Page 58 of Sticking Out

With that in mind, I head downstairs, grab my purse and walk outside. I jump into my car and drive to the downtown restaurant and as I approach, I once again hope Summer isn’t joining us. Is that awful? Ugh, it probably is. Everyone took me in and accepted me, and I should do the same for her.

After parking, I hurry into the restaurant and quickly glance around. I spot Brighton, and scan the table as the hostess comes up to me. “I’m with them.” I point to the WAGs at the big table. Will I be a real WAG someday? God, girl, get it together.

“Dani.” Brighton jumps up and gives me a hug. “I’m so glad you could come out tonight. I know it’s a work night, but if the guys are having fun, we should be having fun too.”

I drop down next to Brighton and glance around the table. I greet Melanie, Josie, Gina, Maeve, and Harper, who is Korbin’s wife and doesn’t get out much because she has so many kids at home. “Is everyone here?” I ask as my gaze lands on the empty chair.

“I invited Summer. She wasn’t sure she could make it, though.”

“Oh, okay.”

She nudges me. “Hey, you look really happy.”

I can’t stop a big smile from spreading across my face. “I am.”

“I wasn’t sure whether to invite Summer or not. I know she and Conner have a history. Everyone seemed okay at the pool party, and I hate to leave anyone out.”

“Oh, it’s fine.” Actually, it is fine. I’m secure in myself now, and I believe in Conner.

“Good, because you don’t have anything to worry about. Conner is totally into you, believe me.”

“You think?” God, why am I fishing for compliments and information. I’m completely secure in our relationship.

Ah, but there’s a small part of you that wonders, isn’t there, Dani?

Ugh, I hate that it’s true. I hate that I’m still not sure Alec actually really loved me and that Conner might have been holding back the truth to spare my feelings.

Stop.

I take a fast breath and push that thought out of my head. I do not want to go there. I am going to focus on the future and the future only.

“Of course I think,” she says as the server comes to take our drink order. Since I’m driving, I only order a water with lime, and the pregnant and nursing women at the table go non-alcoholic too.

The server leaves and Maeve, who announced her pregnancy at her party, grins as she picks up her menu. “Does someone have news?”

Since I’m sure she’s not talking to me, I open my menu and scan it. Maeve clears her throat and I glance up to find her looking at me, her brows raised in question.

“What?” I ask, and note the way all eyes are on me.

“You ordered water with lime. Is there a reason you’re not having alcohol?” She rubs her belly and that’s when I get a clue.

“Oh.” I laugh. “No, no. It’s just that I’m driving, and I’m a lightweight.”

Brighton laughs and nudges me. “I thought you might have been joining the SUV team.”

When I don’t say anything, Brighton reads into it. “Ohmigod, are you trying?”

I close the menu and take a breath. I don’t want to lie to these women, although haven’t Conner and I been doing that all along with our fake dating? That turned out to be real so if I tell them, will it jinx it or will it happen? Could I possibly overthink this anymore than I already am?

“You don’t have to tell us anything you don’t want to,” Josie pipes in and reaches across the table to give my hand a squeeze.

I’ve always felt a part of this group, but more so now than ever, and they’ve all accepted me, which is probably why I find myself saying, “We’re trying.” Claps and cheers and smiles erupt around the table. “We’re keeping it low key, though. I’ve had complications in the past, so we’re keeping this quiet, and trying not to make a big deal out of it.”

“Of course.” Brighton gives my arm a squeeze.

Gina sets her wine down. “Okay let’s talk about all this trying, and big deal.”

Everyone laughs and when it dies down, Brighton glances at Gina, compassion in her eyes. “Are you still on a dry spell?”

---