I make sure we’re closer so that I can sit next to Andy in the back. I slide to the middle, and he follows in behind. Reed smartly took the seat next to me. If I had to sit next to Katie for the car ride, who knows how things would turn out.
I give them a taste of their own PDA medicine and cozy up next to Andy. The car is quiet, making it even more uncomfortable. “You guys want music?” the driver asks.
“Yes,” we pretty much all say in unison.
Luckily the ride back isn’t long. It doesn’t get much better when we get in the house though. I head to the kitchen and grab the wine out of the fridge. “Do you prefer beer?”
He nods. “Sure.”
I hand him a bottle while I pour myself a glass of wine. “Anyone hungry?” I ask to try to be friendly.
Katie excuses herself to the bathroom to freshen up, but I’m pretty sure she is just avoiding the food. I don’t think I’ve seen her eat anything the whole night. The moment she’s gone, I voice my opinion on the matter. “Better watch her close. She might pass out from lack of food.”
Reed takes a swig of his own beer. “You’re acting like a brat.”
Andy steps forward in between us about to defend me. I put my hand up to stop him. “It’s okay. Reed doesn’t mean anything by it, isn’t that right?”
He leans forward on the counter. “I meant you’re acting like a brat.”
Andy whispers to me. “Do you want me to stay?”
“How about we go to my room?” I ask him.
I take a step that way, but Reed blocks our path. Andy actually gets annoyed this time. “Is there a problem here?” he asks him.
Reed of course doesn’t back down. “There’s no reason for you to be in her room tonight.”
Katie walks back out of the bathroom then, and she must be able to feel the tension in the room. I speak up softly. “Reed, why don’t you take Katie back to your room? I’m a big girl. I can make my own decisions.”
He looks at me angrily. “Yeah, well, you’ve done a pisspoor job of that.”
Andy gets between us again. “Hey man, back off.”
Katie takes a few steps back. “It’s late. I’m going to go.” Reed barely acknowledges her. “I’ll text you,” she says as she walks out of the house all while the guys are having a stand down.
Andy speaks up again. “What am I missing here? Did you used to date or something?’
Reed spits out at him, “I’m her brother-in-law.”
Andy opens his eyes wide, and then he whips around back to me as he must realize that Katie is not my sister, meaning Reed must be my husband’s brother. “Excuse me?” he asks, sounding angry.
Reed laughs with no humour. “Oh, did she not tell you?”
“Reed! That’s enough!” I shout.
“Really?” Reed shouts right back. “Because I was thinking it was kind of enough when you were going to take some guy you barely know back to Jake’s bed.”
Andy looks back at me. “Who’s Jake?”
“Her husband,” Reed chimes in behind him.
“You're married?” Andy asks, already moving toward the door.
My body deflates as I try to think of a way to salvage this. I already know there is none, but I at least want him to know the truth. Then I won’t feel like such an ass. “Can we talk alone for a minute?” I ask.
I walk toward the door and let him walk out first. I turn back to Reed and give him a death glare. “Give me a minute,” I say angrily.
I walk out onto the porch, and Andy turns my way. I take a deep breath, and then I try to explain. “I was married to Reed’s brother.” I pause. “He passed away a few months back.”
Andy’s face morphs from anger to concern, and I hate that look of pity. That’s the last thing I want from him. I sigh. “I’m sorry I dragged you into all of this. Things were complicated between Jake and I, but this was obviously too soon.”
He blows out a breath as well. “Wow. Okay. This wasn’t exactly what I was expecting.”
I give him a half smile. “Please don’t try to be a good guy here. You don’t need this drama in your life. Walk away now. I won’t be offended.”
He gives a half smile back. “I’m trying to figure out what the non-dick move is here.”
I give a small laugh. “Say we can be friends.”
He laughs too. “If we’re both single at a different time in your life, then I’d love to give this another shot, but I’d love to be your friend for now.”
I smile. “I’m going to give you a hug, and then you’re going to leave.”
He squeezes me tight as I wrap my arms around him. “Deal.”