Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 78749 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78749 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
“What? Where?” July looks behind her out the window to the sidewalk.
“It wasn’t him. It just looked like him,” I say, because I know she will get up and go search him out if she thinks he’s out there.
“Bummer.” She turns back toward the table. “I’m trying to convince Wes to take me to Alien Con in Arizona next year, but so far it’s a no-go.” Her nose scrunches up in annoyance. “Do you guys want to go with me? We could make it a girls’ trip.”
“I’m not going to an alien convention,” April refuses immediately.
“I’ll go,” June says, and we all look at her doubtfully, knowing there is no way her husband would let her go to another state without him. “I mean, I’ll come and bring my husband and baby.”
“Maybe if Evan goes, Wes will agree to come with me,” July plots, sounding hopeful.
“If you really want to go, I think you should buy your tickets and tell Wes you’re going with or without him,” Mom says with an evil smile before she continues. “I bet he’ll change his mind about going then.”
“That’s actually genius.” July nudges Mom’s shoulder with her own. “You really are the master Alpha tamer.”
Mom laughs at the newly bestowed title and looks around the table at each of us. “I’ve had a whole lot of years dealing with you girls’ father, so take it from me when I say sometimes you just have to play dirty to get what you want.”
“I’m sure Dad loves it when you play dirty,” April says, and I giggle in spite of the unease building in my chest.
“You’re not wrong.” Mom grins.
“Gross,” May mumbles.
I have to agree; it is gross to think about what our parents do behind closed doors, but they have never been a couple to shy away from PDA. Since I was little, I have found them making out more than once. Thankfully though, it’s always been when they were fully clothed. If I ever did walk in on them doing the dirty, I would have to go in search of someone capable of erasing my memory.
“Anyway, what’s everyone doing today?” June asks, looking at each of us. “I was thinking of hitting up the mall after breakfast, since I have some time to kill while Evan and Tia are in Chattanooga visiting Colton and his wife.”
“I need to go to the drugstore,” I blurt without thinking, and everyone looks at me. Crap. “I need to pick up shampoo and body wash.”
“We can do both,” June suggests, and everyone agrees, making me wish I hadn’t opened my big mouth. There is no way I can get what I actually need from the drugstore with my sisters and mom present.
“We haven’t had a girls’ shopping day in forever. I love that idea. After we finish breakfast, we can walk to the drugstore down the block, then since I drove your dad’s SUV and we can all fit, I’ll drive us to the mall,” Mom says excitedly, and my stomach sinks as I listen to them all talk about what stores they want to go to. I cringe when they start talking about having lunch and seeing a movie after shopping.
While they are distracted, I pull out my cell phone and don’t even look at the few texts I have, since I’m sure they’re all from my sisters and mom asking where I was this morning. I go to my search link and google information about the morning after pill, feeling relief when I read that I have to take it within seventy-two hours after unprotected sex for it to be effective.
“Did he text?”
At April’s question I quickly exit the page I was looking at and glance at her. “Umm.” I click on my messages, and my heart beats harder when I see he did—not once but twice. The first message from him came in late last night when I was already in bed asleep.
Home in bed, thinking about you.
The second message is from early this morning.
What are your plans today? I’m taking the boys to the batting cages this afternoon then coming home to watch the Mets on TV and eat junk food.
“He did,” I whisper in disbelief.
“What did he say?” April asks, keeping her voice surprisingly quiet.
“He asked what I was doing today.”
“Did you message him back?”
“Not yet.” I shake my head, looking back at my cell phone and wondering exactly what I should say.
“Tell him you’re spending the day with your sisters but you’re free tonight if he wants to do something.”
“It’s Sunday.” I sigh, knowing how crazy Sundays are for me and I don’t have kids. I need to get ready to face another week of school.
“So?” April prompts, and I look over to find her frowning.
“He has kids,” I remind her, and understanding fills her features. “He can’t exactly come see me without having someone to look after them, and I don’t know if we are at a place where he’d feel comfortable having me around his boys.”