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Before he could answer, the door swung open and Chris stormed in, pausing when his gaze met hers. “What’s wrong?” he demanded, stomping forward. He shot Pike an accusatory look, but she jumped to her feet, trying to soothe her brother.
She wobbled in the heels her mother made her wear, and she would’ve toppled if it weren’t for Chris grabbing her and setting her back on the stool. “Stay,” he growled, pointing at her.
Rolling her eyes, she glanced at Pike, finding him grabbing water and food for her. “Why are you in here?” she asked, looking back at Chris.
He sighed, running his fingers through his short hair. “I’m hiding.” Her brows rose in silent question as Pike set her plate in front of her. “This isn’t a birthday party.”
Pike snorted. “No shit.”
“What is it?” she asked, blinking at them. “It looked like a birthday party. Wait, is it because there was no cake? Mom never has cake at these things. I’ll take you out for cake tomorrow, though. Don’t you worry, bro. I’ve got your back.”
She patted his arm, and his shoulders fell, a small smile gracing his face. “Thanks, squirt.” She scrunched her nose at him.
“Hate that nickname,” she mumbled, but he just laughed, sliding onto the stool beside hers as Pike took the one on her other side. “So, what’s going on?” She grabbed a crab puff and shoved it in her mouth.
“It’s a mating party,” he muttered, and she choked. Pike’s hand landed on her back, trying to help her dislodge the puff.
Chris shoved her water bottle in her hand, forcing her to drink. Finally, it went down and she took a giant breath, wiping roughly at her watery eyes. “A what?” she cried, and Chris winced.
“It’s a bunch of single women,” he explained. “Mom’s trying to find me a wife.” He shuddered dramatically, but she didn’t smile.
“She’s what? Why would she do that?” She glanced at Pike, finding him staring at the marble countertop. “She can’t do this. Did she even talk to you about it first?” Chris gave her a look, and she sighed, already knowing the answer. “It’s not right.”
“Yeah, well, she’s ready for grandkids,” he groaned, and Abbie’s stomach flipped.
“But are you even ready for kids? For marriage? A girlfriend?”
“Definitely not.” He grabbed a crostini off her plate and took a bite. “Don’t worry about me, squirt. I’ll be fine.” He studied her for a long moment. “What about you?”
“What?”
She felt Pike shift uncomfortably next to her, but she didn’t look at him. She was too busy gaping at her brother.
“You ready for kids? For a husband?”
Her head fell back as she laughed so hard she snorted. She laughed harder, and tears streamed from her eyes. It took her a few moments to realize she was the only one laughing.
“Uh, no,” she giggled. “Could you imagine that? Me, a wife? Someone’s girlfriend?” She shook her head, her smile fading as she stared down at her lap.
“Why’s that such a funny thing to think?” Chris asked softly.
“Chris, come on.” Her throat suddenly felt too tight. Why was she reacting like this? It was ridiculous.
So what if no one had ever shown her any interest ever before? That didn’t matter. She’d eventually find someone, but even if she couldn’t, it was fine. She could still have a fulfilling life without a man. Without a Daddy. But the thought made her feel queasy.
She wanted to be loved, to feel loved. She wanted the cheesy love story, and a guy so obsessed with her he blew a gasket when she wasn’t around. She wanted a fairytale with a mix of a crazy, possessive, protective man.
But things like that didn’t happen for her. She didn’t find guys like that—she didn’t find guys at all. Maybe she could settle for someone so she didn’t have to be alone anymore. So she could just finally lose her stupid virginity.
“No, you come on,” Chris snapped. “You’re a catch.”
“You are,” Pike agreed. She batted her damp eyes with her fingertips.
“Thanks, guys,” she whispered.
She contemplated telling them about the Gregslist listing but decided against it. They’d probably make her delete it and she wasn’t ready to do that yet.
Even if she thought nothing would come of it, she still wanted to wait. To see if maybe she could meet someone. Even if she met another Little, she’d be happy. A friend, a boyfriend, she didn’t care. She was just tired of being alone.
