Page 23 of Cabin Mate

I smile. “Of course. I’m the one who invited you.”

Taking in Molly from head to toe, I gulp slowly. She’s wearing a black sweater dress, leather Chanel belt and matching knee-high leather boots. I nearly drool at the sight of her. How she can manage to be completely covered—in an extremely classy outfit—and still make me want to blush, is an equation I’ll never be able to solve. It’s as confusing to me as the three different theres.

I’m looking forward to spending the evening with Molly. How could I not be? But I’m also anxious. If anyone can see right through me, it would be my sister, Sophie. Honestly, even her husband, Drew, is weirdly in sync with his emotions. He might be able to read my feelings for my best friend as well.

“Okay.” She takes a deep breath and smooths her hands down the front of her dress. “Do I look all right? Your mom makes me nervous.”

Trying to keep my facial expression even and friendly, I say, “You look great. Let’s go.”

She chuckles then ducks inside quickly to grab her coat and a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. “I’m excited, actually. Your family is so fun. Even though Diane is a little terrifying.” She hands me the wine and tugs the coat on as we walk toward my truck. “What do I call her? Ma’am? Mrs. Windell? Diane? Her Royal Highness, Duchess of Wichita?”

“She’d probably prefer that last one.”

Molly follows closely behind me as we walk into my parent’s dining room. It’s warm with a fire blazing in the fireplace. I feel myself starting to sweat already and remove my nice sweater, leaving me in just my white t-shirt. The fireplace doesn’t usually make me uncomfortably warm. Dad must’ve added more logs than usual. It definitely has nothing to do with my nervousness at having Molly here with me.

The large, oval table is set with the finest china, the white tablecloth is ironed, and tall candles are lit at the center of the table. It’s inviting like it always is, but much fancier than usual.

Molly says my mom makes her nervous… but I’m pretty sure the feeling is mutual. Diane Windell isn’t accustomed to being around people who are wealthier than her.

Drew, Sophie, and their girls, Samantha and Penny, are seated at the table. The table is covered in an array of serving platters. My mouth waters as I observe the spread. Sauteed green beans, beef stroganoff, homemade rolls, and a vanilla cake covered with pretty frosting flowers.

Penny spots us first and leaps up from her seat. “Uncle Brooksy!” She flies toward me with the biggest jump she can manage. I leap forward quickly and catch her, then hang her upside down from her feet and tickle her.

She laughs and wriggles, trying to get away. Sammy girl doesn’t want to be left out, and she runs toward us, giggling loudly.

“Uncle Bwooksy!” She screeches in her adorable little lisp. I notice the girls are wearing matching pink dresses that have a cutesy reindeer pattern.

A-freaking-dorable.

I throw Penny over my shoulder and use my free arm to hoist Sammy up too. Pretending I lost them, I spin in a circle as if looking for something. Then I rush over to Molly.

“Molly! I can’t find my nieces!”

She plays along and gasps in horror. “Oh no! Do you think they’re under the table?”

I squat down, making the girls giggle and scream at the sudden movement. “Nope. Not there.”

Molly places her hands on her hips, and I notice how great her body looks in that figure-hugging sweater dress. I shake the thought.

“Maybe behind the chairs?” Molly asks, still pretending she can’t see them. The girls laugh, and I can hear Drew and Sophie snicker as well.

I bound over to the armchairs in front of the fireplace, making sure to jiggle the girls as much as possible with my movements. “Not here either,” I say in a worried voice. “Drew. I’m so sorry for losing the girls.”

Drew sighs heavily. “Our house will be lonely without them. But I forgive you.”

The girls’ laughter gets louder still. “Daddy! We’re up here!” Sammy says through bouts of giggles.

“Oh my gosh! I completely forgot I put you guys up there!” I set them on the ground and squat down to pull them into a hug. “Girls, this is my friend Molly.”

I gesture behind me where Molly is standing. Drew and Sophie stand and come over toward us.

“Molly! I haven’t seen you in ages!” Sophie pulls her into a big hug.

“I know! Brooks is ashamed of me, I think. Wants to keep you all to himself,” Molly says with a chuckle.

Drew gives her a side hug. “Nice to see you again. We met a few months ago, before you moved.”

“Oh, right! You have the garage gym.”