Page 29 of Beyond Friendship

“But, Daddy, you said—”

“Smarty,” he says, using the nickname for her lovingly, “don’t worry. Brian will get your picture.”

I squint my eyes, focusing on the whispers that follow, but I can’t decipher what they say. I place the phone on speaker so I can walk to my closet and pick out a set.

“Amanda, are you still there?” my brother asks moments later.

“Yeah, I’m here. Now, why did Charlotte think I was going to see Brian?” I stroll back, laying the outfit I selected on the bed.

“Hmm, yes, well—”

“Oh, what’s wrong?” I ask, pulling up my panties.

“Vera called me last night.”

“Why did she call? Is something wrong with Brian?”

“No, he’s okay. She called and asked if I could pick him up from the hospital and drive him home this morning. I said yes.”

“Okay, but what does that have to do with you calling me?”

“Well, Liam woke up in the night with a slight fever, and Emma has a business meeting with Clair’s diner this morning, so I have the kids today.”

“Oh, I understand. I’ll come over and watch Liam while you go pick him up.”

Nick clears his throat. “I don’t think it’s wise. What if Liam has the flu, and I infect my best friend, who is recovering? Can you take him home?”

It’s been three days since I last saw him. To give him space, I’ve texted Nick every day since he visits his best friend daily to find out how he’s doing. So I know that I’ll be dealing with an irritable crab. And I’m not looking forward to that, but at the same time, I can’t wait to see him.

I rub my forehead as my brother says, “Brian may act like he doesn’t need us, but he does. His doctor said he can’t drive for two weeks and his mom asked us to look after him so that he won’t push himself too hard.”

I pluck invisible dust particles off my dark blue skirt, rolling my eyes to Nick’s incessant pleas when the sudden loud sobbing noises from my nephew pierce my heart.

“Daddy,” he cries.

“Amanda, I—”

“What time?” I ask.

“I told him I’d be there around ten a.m.”

I jump off the bed, running my hands through my hair, and calculate how long it’ll take me to get ready.

“So, you’ll do it?”

After letting out an exasperated sigh, I answer, “Yes, of course. I’ll call Alisha and ask her to open the store without me. Give Liam and Charlotte a big hug from their aunt.”

“I will, and thank you, Amanda. You’re the best sister in the world. Just ignore Brian if he’s cranky. It’s just his defense mechanism kicking in. He’s still dealing with the fact that we know now.”

With a huff, I end the call and call Alisha.

I smile as she answers with, “Hey, girl.”

“Hey, question. Can you open the store for me? Nick just called to ask if I could bring Brian home.”

“Sure, no problem,” she says with ease.

“Thanks, you’re the best, Mrs. Walker.”

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