Page 53 of Off Limits

“He said we can buy some? I don’t know. Am I supposed to wear something specific underneath?”

“Long underwear?” We both burst out laughing. It helps distract me from the uncertainty sitting downstairs.

“I’ve never been nervous to go somewhere with a guy before.” She almost whispers it, and I pick up a slight tremor in her words.

“Have you ever gone away with a guy? I mean, I see you basically every day.”

“Not really. Day trips, sure. Not overnight. I’m not really nervous about being alone or anything. We’re obviously having sex, it’s not that. I don’t know…what if he snores?”

“Chels, you’ve spent the night with him. Many times.” I’m thankful for those nights because it also gave me the opportunity to spend the night with Lochlyn.

“I know.”

“So you’d know if he snored.”

“I guess. Ack! Why am I nervous?” Sometimes it’s nice to have a reminder that Chelsea is, in fact, like the rest of us.

“Maybe it’s more about the trip itself than who it’s with?”

“Yeah, maybe.”

“Leggings, bring leggings.”

“Good thought.”

After tearing out a few more articles of clothing, Chelsea’s bag is packed, complete with a hat and scarf that she had in the back of her closet. She’s not great at dressing weather-appropriately.

We make our way downstairs, Chelsea dropping her bag at the front door, and go into the kitchen to find Lochlyn working on something for dinner.

Chelsea scowls. “You’re making dinner?”

“Just because you’re leaving doesn’t mean I don’t have to eat, and I was going to ask Shay if she’d like to stay. I’m sure her mom is still at work.” He doesn't even lift his gaze from the meal he’s preparing to talk to us.

Chelsea huffs, about to argue with him, but is distracted when the doorbell rings and goes running to answer the door.

Lochlyn and I stand in awkward silence while we wait for Chelsea to return. In all the years I’ve known him, it’s the most uncomfortable I’ve ever been in his presence.

Chelsea comes bounding back into the kitchen, Brendan trying to keep up as she pulls his hand. “Okay, we’re off.”

“Where are you going?” There’s the sternness I’ve come to know from Lochlyn when Chelsea’s going somewhere with a boy.

“Killington,” Brendan answers. If he’s nervous, he doesn't show it.

“You ski?”

“I’m more of a snowboarder, but yeah.”

“You know she doesn’t?” Lochlyn points the knife in his hands at Chelsea.

“I do. I’m planning to take her to bunny slope and try to teach her. At least a little bit.”

Chelsea and I stay silent as they talk, my eyes ping-ponging back and forth.

“Keep an eye on her. If she comes back broken, I’ll return the favor.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t let her out of my sight.”

While this conversation is tense, it’s theoverly enforced, ready to pound him into the wallattitude that Lochlyn usually has with Brendan. Either he’s given up caring, or he’s just that drained.

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