Page 113 of Unexpected

“That’s really great. My ex and Iofficiallybroke up a couple months ago, so I’m also back in an apartment from a house. It’s a weird transition.” Her eyes were sad, but I could hear a little hope in her voice that made me think it wasn’t such a bad thing that they broke up.

“It is. I got rid of so much stuff before I moved, but I still have way too much for a one-bedroom apartment. I’m unpacking and organizing and trying to go through everything I already went through for a second time.”

Amanda smiled and nodded before picking up her wine. “I didn’t think I was a hoarder, but…”

I laughed because the exact same thought had crossed my mind several times in the week since I’d moved in. “I’m going to rethink saving anything in the future. It’s seriously all going to go in the garbage. My boss randomly requested a video call one day this past week while I was sorting through papers and whatever else on my desk. I had to prop my laptop on a box and then sit on another box to talk to him. It’s a mess.”

“Well, you’re in better shape than I am. I’ve lived in my apartment for almost two months now and still haven’t completely unpacked my kitchen. I pull pots and pans and plates out of boxes as I need them, and once I finally empty a box, I toss it. It’s worked so far.” She shrugged.

I knew we were going to be friends.

“Is that what you’re thankful for?” James asked. “Finally getting rid of that guy?

Amanda rolled her eyes but didn’t argue.

“I know what I’m thankful for,” he said. “Of course, all of you.” Everyone awed as was appropriate, and James continued, “and a damn good job that gave me a fifteen percent raise this year.”

We all raised our glasses and congratulated him. Luke whispered in my ear that James was the hardest worker of them all, that his career was, at that point, the most important thing in his life. He was some bigwig finance guy at an oil and gas company and still wasn’t done trying to climb the corporate ladder.

James ruffled a hand through his shaggy, blond hair and wore a coy smile, but I could tell he was proud of himself as he should be.

“You deserve it, man. More than anyone,” Devon said, raising his drink and taking a sip.

“Your turn,” James said, pointing at Josh.

Josh sighed and seemed less than enthusiastic about coming up with something he was thankful for. It couldn’t have been that hard, right?

After a long second, Josh looked around the table at his friends before stopping on Luke and then flicking his eyes to Amanda. He held her gaze as he stated plainly, “I’m thankful for second chances.”

Another moment staring at each other, and they both looked away at the same time. I’d have to ask Luke about that later.

Reed was next to Josh and immediately piped up. “I’m thankful for good friends, good beer, and opening a kick-ass gym.”

Amanda rolled her eyes but cracked a smile as she toasted Reed, who reached across the table and tapped her glass with his.

“Your turn, Blake,” Reed informed Blakely as he slouched back in his seat. Luke’s hand tensed on my shoulder, and out of the corner of my eye, I could see his jaw tic. I pushed away my empty plate and let my hand fall to Luke’s thick jean-clad thigh beneath the table. If she hadn’t been staring at us, Blakely would have missed the movement, but she didn’t because her eyes were glued to us both.

“Pass,” she said with annoyance, although her face was trying to convey indifference.

“But, Blake, everyone else—” Reed stammered.

She cut her eyes to him. “I don’t care what everyone else is doing, Reed.Pass.”

Reed held his hands up in defense, his eyes were wide as he scooted closer to Josh and away from Blakely. Based on her attitude and what appeared to be absolute contempt for me, I couldn’t believe it was only due to the Valerie situation. There was something more there, and I hoped it wasn’t some unrequited feelings for Luke. Dealing with two scorned lovers was more than I had bargained for.

“On that note,” Devon said. “I’m thankful that Mom’s doing better and is currently at MD Anderson in a trial program. It’s her best shot, so I’m thankful I could help her get there.”

My heart broke at Devon’s words and the sad smile that graced his freckled face. From personal experience, I knew MD Anderson was a cancer treatment center in Houston. My best friend’s dad was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer when we were in second grade; she and her entire family moved to Houston so he could seek treatment in one of the best facilities in the world.

We all raised our glasses to Devon’s mom.

“Glad to hear she’s doing better, dude. She’s settled in her apartment okay?” Luke asked.

“Yeah. It’s going to be a lot, me going back and forth to Houston to help her and my sister, but we’ll handle it.”

Luke nodded. “Well, we’re all here to help with whatever you might need. Next time you go, let me know. I wanna tag along.”

In a gesture I wasn’t expecting, Blakely reached over and gripped Devon’s hand. I watched from the other side of the table as she squeezed it once. The look of disdain had vanished from her face, replaced by a warmth I didn’t know she was capable of.

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