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She steps on the gas, but keeps her gaze trained on the blacktop in front of us. “So, what happened?”
I sigh. “It was a disaster. Think of the worst possible thing that could happen and times it by ten.”
Charlie peers at me. “What happened?”
“Let’s start big.” I clap my hands in front of me like an enthusiastic cheerleader. Too bad this pep rally is more like a dumpster fire. “Did you know Trey has siblings?”
“I know he’s mentioned a younger brother and sister. But what does this have to do with Trey?”
A humorless laugh bubbles out of me. “Oh, the fun part, Ledger is also Trey’s brother. Well, half-brother. But they are definitely related.”
The car jerks to the left, and my hands fly to the dashboard. “The guy you’ve been hooking up with is Trey’s brother?!” Charlie screeches.
“Yep.” I pop the p at the end.
“Oh. Shit. What are you going to do?” Her gaze darts between me and the road.
“I can’t even wrap my head around everything. Trey said some pretty hurtful things. And I’m sure it was all in the heat of the moment, but they hurt nonetheless. Ledger seemed more interested in arguing with Trey. Everything’s just a mess.” Right now, I’m seething at the both of them and at myself. I’m so embarrassed this all happened in front of his parents. In their home. Yeah, they are never inviting me over again.
She reaches over and rests her hand on my knee, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”
I blow out a breath. “Yeah. Right now, I can’t bear to talk to either of them.”
My phone rings and Ledger’s name flashes across the screen. I send it right to voicemail, but he calls again. I don’t answer, but he leaves a message.
“Who’s that?” She nods at my phone in my lap.
“Ledger. He’s wondering where I am.”
“You better let him know you’re okay, at least. I’d hate for him to think someone kidnapped you or something.”
“Yeah. You’re right.” I type out a reply, hit send, and shove my phone into my pocket. Even though I’d rather have him stew about it for a while.
The rest of the car ride is silent as I stare out the window. For once, everything in my life was going well. So, of course, it just couldn’t stay that way.
When Charlie pulls into my driveway, I hop out and tell her I’ll call her later. I need time to digest everything. Alone. As soon as I enter my house, Charlie reverses out. The door closes behind me with a click and I exhale a sigh, the wood door cool against my back. A pint of rocky road, yoga pants, and a romantic comedy are exactly what I need to forget about the day. My phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out, see the name on the screen, and roll my eyes. I press silent, not wanting to talk to my mom right now. As soon as the buzzing stops, it starts up again. Knowing I can’t ignore her any longer because she’ll continue calling or worse, show up here, I answer.
“Hi Mom.” Annoyance laces my tone.
“Is that how you greet your mother?”
“I’m not really in the mood. What do you want?” I push off the door and amble toward my kitchen.
“You don’t need to be so rude. I raised you better than that.”
I roll my eyes. “What can I help you with?” I give her my best fake retail voice.
“Have you found a date for the charity gala yet?”
“Really? This is why you’re calling me right now? Why is it such a big deal if I bring a date?” I open the fridge and pull out a half empty bottle of wine.
“Your sister is bringing her boyfriend. I would hate for you to feel left out.”
“I’m absolutely fine with it. But it appears you’re not.” I pull out the temporary stopper and set it on the counter. Glancing around, I find a wine glass, but it’s on the other side of the kitchen. I eye the glass, then the bottle. Fuck it. I bring the bottle to my lips and tip it back, swallowing a large gulp.
“Nonsense. Dr. Reinhart has a son who’s also a pediatrician and single. I’ll set you two up.”
If the son is anything like his dad, his hair is receding and he smells like latex. I’d rather go alone. Or not at all. “I’ll be sure to find a date,” I say. I don’t know where, but anyone will be better than doctor latex.
