Page 192 of We Can't Be Friends

Nope, not tonight. We aren’t doing this anymore, Chloe. We aren’tthatgirl.

“Cal, there’s someone I want you to meet.” Audrey appears nervous, but when she rotates to glance at Maya, they disappear. “This is Maya, my girlfriend.”

Cal looks at me and I nod with a supportive smile. He gets up from his chair, giving them both his full attention. Audrey came out to Cal in December before she flew back.

“I’m Maya.” She reaches out her hand to shake his.

“Callum. Audrey’s favorite big brother.” Audrey groans. “And no handshake.” He opens his arms, pulling her into a hug. “Come, sit. Can I get you a drink?”

We play musical chairs. I sit next to Cal while they sit across from us, scooting their chairs close together.

A waitress walks over, bringing two one-drink water glasses. “Hi, I’m Hazel. What will you two ladies be drinking tonight?”

“I’ll have a Bramble, and she’ll have—”

“Whatever beer he’s drinking,” Audrey orders.

“Any preference on gin?” Maya shakes her head no.

I locate the drink on the menu. “I’ll have one of those too,” I add to the order.

As soon as the waitress leaves, Cal’s interrogation begins. I warned Audrey this would happen when she called me earlier today. He will go full big brother and want to know everything about who his sister is dating. She laughed, denying Cal could even muster up more than ten words. When it comes to someone he loves, he can and will.

It’s rapid fire, but she answers every question.Grew up in Southeast Asia before moving to London. Has been a special needs teacher for four years but wants to get her master's. Wants three kids. Has no allergies. Richmond is her Premier team. Favorite number 43. Night owl.

“Cal, that’s enough,” Audrey encourages him to let up.

“It’s my turn.” Maya smiles.

I snort. “Good luck with that.”

“Fineeee. I approve,” he sighs dramatically and teasingly.

“I haven’t approved of you for Chloe yet,” Audrey taunts her brother. “What’s your favorite thing about her?”

“She’s—” Cal is saved by the voice booming over the already loud pub.

George Eaton.

“Cully Sully!” he shouts.

“Shhh.” Beatrix points to Sofia in her carrier.

Cal glares at Audrey, pointing a finger at her. “Stop spreading that nickname.” She rolls her eyes.

Liam arrives next. Emerson isn’t coming, photography gig tonight.

Beatrix mouths, “She’s a babe,” after meeting Maya.

“I know!” Audrey replies with voiceless words, face mimicking Bea’s.

“You know, I’ve kissed my fair share of girls. Had a whole fling back in my early twenties,” Beatrix tells the group.

George’s mouth drops. “How come I’ve never heard about this?”

She shrugs, nuzzling her nose into the stomach of their daughter. “Gotta keep you on your toes somehow.” Beatrix smells the air, grimacing. “Someone pooped. It’s your turn, Daddy.”

He shimmies his shoulders. “I love when she calls meDaddy.”

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