Page 56 of The Road Sometimes Taken

“I hate lies. I don’t see a purpose to them, especially when half of the shit that goes wrong in the world happens because of lies. Plus, I’m askingyouall the time not to hide from me. Wouldn’t it make me a hypocrite if I did just that?”

I didn’t expect that reply but again, Manny keeps surprising me, and the more time I spend with him, the more I talk to him, the more I realize that maybe we’re both hiding who we are. I hide from the world, the hurt, and the pain behind the pretty smile and he hides from love behind his job.

“Maybe but it would have been easier to just tell me that you were joking or something,” I say, twisting my hair around my finger, trying to appear nonchalant, and not that my heart is currently racing a million miles per hour.

“And miss the opportunity to show you, I’m not willing to share? Nah, not a chance. This contract might be temporarybut my promises aren’t, Carita. For as long as you’re in my arms, I’m not sharing.” He winks at me, squeezing my arm gently, and walks away to talk to his sister and his soon to be brother-in-law, leaving me breathless.

“It’s not every day that I see you speechless,” Natalie whispers next to me.

“Jesus, where did you come from? I was about to go get wine, want some?” I ask knowing she doesn’t drink wine but trying to deflect and avoid the conversation I know is about to happen.

“I have water, I’m good,” she replies, lifting her plastic cup with iced water at me. She’s so beautiful and freaking kind and it makes me happy seeing her enjoy her life a little. Since she had Bella so young, she had to grow up so much faster than we all did. And for some reason beyond me she thinks that going out or traveling without her daughter makes her a bad mom. When in reality, Natalie is the best mom I’ve ever met, and Bella is lucky to have her.

“I’m sure they have stronger things if you want me to ask,” I add.

“I’m good, Cara. Not drinking right now, but thank you.” When she says that, her eyes get slightly glossy. She’s not an emotional person so I’m sure that whatever it is, must be huge.And she’s not drinking.

“Nattie, are you pregnant?” I whisper and she replies with a silent tear rolling down her cheek and a soft smile.

“Please don’t tell anyone, I haven’t even told Nick.”

“Of course not,” I promise, grabbing her hand and pulling her toward the nearest white metal chairs on the patio. “I’m so happy for you, sweetie girl. Is everything okay?” Natalie and Nick have been trying to get pregnant for the past five to six years, and because of her health issues it has been really hardon her body to get pregnant or stay pregnant. I can’t imagine how hard that must be for both of them.

“Yes, I think so, or at least the doctor says so,” she replies, taking a deep breath in and looking far away toward the beautiful vineyards. “After everything we’ve been through, I just don’t want to get my hopes up or Nick’s. He seriously can’t take another heartbreak, but it also feels like I’m cheating this baby of being wanted and loved when I won’t even tell the dad.”

“Oh sweet, sweet girl, that baby knows how much you want her. Yes, I’m going to assume is a girl so I can continue my girl aunt era,” I say, pulling a smile from her and that’s exactly what I was aiming for—to help her lighten the load. “You take your time telling people and when you’re ready, we’ll be here to shower you, baby, and Bella in love. Nick, too, I guess.”

“Thanks, Care, you always know how to say the right thing. Don’t think I’m going to forget about whatever that was going on back there but I’ll give you the same courtesy and let you tell me whenever you’re ready. I do have a question though…”

“Oh lordy, Nattie, what?”

“Is this a rebound thing from the whole shitshow with Cole?” she asks and I’m too damn sober for this conversation. What am I supposed to say?No, I like him?Or sayyesand treat it like I told Manny we should treat it, like a casual summer fling?

“I’m not sure, Nat. We’re having fun is all I can say for right now.” I look up and find Manny’s eyes on mine as he sips on a glass of wine from across the vineyard. I feel the warming sensation all over my body every time his eyes are on me and the more I think about it, the more I think they always are.

“Okay, I trust you know what you’re doing, just tread lightly, okay?”

“I will! Now, let’s go say congratulations to our girl who is finally getting her happy ending.”

“Before we do, Cara,” she says, holding my arm and stopping me from standing up. “I’m sorry about Natasha. I never saw that coming.”Natasha, her best friend who now is engaged to my ex. Natasha, who was sleeping with Cole while we were together.

“None of us did. She’s shown her true colors twice now; we can just cut ties, or at least I did. Also, Natasha? Since when do you call her by her full name?”

“Since she slept with my other best friend’s boyfriend and wrecked my relationship with Jake, I’ve had it. The drama, the backstabbing—it’s exhausting. Sometimes, you have to cut out the people who threaten your peace, even if you care about them.”

“I’m sorry, Nat. I know you two were close,” I add, squeezing her hand.

“But were we? When you’re close, you share the truth. You let someone see all of you. I thought we had that, but maybe I never really knew her at all—not until now. And this version of her, I don’t need in my life.”

I get up and give her a hug, squeezing her tight, but not too much, afraid to hurt the little miracle growing inside of her when I hear Allie say, “Why are you two hugging?”

I leap out of Natalie’s arms and into Allie’s knocking her down to the grass and squealing. “Eeeeeeek!!! Congrats, bitch! You’re going to be the most beautiful bride!”

“Cara, what the hell?!” Allie shouts, pushing my face away from hers as I try to pepper her whole face with kisses, making them in the air instead.

“I can’t wait to go dress shopping—” kiss “—and pick flowers—" kiss “—and pick colors—” kiss “—and watch all of your dreams come true. You deserve it all!”

“You psycho, stop it before you kill me and I miss the chance to think about the wedding.” Allie laughs loudly,hugging me tighter and reminding me how much peace she has found this past year.

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