Page 5 of Places I've Never Been

“Give me one of those,” a voice called out from the doorway.

They both spun and called out in unison. “Piper!”

Piper strode in wearing dark jeans, a plain white t-shirt, a denim jacket studded with rhinestones, and a cute derby hat. She looked like she was on her way to a biker convention or a country bar.

They fell into a group hug, giggling like kids. Mattie didn’t want to let them go, but eventually the server cleared his throat and they settled into chairs at the table. After drinks and more appetizers were ordered, Lizzie sat back with a look like she’d eaten a secret.

“What?” Mattie asked. “I know that face. What’s going on?”

Piper glanced back and forth between them, then settled on Lizzie. “Are you pregnant?”

Lizzie’s eyebrows rose a full inch, and the look of shock was so genuine that it made Mattie laugh. “What? No. No, I’mnotpregnant. God no.”

Piper smirked. “Why the hell not? You’ve been together almost a year, might as well get cracking. Besides, you’d have gorgeous, talented kids.”

Lizzie shook her head. “No. We’re not ready for that. Maybe…no.”

Mattie studied her sister. She wouldn’t meet her eyes and kept glancing over her shoulder at the door. Something was definitely up.

Mattie’s stomach did another flip-flop. “Lizzie, is someone else joiningus?”

The look of guilt that flashed over Lizzie’s face told her everything she needed to know.

“Is Renic coming?” Piper said. “I thought you said just us girls, but that’s fine. He can be one of the girls for a day.”

Piper popped a chip in her mouth and chewed, looking relaxed and carefree until she finally noticed how stiff Lizzie sat in her chair. Her chewing slowed to a stop. “It’s not Renic, is it.”

Lizzie looked down at her drink, then back up. “Please just hear me out before you freak.”

“Okay,” Piper said, drawing the word out. “You’re scaring me.”

Mattie glanced at the door. Nobody was there, but she knew any secondsomeonewould be. They were one sister short. “I thought we decided…”

Lizzie flashed her a pleading look. “It’s been a long time since we’ve all been together, and I miss you. All of you. I miss my family.”

“Me too.” Piper leaned forward with her elbows on the table. “We should do this more often. But that doesn’t explain the guilty eyes. Whatever it is, just spill it.”

Lizzie sat up a little straighter and tried to look casual. “I invited Della. She should be here any minute.”

Mattie closed her eyes. She should have known Lizzie would do that. There’d been something in her voice the day she called to suggest going to brunch. It was the same tone she’d used to get them to eat vegetables when they were kids.

Lizzie took a long swig of her cocktail and avoided making eye contact.

Piper crossed her arms and scowled. “What the hell did you do that for?”

“Because she’s our sister,” Lizzie said firmly. “She’s family. It’s been four years, and life’s too short to hold agrudge like this. Besides, were you expecting me to pick sides at my wedding? I wantallmy sisters there.”

Mattie took a deep breath and opened her eyes. “You’re right.”

“I know you—” Lizzie stopped, looking a little stunned. “I’m right?”

Mattie nodded. “Yes. It’s been too long. It’s okay.”

“No it’s not,” Piper said. “It’s not ever going to be okay until she grows the hell up and apologizes for being a selfish bitch.”

Lizzie turned a stony gaze on Piper. “Do you even answer the phone when she calls?”

Piper ground her teeth. “That’s not fair.”

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