I just get seated in front of an easel when the door opens and Oaklee and Cade step inside. They move to the bar, where Oaklee orders something off the specialty menu, while Cade places a possessive hand on her lower back. As Lizzie makes her drink, they cuddle into each other, her fitting comfortably at his side.
A deep pull of longing starts in my stomach and settles in my chest. My older brothers have found what my parents have, and while I’m completely happy for them, I can’t help but wonder if that’ll happen to me.
An image of Quinn pops into my head, but I quickly push it aside.
That’s not what we have, not what we’ll ever be.
“Hey,” Oaklee greets as she heads my way.
I look up and smile, standing up to give my friend a hug. “Don’t look now, but there’s some creep at the bar staring at you,” I whisper in her ear.
Oaklee glances over her shoulder and smiles. “He’s always watching me.”
“Because he loves you,” I say as she takes the seat beside me.
“Oh, what’s in your glass?” she asks, reaching over and taking a sip before I can stop her. She makes a face. “Is that like an ice cream float?”
I nod. “The Shirley Temple drink.”
“You’re not drinking tonight? Cade said he’d be our DD.”
“No,” I reply with a chuckle. “I wasn’t feeling so hot earlier. Thought I’d just stick to girl time with you all tonight.”
I can almost see the nurse wheels in her head going to work, piecing together the nuggets of info I’ve shared.
Fortunately, I’m saved from having to answer whatever questions she’s about to hurl at me by the arrival of the rest of our friends. Sommer and Allison enter at the same time, and once Lizzie gets their drinks, she makes one for herself and joins us.
“Don’t forget to make a plate of food before we get started,” she says.
I do just that, needing something in my stomach. “I’m not shy. I’ll start the food line,” I announce, heading for the food table.
Lizzie always makes the most delicious appetizers for her paint nights, and there’s always plenty of food. She feeds the regulars at the bar, as well as other patrons who may stop by for a drink or two.
As I’m filling up a small plate with meatballs, cheese dip and pretzels, and fruit, I hear, “Grab some extra kiwi. It’s good for the baby.”
A shiver slides down my spine at not only the words he’s speaking, but at the nearness of his mouth to my ear. “You’re not the boss of me,” I whisper, praying I don’t sound as breathless as I feel.
He steps to my left yet stays very close as he reaches for a plate. “If you say so, sweetheart. I do remember a time or two where you enjoyed my bossiness.”
My cheeks flame as I grab random food and throw it on my plate. “What are you doing here?” I ask tersely.
“Came to have a drink with my oldest friend,” he replies casually.
“Mmhmm,” I mutter, turning around and facing the bar.
“And maybe wanting to keep an eye on my baby mama. She has become pretty important to me,” he says, but before I can reply, I notice Camden making his way toward us.
“Hey, Charli,” he greets, bending over and kissing my cheek.
“Hello, little bother.”
He clears his throat. “It’s brother.”
“If you say so,” I singsong. “I better get back to my seat. I’m about to tear up that sunset painting in a few minutes. Lizzie will probably want me to teach a class soon.”
Camden snorts. “I’ve seen your work, Picasso. Don’t quit your day job.”
I walk away, feeling Quinn’s eyes on me with each step I take. And yes, I add a little extra swing to my hips as I retreat.
