Page 64 of One Short Summer

“Oh my gosh, that’s terrific. I mean, not his new job, I don’t give a crap about that, but that you won’t have to deal with him at all.” She pauses for a moment. “I guess that definitely sealed the deal for you, huh?”

“Yeah, I guess.”

We’re both quiet for a moment, but I know she’s watching me. I’m sure she probably expected some cheerleading moves and somersaults. If I’m honest, I kind of did too. I’m still wondering why on earth I’m not completely over the moon like I should be.

Like Iwantto be.

I mean, this is it, right?

Myultimatedream.

So, why don’t I feel the excitement and thrill I thought I would? Maybe it’ll take me some time, especially after the break I took from dancing. Even though that seemed to have actually done me some good, now that I look back on everything that’s come from it.

As if she’s sensing my slight uneasiness, she clears her throat, grabbing the large water bottle from beside her. “So, how are things with Gabe?”

The grin spreads across my face before I can stop it. “We’re good.”

She sputters a little when she laughs, wiping some water off her chin. “Ah, I see. That good, huh?”

“He’s a really good friend, C. No guy has ever been this nice to me before. Not only has he helped me get back to dancing, but he’s also been there for me whenever I needed a shoulder to lean on.”

“I’m sure he has been.” Charlie wiggles her eyebrows, making both of us burst into a bout of laughter.

I shake my head at her. “That was terrible.”

“Still true though, wasn’t it?”

All I do is shrug my shoulders and grin. While I’m sure she knows there’s something going on between Gabe and me, I don’t want to share any details about it. Usually, I’m the first to share any and all info with her, but when it comes to this, it somehow doesn’t feel right.

Maybe it’s still too fresh?

Plus, I think Charlie would still be freaking out about the whole possibility of this fling ruining the friendship and dynamic of our group, so better to keep the info to a minimum.

Mira came running over when she heard us laughing, dragging her little doll behind her, one of her soft arms and hands brushing along the floor. “What’s funny, Momo?”

She has a big smile on her face when she stops in front of me, her blonde curls sticking out of her pigtails at odd ends. I poke her little belly, making her giggle. “Your momma is funny.”

She doesn’t waste a second and climbs on Charlie’s lap, snuggling into her arms and around her growing belly. “Momma’s the best.” Then she waves at Charlie’s belly with a big smile on her face. “Hi, baby sister.”

My head snaps to Charlie. “Baby sister?”

Charlie shakes her head. “Mira’s convinced it’s a girl.”

“Ah. I see.”

“Speaking of. I keep forgetting to tell you. We’re gonna have a gender reveal party next week. Hannah will go to our appointment with us, where we find out what it is, and the doctor will give her an envelope with the gender, so she can get decorations, et cetera, according to that. We won’t find out what it is until the party either.”

“Oh, I love that. I can’t wait to see what you’re cooking in there.”

“Me too.” She rubs her belly with a soft smile on her face, two seconds before yelling after Mira, who’s banging stuff around again.

This moment instantly reminds me of Gabe and the conversation we had the other day about kids and how they’re worth it, despite all the work and craziness they create.

My thoughts stay with Gabe long after I say goodbye to Charlie and sweet, little Mira, following me all the way back home as my mind keeps going over the words I said to Charlie.

Gabehasbeen an awesome friend, a friend who deserves a special thank-you for everything he’s done for me. I’m giddy when I think of the perfect idea, but first, I have some work to do to put this sexy little getup together.

Chapter Twenty-Four

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