Page 108 of All Along

When I arrive at Maya’s house, it’s already crowded. I search for Maya and Caleb but I don’t find them. I set my housewarming present next to the pile on the table and go in search of a beer.

“There you are,” Sophia says when I enter the kitchen.

I start to push my glasses up my nose but fist my hand to stop myself. Pushing my glasses up my nose is a nervous habit. I realize this but I haven’t been able to break the habit.

“Where else would I be?”

“In your lab.”

“Someone has to actually make the beer forFive Fathoms.Otherwise, you would have nothing to market.”

She sighs. “I didn’t mean to offend you. But you work too hard. You need to get out more often.”

And do what? It’s not as if I have a loved one to spend time with. Or a family who I enjoy hanging out with. Plus, all of my friends are now partnered off and have less time for me.

Besides, I enjoy brewing beer. It’s fun to think up different flavors. Or play with the amount of hops. It’s like having a gigantic chemistry set to play with.

“I enjoy my work.”

She threads her arm through mine. “You’re here now. Let’s have some fun.”

I drag my feet. “What kind of fun?”

My friends are troublemakers. Don’t get me wrong. I love them to pieces. They are supportive and don’t judge me. But they are troublemakers to their bones.

“Don’t worry. We won’t end up in jail.”

“You always claim we won’t end up in jail. Just because your brother is a police officer, doesn’t mean you can commit crimes without worrying about being punished,” I say as she drags me toward Chloe and Nova.

“My husband’s a cop,” Chloe says. “A very sexy cop.” She waggles her eyebrows.

Nova sighs. “My fiancé is sexy, too.”

My stomach burns as jealousy hits me. I push it down the same way I always do. I’m happy my friends have found love. But love is not for me. I’ve learned my lesson. And I’m an excellent student. I don’t need to repeat the class.

“Where are Maya and Caleb?”

Sophia points down the hallway. “In their bedroom.”

It’s a good thing I know the burning in my stomach isn’t an actual medical condition. Otherwise, I would worry I’m getting an ulcer.

“Good for them. They’re enjoying themselves. Perhaps we should vacate the premises.”

Nova glances around before leaning close to whisper. “They’re not getting down and dirty.”

My brow wrinkles. “What are they doing?”

“Caleb had another ‘incident’.”

I frown. Caleb has panic attacks. I assume they’re a result of post-traumatic stress disorder from his time in the military. He recently discovered he cannot resume his active military duty status with the Army. The news has triggered him.

“Maya’s tending to him?”

Nova nods. “She’s good for him.”

“Duh.” Chloe rolls her eyes. “Those two have been in love since high school.”

“I’m glad they finally got over their shit,” Sophia says.

---