Page 46 of Too Close To Call

Kimberly stretches her neck and looks in the rearview mirror. “Best friend with benefits?”

“Benefits, sure, but not the ones you’re thinking about. We split the rent and grocery bill, take turns doing the laundry and cleaning, and that’s about where it ends.”

“Do you both date other people?” Shyanne asks.

Sadie nods and chuckles. “Sure. We even have sleepover guests if we want to. During baseball season, he lives on the mainland. He’s only here in the off-season. It might sound strange to others, but it works for us.”

I can’t imagine how that works, but she doesn’t look unhappy. We pull up to Brewster’s and park in the side lot since the front lot is full. I wouldn’t have thought a bar would be this crowded midday.

“Can you believe this crowd?” Shyanne asks as she heads for the front door.

“It’s the new chef. Since Kiefer hired Carlos, business has been booming. His specialty is Mexican dishes. He still does the regular bar food, but he’s added a lot of other options.”

“My sister Joy does the marketing for Kiefer, and she’s helped him with the décor.”

We find a seat and, after ordering, I sit back and take in the eclectic décor. With the gleaming dark wood, brass accents, and hunter green trim, I can easily get the feel of an Irish pub. The interior is a mix between Irish pub meets southern coastal. It shouldn’t work, yet it does. But what do I know about design? Carina would go crazy over this place.

Sadie keeps looking towards the kitchen. I’m not sure what’s up with that. The other women either don’t notice or are ignoring it on purpose.

We’re halfway through lunch before the topic moves to me. Kimberly asks, “So you’re only here for one more week?”

I swallow a bite of the taco I’d been chewing and answer. “Yes. It’s hard to believe it’s already been three weeks.”

“And you’re living with Case now?” Shyanne asks.

I see how they’re looking at me. They are going to be disappointed. I am too. “He didn’t want me to be by myself in the cottage. His house just made more sense.”

“Umm-hmm,” Jen says with a knowing grin.

“Unfortunately, you would be wrong about that. We are as platonic as Sadie and her ex.”

Kimberly frowns. “That’s sad. What is his problem?”

I can answer that question with one word. “Me.”

Kimberly touches my arm. “Tori, I know you hoped that your trip here would help you get back together with Case, but have you considered what you’re going to do if it doesn’t end the way you want?”

My breath catches and I breathe through the panic that thought brings. “No. Not really. I mean, I knew it was a long shot before I came. Sometimes I feel like I’m getting through to him, and then other times I feel like we’re right back where we started.”

Again, Sadie looks toward the kitchen. This time she grins and stands. “I’ll be right back. I’ve got to go to the bathroom.”

We’re almost finished with our meals when Sadie returns. Her hair is messy and her clothes aren’t as neat as when she left. One look at her face and I know what she’s been doing. The rosy beard burn is rather obvious. I just don’t knowwhoshe’s been doing.”

“Sadie!” Shyanne whisper-shouts. “Did you just fuck someone in the bathroom?”

Sadie grins and tosses back the rest of her wine. “No, not in the bathroom. And, no, I won’t answer any more questions, but I will say that Carlos’ peppers aren’t the only thing hot.”

Kimberly’s eyes grow as large as the orange plates we ate our lunch from. “Sadie, you had sex with Carlos in the kitchen?”

Jen gasps in horror. “Oh, my God! Around the food?”

Sadie doesn’t look the least bit remorseful. She looks well-pleasured. At least I think I remember the look. She takes a seat and explains. “Calm down, ladies. We were in the office and the only thing cooking was us.”

Kimberly tosses her napkin at Sadie’s head. “You are so bad.”

I can’t imagine having casual sex like that. Case was my first and he’s the only partner I’ve had. I’m not sure Ryan counts. I often wonder if I thought Ryan was Case. Did I call out Case’s name? I wouldn’t have known I had sex with him if we hadn’t woken up naked and in each other’s arms. Ryan and I were both stunned. We’d looked for a condom and couldn’t find one. Then, when I was late, I knew. I just knew that’s when it happened. The only time I ever failed to use protection.

Jen drives when we leave. They drop me off with a promise to get together again before I leave if I can. I use the key Case gave me and let myself in. I’m at a loss for how to keep myself occupied. The house is clean and neat so there’s nothing to do. I’m not going to attempt to start dinner. Case said he’d bring something home.

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