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“Corinne will see us there. And you’ll have lots of time to get to know her this weekend, I promise.”
“Good. I can’t imagine who’d traipse down the aisle with you. She must be a brave, brave soul,” Hayes teases.
“Or she really likes sex.” Echo winks.
I wish. Corinne was buttoned up and all business this morning. Is she embarrassed that our conversation last night crossed into such personal territory? Or is she keeping me at arm’s length for some other reason?
Whatever. I don’t like it. I’d rather have her as she was before we went to our respective beds—soft, sweet, open, sharing herself like it meant something to her. Like I meant something.
I sound like a schmuck.
And I feel even worse when I remember I’m lying to my best friends. The guilt is like sludge clogging my chest and tightening my throat.
After more good-natured ribbing, Hayes collects their checked bags and we race to my house. In the garage, I glance at my watch. “It’s just after five. I hate to rush you—”
“But we have to leave in thirty minutes?” Hayes guesses.
“Or less.
We all retreat to our respective corners. Twenty-five minutes later, the three of us pile into an SUV I keep for weekend activities and head to Maxon and Keeley’s, the conversation and laughter flowing.
“So Kella was doing her usual walk of refusing to feel shame one morning after leaving some dude’s hotel room during a comic book event…” Echo begins. “She was literally on the phone complaining to me that her sex life was stale—”
“Because she only ever hooks up with guys who like anime, video games, and cosplay.”
Echo nods. “That was her type—until she met Ryan, who was towing her car away because she’d parked illegally. He offered to let her ride with him to the impound yard, and they argued the whole way there. Later, she told me she couldn’t stop staring at his massive arms and his beard. So to get Ryan ‘out of her system,’ she offered to do him in the parking lot.”
“That sounds like Kella,” I drawl.
“Get this. He refused.”
“Has she ever been turned down?”
“I can’t think of a single occasion.”
Hayes jumps in. “Instead of fucking her, Ryan asked her out. He took her to dinner, then to dance—at a honky tonk.”
“She didn’t break out in hives and run away?”
Echo shakes her head. “She loved it. We were all shocked. Now they’ve been dating for six weeks, despite the fact he likes country music, goes to church with his family, and drives a truck.”
I gape. “Things she’s always despised.”
“Yes, but she swears Ryan is the one.”
“Crazy for the girl who swore she would never get involved with guys like Hayes or me because we were too masculine and would want too much control.”
“She’s clearly changed her tune”—Echo grins—“because Ryan pulls her hair and makes her beg for it. And she’s not complaining at all. In fact, she’s hoping he proposes so she can have his babies.”
“Kella having babies?” That’s insane, like hearing all aliens didn’t come from outer space but Cheboygan.
“Right? She took out her nose stud and her brow ring. She gave up combat boots. She even wears lace. And dresses.”
“I’m shocked.” And that’s an understatement.
“Right?” Echo concurs. “Despite being anti-commitment, I always figured she would find her soul mate someday, but…”
“Same.” I’m glad it’s not one of those twerps she constantly picked up and mowed down. “How’s Graham taking it?”
“He seems a little devastated.” Hayes grimaces.
“That was never going to happen,” I point out.
“No, he’s far too rich and intellectual for her,” Hayes agrees. “Then again, I didn’t think she’d ever go for a beer-drinking, football-loving tow truck driver, either.”
Fair point. “So Graham is just going to keep pining?”
“No. He’s decided to move on. He’s taking a job in New York.”
It’s really where he belongs. “And Maryam?”
“Finishing her masters. She’s already got three lucrative offers from tech firms in Silicon Valley, but you know her.”
“Still determined to write her own software and change the world?”
“Yep. She’s decided to head back to India for a few years to make a difference there.”
“Good for her. The gang is all moving on with their lives.”
“We are.” Echo turns to Hayes, and they exchange a glance. My buddy nods.
My gut tightens. “What is it?”
But suddenly I know.
“We’re having a baby!” Echo squeals.
Her announcement is like a punch to my solar plexus. I knew this day was coming, but the news hits me hard. My best friend has not just a career he enjoys but a wife he loves with all his heart—and now a baby on the way.
What am I doing besides growing millions and chasing a different piece of ass every night?
I paste on a smile and offer my fist to bump. “Congratulations, you two. That’s fantastic!”
Hayes grins like he has the world by the tail. “Thanks. We’re thrilled. The news isn’t unexpected…but welcome.”
