Page 53 of Shattered Hearts

I clear my throat and they break apart, giving us lazy smiles. “You came!” Macie chimes, getting out of the booth to squeeze Laynie.

I slip in beside my brother, who slides a beer towards me.

“Of course I did. I might not be able to drink, but I can still have fun.”

“Yes you can,” Macie giggles, pulling Laynie into the booth opposite me. I feel the flicker of sadness pinch at my heart from Laynie not sitting beside me, but it’s gone in a flash. I shouldn’t be upset about it, so I push the thought aside.

Reid speaks up, “The others will be here soon. Where is Sadie?”

“She will be coming from work. Her class ended half an hour ago, so she won’t be much longer,” Laynie explains, sipping on Macie’s lemonade.

“She might beat the boys,” Macie adds, looking around.

Paisley wanders over in tight bootleg jeans, boots, and a denim vest that covers enough of her larger chest. “You guys want something before it gets busier? We’re having an open mic night, so we’re expecting a larger crowd.”

Reid hums curiously. Macie gives her a smile. “An open mic night? That’s such a fun idea. How many people have signed up?”

“About five, but we’re hoping some more might join as the night goes on.”

I order beers for the others, another lemonade for Laynie, and some snacks to keep us going for a bit, even though we just demolished dinner before arriving.

Paisley nods, wandering over to the bar. Chris, the owner, is setting up a microphone and speakers.

“This should be fun,” Macie adds excitedly.

Laynie frowns. “Did you know that this was on tonight?”

She shakes her head. “I had no idea. I didn’t see any flyers about it on the notice board.”

“Holden told us about tonight. He said he wanted to come,” Reid adds.

Macie pulls a confused face before grabbing a hold of Laynie’s hand. “Come with me to the bathroom?”

“Sure. I have to go as well.”

The two of them leave Reid and I alone at the booth. Soft acoustic music flows through the speaker as I pick up my drink and sip. I feel Reid’s eyes on me.

I peer sideways to catch him, making him grin. “What?”

“I’m just watching.”

My face stays straight. “Watching what, you creeper.”

Reid sniffs a laugh. “My younger brother is a chicken with the girl he loves.”

I roll my eyes. “I’m not a chicken. I’m just not doing anything about it.”

“Why not?”

“Because,”—I take my cap off to scuff up my hair—“it’s not the right time.”

He frowns. “When is the right time?”

I shrug one shoulder. “I don’t know, but it’s not right now. I’m just being her friend, as she needs me to be.”

“But what if she wants you to be more than just her friend?”

My head shakes. “You don’t know that.” Reid’s solemn face doesn’t change, and I groan, averting my gaze to stare at my beer. “She’s pregnant.”