Chapter 21
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Shelby
What the fuck just happened?
I glance over at Sam, who is curled up in the passenger seat, sobbing uncontrollably.
Absolute carnage. We weren’t in the diner for more than two minutes before it took a turn for the worse.
Sam had been upset the minute she saw Kaleb. Facing this thing between them head-on didn’t work. In fact, I think we made it worse.
Wherever their relationship is going, my best friend isn’t ready for it.
Guilt punches me in the chest.
“I’m so sorry, Sammy.” I reach out, squeezing her knee.
Sam wipes at her face roughly with the heel of her hands.
“I hate him,” she chokes out.
No, you don’t, I silently amend. I’m not stupid enough to say it out loud. Besides, a calm and reasonable response isn’t what she needs right now.
Flipping on the turn signal, I pull into the small convenience store parking lot.
Placing her car in Park, I turn to ask, “White or red?”
“Why is he such a dick?” She sniffles. “Red.”
I smother the smile trying to creep onto my face. “Because he’s a man.”
“Exactly,” she agrees, pointing a finger at me. “A big . . . dicky man,” she huffs out.
The car falls silent as we register her words until my chuckle and her sad laugh mix.
Sobering, Sam whispers, “Men suck.”
My fingers find the necklace under my top. “That they do,” I agree quietly.
Sam sniffles, wiping at her nose. “Why does he have to be so bossy and all hmmm and grrr.” Squaring her shoulders, she impersonates her brother. Although given everything, I’m guessing they won’t use that title anymore. Besides, it’s not like they’re actually related.
Is this love thing complicated for everyone?
“It was kind of hot,” I admit.
Sam slinks further into the seat. “It was. God, I hate him.” Slowly, she calms in the silence. “Wine and chips?”
Meeting her sad blue eyes, I nod. “Anything you want.”
I move around the store quickly, grabbing the essentials—wine, chocolate, ice cream, and more wine.
Too distracted with Sam and getting us home safe, I forgot to text Doc. He must have heard the car because both he and Riley are out front when I pull into my drive.
How long has he been waiting for me to come home?
Waving, I try to hide my cringe.
Peeking at Sam, I let out a relieved sigh, too busy gathering the paper bags at her feet she misses the way Leonard’s face darkens. Kind of like Kaleb’s when Sam refused to talk to him in the diner.
My best friend was right. It is hot.
Talk about two peas in a pod. Sam and I are made to be friends because clearly, we both have issues.
“Hi, muffin,” I greet, climbing out.
One look at Sam’s face and Leo’s forehead loses its frown lines.
“Didn’t go as planned?” he asks quietly as he approaches.
“That’s one way to put it,” I mumble back.
“Sammy, take my keys, and I’ll be right behind you. I just need a second.”
Placing one of the bags on the drive, Sam catches the keys before giving a halfhearted wave to my neighbor.
“Hi.”
“Hi.” Riley waves back, completely oblivious.
Smiling, I stroke Riley’s hair and crouch before her.
“Girls’ night?” her dad asks.
“Sorry,” I apologize with a nod.
“I’m a girl,” Riley states, her look hopeful.
“You are”—I chuckle—“but this girls’ night won’t be fun for you. We’ll do one another time. Just you and me?” I offer.
“And Daddy?”
“Sure, baby.” I grin. “Daddy can come too.”
“Why don’t we have a movie night, and you can pick?” Doc offers, and it’s all Riley needs to be back to her happy, sweet self.
“Bye, Shelby,” she calls over her shoulder as she runs into the house.
Shuffling closer, Leo tucks his hands into the pockets of his dress pants. “How is Kaleb?”
“I’d say his usual funny self, but he looked pretty devastated when Sam blew up at him. I feel so bad about blindsiding her like that. I thought they’d talk it out. They did not.” I cringe.
“They need to work it out between themselves. He never should have involved you.”
“I just wanted to help fix it.” I shrug.
“Will you be seeing him again soon?”
I roll my eyes. Dr. Moore is not as subtle as he thinks he is. “He’s like my brother,” I remind him.
“One of these days,” Leo starts, bending to collect the grocery bag. Straightening, he snags hold of my chin. “You’re going to learn not to roll your eyes, and you won’t like the lesson.”
My blood heats. Who knew a threat could sound so good? Is it even a threat if I want it?
My body answers for me when my breathing deepens and my eyes grow wide. I guess not.
“Don’t drink too much,” he tuts, jostling the bag in his arm.
I give a cheeky grin at the two wine bottles.
“I’m not drinking,” I reassure him. “I’m on best friend duty. We’re going to trash-talk men, talk about how awful you guys are. You know, the usual.” I smirk.
“Eat proper food and not just snacks,” he lectures.
“You’re such a dad,” I tease.
“Lock your door,” Leo orders, handing the bag over.
“I always do.”
Yet he always gets in. Guilt chokes me quickly. I shouldn’t think about him when I’m with Leo. He deserves better.
“And Shelby,” he adds, as I’m closing the front door, “you’re staying over tomorrow.”
Yep, Sam was definitely right.
Bossy should not be that hot.