Everyone’s laughing, but…
“And it’s not only because you’re a fireman!” she goes on. “But because I trust you. You’re like my big brother, and I know you won’t do anything to hurt me. You’re the best.”
Okay, that was a big admission, but before anyone can really process it, we’re pulling up to the house.
It’s like slow motion chaos for all of us to pile out, but we eventually make it. Ash holds my hand as we walk up the stairs to the door, and once we’re inside, we stand in shock as Mike scoops Roxie up in his arms and immediately heads up the steps.
“Wow! That’s impressive,” I say.
“Isn’t he great?” Loren says with a sigh. “That’s why I love him. Well, that and a million other reasons.”
Aww…adorable.
Ash turns and smiles at me. “That’s my cue to get the dogs. I’ll be back in a little while.”
“Are you taking them down to the beach or just up and down the block?”
“I’m thinking just up and down the block. It will probably be quicker that way.” He squeezes my hand before releasing it and he makes it to only the third step before he turns around. “Would you like to come with me?”
“Oh, um…”
“She can’t,” Loren interrupts. “We are going to change into our bathing suits and get the hot tub started up. You take care of the dogs, and I promise she’ll be waiting for you. Byeee…”
He laughs softly and walks away. Once he’s out of sight, I turn to Loren and frown.
“What the hell? Maybe I wanted to go on a walk with him.”
“Stop. No, you didn’t. You want to help me set up the deck and put on some music.”
“I do? Because that doesn’t sound like me,” I tell her.
“Hey you guys, Zayne and I are going up to bed. I’m super full and I just really want to binge-watch something and relax. The thought of sitting in the hot tub is making me feel a little queasy.”
“Then go upstairs!” Loren says, nudging her toward the staircase. “No one wants you to get sick in the hot tub! Go! Quick! Hurry!”
“Okay! Okay! I’m going! Sheesh!” Van snaps.
Zayne comes strolling out of the kitchen with a bottle of wine and two bowls of ice cream.
Loren and I both stare and smirk, and Vanessa looks mildly chagrined. “Fine. Sue me. We wanted a little time alone. Can you blame us? This is a lot more togetherness than I expected.”
So many things are on the tip of my tongue, but I keep them to myself.
“I told you so! I told you so! I told you, told you, told you so!” I sing in my head.
I smile serenely instead and say, “That’s so crazy! But you two should totally go and enjoy yourselves. We all said we didn’t have to be joined at the hip, right?”
She eyes me suspiciously, but after Zayne reminds her that the ice cream is melting, they quickly make their way up the stairs. And that’s when Ash comes down with the dogs.
“Where are they going?” he asks as the dogs drag him toward the door.
“They’re taking wine and ice cream upstairs,” Loren points out. “Where do you think they’re going?”
“Ah. Gotcha.” The dogs are all scratching at the front door. “I’ll be back!”
As soon as the door closes behind him, Loren and I look at each other like…now what?
I turn and go to the kitchen.
