face the last time I saw him.
I wonder when the socks will arrive.
“Well, it looks like you and me, kiddoes,” I say to Corrie and Maeve. “Trip to Paris!”
Corrie throws her arms up. “Whoo-hoo. Girls’ trip.”
I laugh. I’m happy to be going with Maeve and Corrie. Out of the four of us, Corrie’s the most fun. They don’t speak a word of French, but mine is pretty good, so we’ll do just fine, I’m sure. I’m getting pretty excited. It’s going to be a blast.
Now, if I could only stop thinking about Oscar.
