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The kitchen holds mine and the other moms making all the side dishes gossiping about people around town. My mom gives me a smile while Mrs. Basso gives me a little squeeze on my hand as I make my way through to the back porch.
Guys are spread across the backyard playing corn hole, drinking while Mitch and Mr. Basso man the grill. Trent is over by Bryan and Ian taping the keg. Macke
I turn around to go back into the house, hoping I missed him somewhere when he walks out to the porch. I am surprised to find he isn’t alone. Caroline’s arm is enlaced in his arm and they are laughing about something. When he finally notices I am standing there he looks me up and down. “Oh, hey Madgirl.” Continuing to walk by me listening to something Caroline is saying. My eyes automatically follow them as I am frozen in place. He sits down at a table and she takes the seat next to him scooting her chair as close as it can get. He looks back up to me in the same spot he left me making sure I noticed and then turns towards Caroline again putting his arm around her chair.
That ass is trying to make me jealous and damn it, it’s working. I want to walk over there and tear Caroline from that chair. She is in my spot that is my man’s arm draped across her chair. Those are my smiles and laughs coming from him. Oh shit, I am in so much trouble.
Caroline’s cackle could be heard across the yard so I quickly went inside to the kitchen. I can’t take it anymore. Seeing Gabe with someone else is tearing me apart.
The older women are mingled around the table laughing and smiling at each other. It is nice to see my mom has friends and enjoying her time. Mrs. Basso was right, she has changed and it is time I gave her a chance.
“How are you sweetheart?” My mom comes up to me putting her arm around my waist.
“Ok mom” I lean into her letting her comfort me.
“You sure? You don’t look ok.” She remarks. There are those motherly instincts she denied for all those years. She’s good at it.
“Really I’m fine. Go enjoy yourself.” I nudge her towards her friends again.
She follows my instructions and I hope all this alcohol around the house isn’t tempting her but as I look at the table the women are surrounding it filled with ice teas and lemonades. No alcohol. My heart swells a little thinking how great friends can be.
After that I realize I need Macke
“Hey girl. Take a load off.” Ke
“Thanks, how are you feeling?” Trying to talk about anything but my problems.
“Oh we are not wasting time talking about how big my stomach is or how Bryan is about to throw me off a ledge from my hormone induced meltdowns. You tell me what that is all about?” She looks over at Gabe and Caroline.
At this point she might as well be sitting in his lap. “I guess he decided he liked her” I say trying like hell to sound indifferent.
“Maddy, you know what I mean.” She leans forward so the other girls don’t hear her. “Why are you letting that happen?”
“He’s not mine Ke
“Obviously he isn’t doing what he wants.” She nods her head to him again.
“Did that baby suck your vision out of you? He is clearly enjoying Caroline’s company.” I wave my hand in front of her face.
“Are you sure there isn’t something wrong with your vision. He hasn’t stopped staring at you since you walked out here.” She leans back drinking her lemonade shaking her head at me.
“Hey gorgeous.” Bryan comes up kissing Ke
“Hey Bryan.” I say.
Before I notice what is happening Trent takes the seat next to me while Ian, Bryan and Macke
My body goes rigid, this is what Jack doesn’t want. I need to get myself out of this situation. I see Trent starting to grab my hand so I shoot up from my seat surprising him. “I told Lindsey I would help her with something.” I dash towards the door. Trent looks confused while Gabe is laughing to himself. Ru
All the older men and Jack’s generation started a euchre tournament. If I join, it will keep me away from the drama for the night making Jack happy. The boys don’t seem to mind me joining in but I am partnered with Mitch which doesn’t make me happy. I don’t know him very well and since euchre is about reading your partner I am afraid we are in trouble before we start. Jack smiles at me knowing exactly why I wanted to play and I see the thankfulness in his eyes knowing there wouldn’t be any drama tonight.
Three hours later it is down to me and Mitch versus Doug and Mr. Basso. Surprisingly Mitch and I make a good pair and from the way he plays euchre I trust him with my mother. My dad always said you could tell a lot about someone’s character from the way they play cards. Mitch is honest and considerate with a little trash talking, telling me he is a good guy with a great sense of humor.
The last two rounds, the older women come down watching their loved ones play cards. My mom’s eyes light up when she sees Mitch was partnered with me. For the first time in a long time her happiness makes me happy. Trent, Bryan and Ke
It ends up Mr. Basso and Doug win the tournament but Mitch gives me a huge hug complimenting my playing after the game is over. He doesn’t seem upset we didn’t win, even laughing when Doug puts up an L on his forehead with his finger at him calling him a loser. A man that can handle defeat with grace is another good sign.
The party is dwindling down after the tournament and Ian is anxious to get going. I go up to my room to change into dance club appropriate clothes when Ian follows me up.
“Please don’t kill me.” He puts is hands together like he is praying.
“What did you do Ian?” I ask already a
“I was talking about how you and I were going and some people have decided to join us.” He winces biting his lip acting i
“What people Ian?” I grab my short pink skirt.
“Just a couple people outside,” he tries to wave it off.
“Ian, more specific?” Grabbing my white sheer shirt and camisole for underneath.
“A couple of Jack’s friends, a couple of bridesmaids and maybe Trent.”
“In other words Gabe, Caroline and Trent?” I clarify his vague response.
“Maybe.” His high-pitched voice confirms I am right.
“Ian…I have diverted from them all night. I can’t see Gabe and Caroline dancing with her hands all over him and Trent…I’m not ready to deal with that. Well, at least Ke
“Um…Bryan and Macke
“You owe me so big. You better find some gay guy to take Trent off my hands.” I joke.
“I would be happy to oblige.” He laughs.
On top of everything Gabe is going to drive us since he has the most room. I am surprised Trent seems ok with this since Mrs. Basso said they weren’t on talking terms. He must be assuming this is his time since Caroline is happy to take my spot. The uncomfortableness continues when Gabe opens up Caroline’s door and Trent opens up the back one for me. I have to sit bitch between Trent and Ian making my line of vision into Gabe’s rearview mirror which is terrifying and comforting all at the same time.