Home > The Offer(10)

The Offer(10)
Author: Karina Halle

And luckily before he has any chance to ask me about my non-existent job, we pull up in front of Steph and Linden’s building. Just as I’m lifting Ava out of the car, the doors open and Steph comes out, wobbling a bit in her strappy heels and carrying two glasses of wine.

Married life looks good on her. She’s gained some weight, but it’s all gone to her boobs, so that’s not really fair. Her hair is dyed mermaid blue (or baby blue, to be more specific) and she always looks happy and flushed like she’s just had some good sex. It’s a wonder I don’t hate her.

“Nic!” she yelps and comes speed-walking over as fast as she can without spilling the wine. She hands me a glass of red and says, “Here, drink this. We’ve got you.” She looks me deep in the eyes and I feel momentarily calmed.

And that’s why I could never hate her. She’s pretty much the best friend a girl could have.

She glances over at Bram and gives him a quick smile before beaming down at Ava.

“Ava, you look like a princess!”

“I am a princess,” she says. “You’re just a mermaid.”

Steph lifts her head in mock supremacy. “No one is just a mermaid.”

Ava seems to consider that for a moment then eyes the glass of wine in my hand. “Can I have some? I’m thirsty.”

“You’re always thirsty,” I tell her. “This is mommy’s adult drink. I’ll get you some juice when we’re inside, okay?”

She nods and licks her lips. She’s always been a thirsty child, but seems so even more lately. That and she gets just about as hungry as I do when I haven’t eaten. I don’t know where she puts all the food either. She definitely didn’t inherit her mom’s curvy calves and thighs. She’s all chicken legs and twig arms, something my doctor said is totally normal for a girl her age.

I turn, about to thank Bram for the ride. After all, he didn’t have to come get me, but he’s back in his car and driving away, the sleek façade of the Mercedes disappearing down the hill.

“Where’s he going?” I ask Steph. “My booster seat is still in the back.”

She takes a lengthy sip of wine. “To pick up his girlfriend of the week from her job. He’ll be back.”

“Right,” I say slowly. “Let me guess, supermodel?”

She shrugs. “Dunno. Probably. Haven’t met her yet. What’s the point when they never last very long?”

“I thought you were sending me an Uber.”

“He volunteered, actually,” she says, turning back toward the building. “He’s tonight’s designated driver.”

I can’t help but snort. “Why would he do that?”

“He’s changed a lot since he’s moved here. He’s a lot closer with Linden and since it’s his birthday, I guess he’s just trying to be a good brother and make up for lost time.” She shoots me a wry look over her shoulder. “Why all the questions?”

Was I asking questions? “No reason.”

“You don’t like Bram much, do you?” she notes as she swipes her key card and the door buzzes open.

“I like Bam,” Ava says, mispronouncing his name. I don’t bother to correct her.

“No you don’t,” I say. “You just like shiny things, like his car.”

“I like Bam,” she says again, this time more forceful.

I look at Steph who is watching me with interest. “What?”

“I don’t know. It’s just after the wedding, every time his name comes up, I can literally see you shudder. Did something happen?”

I shake my head, trying to keep a straight face.

“Because,” she goes on in a conspirator tone and peers at me closer, “Kayla says she saw you and Bram come out from behind the bushes. You were holding onto his arm.”

“Is Kayla here?” Because I’m going to kill her.

“She’ll be at the bar later,” she says. “So, was that true?”

“That was like, six months ago. I don’t remember. We may have talked but that’s it, I swear.” And way to wait that long to bring it up with me, Steph, I add in my head.

She raises her eyebrows. Most people aren’t usually very good at reading me. I guess I don’t give them enough to go on. But Steph has always been succinct at getting through my layers and it takes a lot not to look away.

“Just talked,” she muses and jabs the button for the elevator. “All right then. Well, I’m glad you just talked because you know he’s bad news.”

“You were just going on about how much he’s changed!”

“Yeah, and he has. But I still wouldn’t let any of my friends date him. Well, Kayla maybe, but not you.”

“Well you don’t have to worry about that. He’s definitely not my favorite person. And you know how I feel about guys like him.”

“I do know,” she says. “But I have to watch out for you, that’s all. Remember when you had a crush on your gynecologist? You would have said something to him if I hadn’t made you promise.”

My cheeks grow warm at the memory. “He was such a nice guy. And so mature.”

“He was mature about your vagina and that’s because he had to be.”

Moments later, we step into her apartment and I’m glad for the change of subject. Music thumps from the speakers and we find Linden, his best friend James and his girlfriend Penny in the kitchen drinking beer and laughing.

   
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