I nearly melted all over the floor as I stepped inside, shutting the door. I felt like a human puddle. Whiskey had followed me the whole way home, not giving up even when I refused to speak another word to him .

He’d eventually fallen back and let me walk ahead of him, keeping pace about five feet behind .

I leaned against the door, resisting the urge to look out the peephole .

I looked .

He was still outside, staring mournfully at the house. Acting love struck and heartbroken. Like I hadn’t caught him cheating! It wasn’t even just lipstick on the collar. He hadn’t just been with one woman !

He’d been with two !

I felt the familiar righteous anger rise up and take away the pain. Or maybe it just covered up the pain. Either way, he was a bastard through and through !

But why did he have to be such an appealing one ?

I harumphed and hung up my jacket, ready get out of my uniform and shower the day away. But first I wanted to check on my lil’ angel .

“We’re in the kitchen !”

“We ?”

“We have a guest, Rebecca .”

“Uh… be right in !”

I tiptoed down the hall and peeked into the kitchen, feeling a bit nervous about seeing anyone after the roller coaster ride of what had just happened .

Seeing Whiskey had turned my thoughts inside out. I wasn’t sure of anything anymore, let alone how I felt about him. I’d had to force myself to be mean, when I really wanted to kiss his stupid face .

I wasn’t sure I was ready for another trip down memory lane, let alone facing one of Mae’s cronies .

Seeing Whiskey had hurt, not surprisingly. But the other older feelings and memories of the good times had come back too. Seeing his face, and seeing Eliza in him… well, it kind of made my heart swell up like a balloon .

Ugh .

It took about ten seconds for me to come out of hiding and start squealing like a banshee .

“KAYYYLIEEEEE !”

She was on her feet in a second, turning to pull me into a hug. I squeezed her so hard she let out a squeak .

“Careful !”

I stepped back, holding her shoulders and looking her over .

“ What ? Why ?”

She gave me a secretive smile and I knew .

“Oh my God! Are you ??”

“Shhhh! Don’t say it out loud. Dev doesn’t know yet .”

We smiled at each other in the way only two old friends could. I gestured turning a key in a lock and tossing it away. Mae had wandered out of the room to check on Petunia, so she hadn’t caught on yet .

“I promise your secret is safe with me. But you are going to tell him soon, right ?”

She nodded happily .

“He’s wanted this for so long, Becks. I just hope… well, I hope he still loves me when I’m as big as a house !”

“I’m sure he will. That man adores you. Happy ?”

She smiled and her happiness shone out of her like a beacon in the darkness .

“Oh Becks, I couldn’t be happier !”

“How’s Janet? And Sally ?”

“The girls are great. Everyone is popping out babies! Including you I hear …?”

She left her comment dangling as Mae walked in the room with Petunia. Kaylie’s smile widened, then faltered. She gave me a quick glance and I wondered if she knew .

But how could she tell? She couldn’t. Not really .

I gave Eliza a quick kiss before Mae settled her on Kaylie’s lap .

“She’s just beautiful! I’m so happy for you, honey !”

I exhaled in relief. She hadn’t noticed how much Petunia looked like her father. I could relax .

“So .”

I smiled at her uncertainly .

“So ?”

“Aren’t you going to ask about the club? Or anyone in particular ?”

I shook my head vigorously. I did not want to hear about Whiskey. I was sure he’d been busy with a long line of club skanks. Why wouldn’t he? He was the kind of man that girls would do anything to be with. It wasn’t like he’d been short on options .

“Well, the guys are all good. Except Whiskey, of course. Mike’s been an absolute mess .”

It was weird to hear Whiskey’s real name, but Kaylie was one of the few who still used it. Whiskey suited him better, in my opinion .

I did not want to know. I did not want to know. I did not want to know .

I asked anyway .

“Why is he a mess ?”

“Because of you, silly girl! That man was head over heels when you left without a word. Even I could be mad at you for that, you know .”

She gave me a knowing glance and my stomach dropped .

“But now, I think I know why you did .”