“Reed’s the same way about her too.” Brooke smiles.
“Tiff, you want some—” There’s no need me to finish my sentence, she’s already in the kitchen grabbing a bottle of water.
“So, Brooke, tell me about yourself.” Tiffany sits next to me.
“Tiff, we’ve already covered all that,” I inform her.
“Fine. What do you do for a living?”
“I’m a nurse,” Brooke tells us.
“Ew. No blood for me.” Tiffany shakes her head. “Lexie and I are event planners.”
“Oh, that sounds interesting.”
“It’s not as fun as it sounds.” I lean in closer to her. “It’s mainly bitchy people and cry-babies.”
“Speaking of bitchy people,” Tiffany smiles, “did anyone call you tonight?”
“I don’t want to talk about this right now,” I growl at her.
“Come on. A hot guy is trying to take you out, and you’re acting like you’re going in for a root canal.”
“I want to know more about this hot guy,” Brooke joins in.
“It’s not just any guy. It’s Ashton Campbell,” Tiffany coos.
“Tiffany. Stop,” I hiss at her.
“Wait. Do you mean the Ashton Campbell, the hockey player?”
If I didn’t know better, I think she becomes pale.
“Yes,” Tiffany confirms. “He sent her flowers and offered her a spa day. The whole nine yards. But, she’s stubborn as a mule.”
“Why don’t you want to date him?” Brooke asks. “Seems like a nice guy.”
“No, he’s more like a wart I can’t freeze off,” I explain. “I’m sure that he’s trying to get another notch in his belt or whatever. Besides, he’s too young for me, and I can’t fit his ego into the car.”
“Too young?” Brooke looks confused.
“Miss Old Maid over here thinks thirty is old,” Tiffany clarifies for her.
“Ashton’s only twenty-seven,” Brooke says.
“Are you a Bears fan too?” Tiffany claps.
“Um.” This time Brooke does become flushed. “Yes, you can say that.”
“Yes, more hockey fans! Miss Crabby is a Gamblers fan.” Tiffany thumbs over at me.
“That’s Uncle Jax’s team,” Reed says as he comes into the room with Sadie.
“Uncle Jax?” I’m puzzled.
“You know, I just remembered that I have to be somewhere.” Brooke jumps up. “Thanks for a lovely time.” She grabs Reed’s hand and almost drags him out the door. I barely had a chance to say goodbye.
“Mommy, why did they leave?” Sadie’s voice cracks.