One to Leave (One to Hold 5)

“I think it has something to do with him.” Her nose wrinkled, but I charged on. “Because it started after I met him, and every time I wake up after having one, he’s the first thing I think about.”

“He’s definitely something to think about.” She shook her head and stood, pacing to the other side of the room. “Not that I expected anything less of Patrick’s brother.”

I chewed my lip watching her as quiet again filled the room—all except for the ticking of that damn clock. If this were my bedroom, that thing would have to go.

Finally she spoke. “What did you think was going happen when you came here?”

“I don’t know.” I stood and started pacing, too. “Now he’s going to run as far and as fast away from me as possible. He’s going to think I’m a total head case, which clearly I am—”

She shook her head. “None of that’s going to happen. You’re my new best friend. We met through Kenny, and I didn’t want you to be alone at Thanksgiving... so I brought you with me.”

“What?!” My eyes were instantly hot. “You’d say that for me? Why?”

“Because I love that you’re a crazy romantic!” She hopped over and caught my hands. “What if you’re right, and you are dreaming about him?”

“I can’t even look at him. I feel like a total fool.”

“Stuart’s just come off a really tough time. Patrick said he can’t go back overseas, which is a huge deal for him... Maybe you’re onto something coming here.” She pulled me toward the door, but when she got there she turned back and squared her shoulders, looking me right in the eye. “Before we go one step further, you have to answer two questions.”

I nodded. “Okay...”

“Are you going to be fun?”

“I-I’ll try.”

She pressed her lips together and nodded. “Good enough. Are you going to turn into a psycho?”

That made me snort-laugh. “Despite all appearances up to now? I never have before.”

“Then as long as I get to spend most of my time having sex with Patrick, we’re going to get along great.” She threw her arm around my neck. We were the same height. “How old are you, Mariska?”

It was an odd question, but I answered it. “Twenty-six.”

“Sounds to me like the perfect time to do something completely impulsive and utterly romantic.” She kissed the side of my head. “Kenny said you’re her best friend, and she’s usually right about people.”

I remembered how much my friend had worried about Elaine hating her. “She wasn’t sure what to think about you...”

Elaine threw an arm out. “See what I mean?” I liked her even more. “If we’re besties, you’d better call me Lainey.”

“And you’d better call me Mare.”

“On a horse ranch?!”

I shrugged. “That’s what Kenny calls me.”

Her arm tightened around my shoulders. “Come on then, Mare. Let’s be reckless and have some fun!”

* * *

Dinner was awful.

No, that’s wrong. Winona prepared an amazing dinner for us. It started with French onion soup that was incredible, followed by juicy beef tenderloin with mashed potatoes and a rich, dark gravy. It all smelled divine, and I couldn’t eat a bite.

Bill sat at the head of the table with Patrick on his right and Stuart on his left. Naturally, Elaine was beside Patrick, and I tried to be very small on the other side of her.

Uncle Bill put his elbows on the table and clasped his hands just before we all picked up our forks. “We thank thee for this bounty.” Four additional heads ducked. My eyes sneaked to Stuart’s, which were open but looking in his lap. “We thank thee for time with family and friends. We thank thee for the strength you give us in times of need...”

Movement to my left caught my attention, and I glanced just in time to see Elaine’s hand cross Patrick’s thigh and take a fast turn into his crotch. He jumped back with a loud cough just as his uncle said “Amen.”