Page 193 of We Can't Be Friends

“Speaking of dads.” Everyone’s eyes bolt to me. I burst out laughing. “I’m not pregnant.” Liam massages Cal’s shoulder. “Mybrother, a single father, appreciates the invite to the weekend and sends his congratulations.”

“Riley did bring a packed suitcase over earlier this week. He was convinced Tucker and him were coming with us.”

“It was so cute, it hurt. He made space in his bag for Tuck’s favorite toys.” I took tons of photos and videos, promising to show Emerson. Riley latched onto her the weeks she was back in Chicago, and it was the first time I saw his longing for a mom after he saidshe’s so pretty and kind.When he asked if she could date his dad my heart fractured.“He didn’t understand that his dad was playing for some silly little cup.”

Miller’s team made it to the Stanley Cup semi-finals. If they win out, I’ll return home to a happy brother and free hockey.

“Hockey players are so hot,” Beatrix sighs. “He couldn’t introduce you to one of his teammates.”

“Prefer them British, I guess.”

Cal puts his arm around me, pulling me to him and kissing me in front of everyone.

“Dammit. I always miss the good stuff,” George says when he returns to the table. “Can you run that back? Kiss again?”

“George, that’s weird.” Audrey takes the baby into her arms.

“It’s weird that I want to see my best mate happy and in love? Chloe’s a fit girl. No need to get cross about our guy finding someone to give his heart to. You all love seeing Bea and I’s PDA.”

“We don’t,” Liam deadpans.

George groans. “Whatever.” He kisses Beatrix, making sure to use tongue.

“Give us the plan for Saturday?” Cal asks, of course, needing to know exactly the who, what, where, when, and steps A through Z.

55

CALLUM

“Hey, I love you,” Chloe whispers in my ear.

We stop on the stoop outside, turning to face each other.

“I love you, too.”

“Whatever happens in there, it doesn’t change anything between us or how much I love you.” She leans in for a kiss. “I see you, Callum.”

Interlocking my hand with Chloe’s, I feel more at ease walking into my parent’s dining room.

This isn’t the house we grew up in. Years ago, after becoming empty nesters, they sold that and moved to this home in Covington. It's smaller than the eight bedrooms we used to have, but far more luxe.

The double doors open up to an elegant set table with family-style platters. I warned them about Chloe’s dietary restriction. As I scan the table, the only potential issue item is the bread.

Dinner starts smoothly before snowballing. For once, it felt as if there was interest in me, everyone asking about the hotel and our relationship. It took one comment from Harrison for everything to implode.

Smacking her lips, Mom chimes into the conversation for the first time. “It’s quite pathetic to be hired by his friend. Couldn’t even make it on his own.”

Everyone in the room goes silent. Including myself.

Freezing from the inside out, I try to lock my attention on Chloe. Steady myself with her, replaying her words from earlier.

I see you, Callum.

Chloe’s head swivels how a lazy Susan does. “No one is going to say anything?” She pointedly looks at each of my brothers, then Audrey, then my dad. Finally, she reaches Mom.

Gray eyes sharpen. Daggers tipped and aimed.

Chloe blinks. Blinks again and lets out all the air from her lungs. If her protectiveness was physical, magical, I’d be casted into a bubble.

---